tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18377395764638550182024-03-13T03:04:50.388-07:00Just Plant Thisbecause nature is cool...Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-82685160792545305472009-07-12T06:53:00.000-07:002009-07-12T07:08:04.515-07:00Giant Zinnias<div>This week for Just Plant This, we'll be talking about giant zinnias in the garden.Giant zinnias are annuals which means their life cycle from seed to bloom to seed is just one year.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have 2 varieties of zinnias in my garden: giant enchantress (pink) and giant lavender gems. They are said to only grow to 2-3 feet high but they can grow up to 3 1/2 feet or so and they spread out about 2-2 1/2 feet wide. So if you're going to add these to your garden - be sure to have a bit of space.The plants end up with about 15 or so blooms each, are really beautiful and have a nice fragrance. Zinnias make for nice cut flowers to bring indoors and they attract bees and hummingbirds. Which I love! Hummingbirds are so fun to watch!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What I find most interesting about the blooms is that when they burst open, they not only have beautiful layered full petals, but right in the center there is a circle of small yellow flowers. Cool right?</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357574137055904594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DIE8yqqJLtk/SlntSsEJg1I/AAAAAAAAAE4/XW_lq_LfZDo/s200/zinnias2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-45067931583839959922009-07-01T05:14:00.000-07:002009-07-02T21:09:07.757-07:00Aloe Vera<div>Most people see aloe vera as a plant that helps heal and take the sting out of burns. That's true ~ but it's so much more than that!</div><br /><br />Externally, Aloe Vera can be used not only for burns, but cuts, eczema, aging skin and acne. The elements in the aloe vera plant stimulate regeneration of the skin and 'cools' redness or burn from the skin. This is due to the natural phytochemicals within the aloe vera plant itself. <br /><br />When using aloe vera, choose the lowest leaves to harvest (cut), as they are the oldest and hold the most medicinal value. Once you have the leaf, just cut the sides off and fillet it like a fish to expose the insides. You can use that to rub directly on the desired area. When the leaf seems to have dried up, use a clean knife to slice across, exposing more aloe vera juice to use. Any unused portion can be wrapped and kept in the fridge for up to a week. <br /><br />Taken internally, the aloe vera juice is said to help digestion. The plant is also being tested for its healing powers for certain cancers and AIDS - although the results are not in yet. But that is pretty exciting research!<br /><br />So, get yourself an aloe vera plant - they are very easy to grow and maintain and are useful to have around.Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-2630931336980996482009-06-26T05:59:00.000-07:002009-06-26T06:03:54.976-07:00Marigold Seeds for SaleHey everyone!<br /><br />I have just listed orange marigold seeds for sale on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ebay</span>. The packet I've put together is 50 seeds but if you mention this post in your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">paypal</span> payment, I'll add another 50 to your pack.<br /><br />They are seeds that I collected from my own garden and I have never used pesticides or any chemicals on my plants. The marigold seeds have produced beautifully for me!<br /><br />Check it out on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ebay</span>:<br /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=260435293799">http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ssPageName</span>=<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">STRK</span>:<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MESELX</span>:IT&item=260435293799</a>Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-948178485772259372009-06-23T05:56:00.001-07:002009-06-23T06:00:54.245-07:00Grape Wreath Bird BathI was reading Family Fun magazine and they had a birdbath project in there that was simple and really turned out nice! Check it out..<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350507042354543650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DIE8yqqJLtk/SkDRzovEvCI/AAAAAAAAAEw/gMvQn4J8f1c/s200/birdbath.jpg" border="0" /><br />You'll need: a grapevine wreath - mine is about 18 inches but you could get a smaller one, a ceramic plant saucer that fits in the hole - mine is about 15 inches, and some twine - I bought some 47lb test jute at the craft store that seems to work nicely.<br /><br />Cut 3 strips of the jute about 5 feet long a piece. Tie them in a knot at the bottom, leaving a little tail. Spread them out evenly and place the wreath in the center. Tie it up where you want it outside - place the saucer in the wreath and fill it with water.<br /><br />Voila a birdbath!Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-6205168599539414152009-06-19T05:07:00.001-07:002009-06-19T05:07:47.141-07:00The Great Sunflower ProjectPart of the reason that we have so many sunflowers in our garden is because we are participating in a project called The Great Sunflower Project.<br /><br />The organization sent us sunflower seeds and we agreed to: plant them, register our garden and record the comings and goings of different types of bees. We're helping them count bees! Cool, right?<br /><br />You can participate too. Go to <a href="http://www.greatsunflower.org/" mce_href="http://www.greatsunflower.org/">http://www.greatsunflower.org/</a> and sign up! You can't get free seeds but you can buy lemon queen sunflower seeds anywhere, so get going and get planting!Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-41643659691147407562009-06-18T05:45:00.000-07:002009-06-18T05:52:02.629-07:00SunflowersMy kids and I are really into growing sunflowers this year. We're trying to grow them across from each other to make a super cool sunflower fort! We've got the mammoth ~ which are now about 5 1/2 feet tall. And we've got the lemon queen which are now about 4 1/2 feet tall.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Mammoth<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348648767000621202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DIE8yqqJLtk/Sjo3txlnMJI/AAAAAAAAAEg/9lkL42hqKQ4/s200/sunflowers2.jpg" border="0" /><br />Lemon Queen<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348648355773401746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DIE8yqqJLtk/Sjo3V1pZypI/AAAAAAAAAEY/2qvVsdWwNKI/s200/sunflowers.jpg" border="0" /><br />I just love growing sunflowers because they're easy, fast and huge ~ and sunflowers attract butterflies, bees and birds! </p><p align="left">When your sunflowers start to wilt ~ just cut off the heads and hang them upside down to dry them out and harvest the seeds for next year to plant! Or eat them..or put them in your bird feeder for the birds. Can't wait 'til they bloom...</p>Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-26530164431250628192009-04-06T20:51:00.000-07:002009-04-06T20:56:20.691-07:00300lb Pumpkins!Alright all ~ I've planted some super cool pumpkins! They are said to reach 300 lbs ~ we'll see... But one of them has a flower bud already...pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">stinkin</span>' neat. I'll post pics as they grow for all to see. Promise!<br /><br />I watched this show recently, where people take these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gargantuan</span> pumpkins that they've grown ~ hollowed them out..cut them in half..made them into BOATS...and then raced each other! It was the funniest thing.<br /><br />Hey, maybe I'll make a boat from one...I DO have a pond right next to the house! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hmmmm</span>...Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-15012124030373599452009-04-02T09:57:00.000-07:002009-04-02T09:58:07.833-07:00CornIf you're planning to grow corn this year for the first time - a couple of tips:<p>-start the stalks outside after danger of frost instead of inside<p>-instead of growing 1 row in a straight line, grow 4 or more shorter rows of corn next to each other..it works better for pollination<p>Can't you just taste that sweet sweet corn?? Mmmm..I can!<br>Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by AlltelKim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-30957816999043529682009-03-16T13:35:00.001-07:002009-03-16T13:35:47.630-07:00TomatosI'm growing some organic beefstake tomatos this year - which I'm super excited about. I've already been growing the babies inside for about 4 weeks and they're about ready to go outside. <br>A few tips that I learned recently that I'm going to apply this year are that when I put them in the ground, I'm going to use a stake instead of a cage. I'll attach the plant right above it's lowest branches with twine to the stake. My choice for stakes are bamboo - only because I have plenty of them in my garage. As the plant grows, move the twine up the post. <br>The second tip to follow is , as the plant grows, remove the suckers that grow up in the center of the plant. They take energy from the plant and apparently aren't productive. <br>Oh, and keep your eye out for hornworms - they can destroy a tomato plant overnight! Just pick them off and get rid of them. <br>Happy gardening-<br>Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by AlltelKim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-60590903251767255432009-03-13T20:44:00.001-07:002009-03-13T20:44:34.846-07:00Needed SkillsIn this uncertain economic and political time, I feel it necessary to talk about skills that I think everyone would benefit in knowing and perhaps practicing. - Gardening -
<br>Gardening is the simplest thing that anyone at any age can do. Small land - large land ...doesn't really matter. You have seeds, you prepare the soil, you water and care for them and they will yield for you.
<br>Look at what your family eats most of and most regularly and start off with that. See what herbs you mostly use in your cooking and grow them! Look at your family health history and your current family's health and grow medicinal herbs as preventives. Not in place of a doctor but to keep you as healthy as possible so maybe you'll only need a doctor for check ups.
<br>Think about how beneficial this would be to you and your family's health - not to mention the very valuable skills you'll be passing on to your children. If you or your children ever get stuck in a situation where you have to grow food to survive - behind the eight ball is really not the best place to be.
<br>So, go buy some seeds - pick some place in the yard or in pots or wherever and grow your food..your herbs..your medicine..and enjoy the fruits of your own labor.
<br>Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by AlltelKim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-81954192189468215352008-12-10T21:54:00.000-08:002008-12-20T20:14:29.457-08:00Plant some garlicI try to use garlic in my cooking but I always seem to buy too much and it starts to go bad before I can use it all.<br /><br />Boo hoo..<br /><br />So what do I do with all of those extra bulbs? Why plant them of course! I just break apart the cloves that are left and plant them in pots or a special place in my garden. They'll grow and mature and spread and I'll not have to buy garlic for quite some time.<br /><br />Super easy to grow - just dig it into the soil like your planting tulips - water - and that's pretty much it.<br /><br />I think I've talked about garlic before and its health benefits but its really worth mentioning again. You can use garlic to fight ear infections and colds as well as fighting heart disease. Ok, it might smell bad but who can compare that to the benefits?<br /><br />It's also great to put in soups, sauces and sautes - spread on some buttered bread to make garlic toast...hmm. Alright, that one may not be so good for the heart. Anyway, it adds some interest to your dishes and its good for you so, don't throw away that extra garlic, plant it and use it later!Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-56103561054735303342008-08-03T11:39:00.000-07:002008-12-03T06:08:22.746-08:00Stressed Out?Who isn't stressed out these days? The economy, the change in power, um..the economy, etc... they alone are enough to have you on edge.<br /><br /><br />Take 5 minutes each day, sip a cup of chamomile tea, relax and appreciate that you have those moments on the earth ~ it helps : )<br /><br /><br />Chamomile is super easy to grow and the seeds are a cinch to harvest. If it's not growing season in your area, just grow a pot of it indoors. Take the chamomile seeds and spread them over the soil ~ pat them down lightly ~ keep them well watered and they'll start to germinate in about a week.<br /><br /><br />To make a nice cup of tea take 1t of chamomile flowers and steep in hot (almost boiling) water for 5 minutes ~ add honey if you like and enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ahhh</span>, that's nice ~Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-10667951052920627822008-07-29T11:38:00.000-07:002008-07-31T19:46:09.405-07:00Nasturtium<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_DIE8yqqJLtk/SI9kIyggnMI/AAAAAAAAADQ/qbxkZBMMdss/s1600-h/nasturtiumstrawberryice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228507794560294082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_DIE8yqqJLtk/SI9kIyggnMI/AAAAAAAAADQ/qbxkZBMMdss/s200/nasturtiumstrawberryice.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>This pretty plant is really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">versitile</span> ~ all parts of it are edible ~ the flower, the seeds and the leaves. The mustard oils in the plant are antibiotic, antiviral, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">antifungal</span> and antibacterial ~ WOW! That is an impressive plant!</div><div> </div><div>The parts of the plants are used in many ways, such as the seeds can be used as a substitute for capers. The leaves are a nice peppery addition to salads and will aid in digestion and can you imagine how pretty the flowers would be in a nice sorbet or floating in fruit punch or wine??</div><div> </div><div>The plant is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">strong</span> source of vitamin C, as it helps boost the immune system and it supports the metabolism. Here's a nice salad recipe that I found:</div><div> </div><div>1 1/2C fresh nasturtium leaves</div><div>1 bunch of arugula</div><div>1 bunch of scallions</div><div>2T balsamic vinegar</div><div>2t <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dijon</span> mustard</div><div>6T extra virgin olive oil</div><div>2oz chunky <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">parm</span> cheese</div><div>some nasturtium flowers</div><div>salt and pepper</div><div> </div><div>Mix the vinegar, salt, pepper, mustard and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">evoo</span> together ~ pour it over the leaves, arugula & scallions ~ sprinkle the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">parm</span> cheese and flowers and serve : )</div><div> </div><div>As with everything ~ eat in moderation ~ too much can give you stomach problems..so take care!</div>Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-71779384499738963392008-07-27T05:14:00.000-07:002008-07-27T05:39:13.196-07:00Three Seed TeaThis tea helps with constipation, gas, coughs and upset stomach. It also will mildly cleanse the blood.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote><p>Take 1tsp each of <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/cgi-bin/Main.pl?AID=078681&BID=8041">fennel seeds, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">flaxseeds</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fenugreek</span></span> seeds </a>~ simmer them in 3C of water for about 15 minutes.</p></blockquote><br />The fennel seeds in the tea are sweet tasting and they held with stomach aches and gas. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fenugreek</span></span> seeds are said to aid in digestion, lower cholesterol levels and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">stabilize</span></span> blood sugar. It's also useful for lung congestion and is a good expectorant. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">flaxseed</span></span> in this recipe helps with stomach issues, as well. It also is said to reduce your risk of developing some<br />cancers, heart disease and eases the symptoms of menopause.<br /><br />Any of these three ingredients can be made into a tea individually ~ they're powerful herbs ~ but this tea is a triple boom and the fennel makes it drinkable.Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-75250433036116614322008-07-26T11:01:00.000-07:002008-07-26T11:18:43.086-07:00Tea TimeTeas are really the most effective and cost efficient way to get your desired dose of herbs ~ but how do you make a good tea? There are a couple of ways and they depend on the herb itself.<br /><br />If you are trying to make tea out of a flower or the leaf part of the herb, then the best way is to infuse the herb into the water simply by pouring hot or boiling water over the herb and steeping (letting it soak) for 15 to 30 minutes. <br /><br />For seeds and thicker leaves, you'll want to use a light <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">decoction</span> by simmering the piece(s) in the water for 5 minutes and then steeping it for 15-30 minutes.<br /><br />When you're using the root of the plant or it's bark, you'll need to simmer it for anywhere from 15 minutes to a full hour to create the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">decoction</span> of the herb.<br /><br />Tea tastes are also trial and error, as some of the herbs that you are using may not taste very good ~ so you'll want to keep some sweeter herbs on hand such as: mint, cinnamon, fennel or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">stevia</span> to add sweetness and make the tea more drinkable.<br /><br />When you're first making teas, you may want to stick to recipes or recommendations and then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tailor</span> them to your own taste. Of course, you could also buy the teas already made in handy tea bags or loose in tins; however, they can be pretty pricey. Why buy them if you can grow them? Just spend a little time experimenting and smelling and tasting ~ that's part of the fun!Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-77441345256289995962008-07-25T20:36:00.000-07:002008-07-26T11:19:52.703-07:00White Sage LeavesWhen you have a sore throat, a nice soup and a good warm tea with honey is a great way to soothe it. Next time you have a sore throat, consider white sage leaf tea with lemon and honey!<br /><br />To make the tea, infuse 1tsp of the sage leaves with a cup of hot water for about 15 minutes and drink a few times a day for your throat. If you're pregnant or nursing, though, you're advised to stay away from this herb.<br /><br />Pregnant or nursing mothers can still make a cup of warm water with lemon and honey ~ that always soothed my sore throats during my pregnancies!Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-67661941464904746362008-07-17T20:45:00.000-07:002008-07-17T20:57:25.947-07:00PeppermintI have a large pot of peppermint on my patio, right outside my back door. It smells wonderful when I walk out the door. Anyway, I tried to grow thyme with it ~ NOT a good idea, ladies and gents, the peppermint is a pushy fella. He's crushing out my poor little thyme! I knew this when I planted them, but I figured if I kept on top of harvesting the peppermint and drying it for teas and such on a regular basis that I could keep it under control. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Umm</span>, no.<br /><br />A good way of keeping peppermint in its place, or so I've read..haven't tried (obviously), is to plant it with the pot under the soil. The idea being that the roots would be contained and it wouldn't be able to spread. I, personally, would prefer to just give it its very own pot to take over and flourish and run <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">amok</span> like nature intended. Next time...<br /><br />If you have an upset tummy, pop and couple of peppermint leaves into your mouth or drink some peppermint tea to soothe it. The smell of peppermint is also a great pick-me-up ~ and the beautiful green of the fresh leaves really are lovely..Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-60690697856010827422008-04-23T12:17:00.000-07:002008-04-23T12:31:49.195-07:00The Lovely ArtichokeThe <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Eat-an-Artichoke">artichoke</a> is a vegetable which contains a lot of bitters which stimulate your bile ~ so it is helpful with liver function as well as lowering your cholesterol. You can consume the artichoke leaves and heart or you could take it in capsule form.<br /><br />Another option is to make a tincture and take it daily before meals:<br /><br />Simmer 1/2C of artichoke leaves (dry or fresh) per 2C of filtered water for about 5 minutes. Let is steep (sit in the water) for 15 minutes and take 1/2-1t twice or three times per day before meals*<br /><br />*courtesy of Herbal Remedies for DummiesKim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-15959776907956713102008-03-22T06:19:00.000-07:002008-03-22T08:13:37.484-07:00Muy CalienteIf you are prone to allergies, try adding cayenne pepper to your food! <br /><br />Cayenne pepper is a natural anti-inflammatory due to it's active ingredient ~ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">capsaicin</span>. So, it may help relieve your allergy symptoms.<br /><br />Get sprinkling and feel better! Oh, and you might want to have some water nearby. Woo!Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-50972434286223864562008-03-20T05:51:00.000-07:002008-03-20T14:36:09.583-07:00Spring has sprung....and that usually means.. dun dun <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">duuuunn</span>! ALLERGIES! Everywhere I look, I see a sea of yellow film..on the van, in the lake, on the driveway, on the bushes ~ and I thought ~ I bet the people with allergies are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hatin</span>' life right about now.<br /><br />What I plan to do is concentrate on natural ways to keep your allergies and/or symptoms at bay and help you to enjoy spring all that much more. I'll share them with you here and, hopefully, they will help!<br /><br />The first one that I've found is Vitamin C!<br /><br />Vitamin C is known as a natural antihistamine. Try increasing your intake of bell peppers, orange and grapefruit juice, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi, kale, papaya and arugula ~ see if that relieves some of your symptoms!Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-67273725738328738072008-01-29T05:48:00.000-08:002008-01-29T05:59:20.249-08:00Bacterial InfectionsIf you're trying to treat a bacterial infection (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bronchitis</span>, for example) ~ choose an herb that contains <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">phenol</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">thymol</span> in it to fight the infection. Inhaling the vapors of thyme, tea tree or clove oil will treat respiratory tract infections. Add the oil to a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">vaporizer</span> or a hot bath and inhale the steam.<br /><br />For sinus infections and upper respiratory infections, try horseradish and/or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nasturtium</span> oils.<br /><br />To help prevent such infections, try keeping your immunity up by taking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">echinacea</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Siberian</span> ginseng 3 weeks before the cold season ~ and meditate for a short time each day.<br /><br />Stay healthy!Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-54309576052931690882008-01-26T08:28:00.000-08:002008-01-27T05:19:25.366-08:00MeditationI know that this blog is primarily about herbs and plants ~ but since I've been writing about sickness and immunity, I couldn't discount the positive effects of meditation on the immune system.<br /><br />At the same time and in the same place every day ~ sit in a relaxed position and try to clear your mind. If thoughts arrive, just let them pass on by. It will help by choosing a mantra to say to yourself while in this position and to listen to your deep breathing. A mantra can be as simple as an "om" or it can be a simple phrase ~ a positive affirmation.<br /><br />Do this for at least 5 minutes each day to improve your immune system and to raise your spirits.Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-85896977649546894372008-01-24T20:30:00.001-08:002008-01-24T20:45:31.800-08:00Mandarin OilWhen I think of mandarin, I think of the yummy oranges that I put on my salad or the new side dish they sell now at Wendy's : ) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mmmm</span>...<br /><br />What I didn't know is that mandarin oil is a great aromatherapy treatment used to improve mood and relieve anxiety. You can add it in an aroma lamp or in your bath water ~ and it's safe to use for children, pregnant women and the elderly.<br /><br />Use it as a natural and safe cleaner around the house ~ add a few drops of the oil to water and wipe down surfaces all over your house (except wood). It's not only a natural <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">antiseptic</span> ~ but it will help improve your mood while you clean..now <strong>that's</strong> helpful!<br /><br />Try this recipe for an uplifting room spray: In a spritzer, combine 1/2 C water, 10 drops mandarin oil, 5 drops lavender oil and 2 drops of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">clary</span>-sage oilKim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-81722346707803337812008-01-23T05:10:00.000-08:002008-01-23T08:37:43.480-08:00GingerImproving your digestion will improve your energy level and help to stave off sickness. A good way to aid in your digestion and to warm your body through the winter is to take in a ginger tonic, mix it in water and take before meals for a few months or drink a <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/cgi-bin/Main.pl?AID=078681&BID=8041">strong ginger tea</a>.<br /><br />You can find the fresh ginger <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rhizomes</span> in natural food stores. Also try candied ginger for a different texture ~ which can also be found in some food stores (or you can order it on-line)!<br /><br />At the onset of a cold ~ take a ginger bath by making a strong ginger tea and pouring it into your bath water and soak for a while : ) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ahhh</span>...<br /><br />**Warning during pregnancy ~ fresh is safer than dried root and be sure not to drink more than 2-3 cups per day during pregnancy**Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837739576463855018.post-64512428367054471132008-01-16T20:54:00.000-08:002008-01-16T21:05:44.056-08:00OnionsOnions, I'll admit, had to grow on me over the years ~ but really there are SO many varieties that you're bound to find one or two or ten that you like! Please do because the benefits are tremendous! Check this out:<br /><br />they..<br /><ul><li>raise <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HDL</span> (good) cholesterol</li><li>protects blood vessels</li><li>reduces risk of heart attacks</li><li>helps to reduce high blood-sugar levels</li></ul><p>Try this Onion Wine to prevent colds and help keep your heart healthy!</p><ol><li>Puree 1 lb of peeled onions (3-4 fresh onions) in a blender or food processor ~ strain</li><li>Add 14 lb of honey and 1 C of white wine</li><li>Put in a bottle and store in a cool place</li></ol><p>Take 1T 3x a day </p><p>(Recipe courtesy of <span style="font-family:georgia;">The Complete Guide to Natural Healing</span>)</p><p> </p>Kim @ The Fitness Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606845912201708158noreply@blogger.com1