I hardly know where to begin. I am so far behind on all the wildly magical things going on in our life that this Summer has somehow morphed into Fall. I can hardly recall a year that has gone so quickly in my adult life. I’ve always said I could be a professional student if only I was independently wealthy. Well, We’re still not independently wealthy, but we have somehow begun building a life that is allowing me to explore my passions and get paid. I pinch myself occasionally. Is this really me, getting to do this? Pharmacy has been good to me ya’ll, but it’s no walk in the park. There is a reason it’s listed among the Top 10 Professions most likely to commit suicide. It’s a high stress job with long hours and demands 100% perfection. No surprise that the burnout rate is also remarkable. I am tremendously blessed with a husband who enjoys his job and has encouraged me to pursue what pulls at my heart. It is a gift he has given me this year… and a timely one at that! At the end of September, I was fortunate enough to attend The 2017 Farm & Food Leadership Conference. Blessedly, this national event was held in nearby McKinney, Texas. FARFA…. Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance is a national organization supporting independent family farmers. It works to protect a healthy and productive food supply for American consumers. FARFA is an advocate for independent farmers, ranchers, livestock owners, and homesteaders, as well as the consumers who support them. Ya’ll, you’d hardly think this organization would be necessary. We all need food and farmers. Shouldn’t it be easy to farm enough nutritious food to feed our huddled masses? Let these statistics sink in: *The average age of a farmer in the United States is 65 (in Texas it’s 58) *Soil depletion (of minerals) and hybridization of seeds has decreased the nutritional value of commercial fruits and vegetables by 50-70%. *The GDP spent on healthcare used to be 2.5%. It is now a whopping 18%, due largely to quality of food. *Farmers too rank in the Top 10 Professions most likely to commit suicide. *Non-sustainable farming practices expose farmers and farm families to a tremendous amount of chemicals including (but not limited to) pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Farmers have an elevated risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma and soft tissue sarcoma. They also have higher rates of brain cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, and various Auto Immune Disorders. This AMAZING Conference covered so many facets of Farm to Table Education. There were so many education opportunities, but not nearly enough time to attend each session. I settled on those that pertained directly to our farm and the direction we are headed. *Q&A Session on Cooperatives *Growing sustainable grains (not surprisingly, Einkorn Wheat was a large part of this discussion… one of the reasons Young Living remains committed to producing healthy grain options for its members) *Activating your Microbiota for Health (So excited to see this topic offered at a farm conference!!) This is truly one of the most important things we can do to be healthy, and it is the reason I offer monthly Gut Health Classes . *Opportunities for Military Veterans and Young Farmers. Did you know that there are really some amazing opportunities offered to those who want to farm but have no idea how or where to start? There are even opportunities (in the form of grants, education, low interest loans, and equipment for disabled farmers) available thru various programs. Healing (both emotional and physical) occurs when you connect with the earth. This is not some new age mumbo jumbo…. this is real scientific fact. *Fermentation techniques taught by the incredible Nancy Falster of Falster Farms. Gut health again!!! I LOVE IT! Fermented foods were incorporated into the food supply for thousands of years in every single culture. Modern culture had nearly eliminated it, to the detriment of our gut health… I hope it’s making a comeback! *Alternative revenue streams for small farmers. This falls right into our vision for our farm. It’s too early to reveal what is in my heart, but this topic was so interesting and helpful. City folk are simply craving connection with their food and with nature. I can’t tell you the number of times we’ve had people come thru our gates and tell us they experience a type of peace (on our farm) they don’t normally feel in their day to day lives. *Sustainable home gardening. I felt like we are ahead of the curveball on this topic. We are the king and queen of composting, and are figuring out what works for organic pest control around here. *20 other topics ranging from Legislative policy to Home Brewing and Distilling. I almost forgot… the most amazing Farm to Table dinner too. This was our first, but it won’t be our last. Dinner for about 150 people at Pure Land Organic Farm , catered by the incredible sustainably (and locally) sourced ingredient restaurant in McKinney: Harvest. Connecting people with a common bond. Farmers, Ranchers, Nutritionists, Chefs, Sociologists and Anthropologists, Beekeepers, Backyard gardeners with a vision, Inner City gardeners with a plan for their community. This event paid no heed to political affiliation, ethnicity, age, or religious beliefs. Our goal is the same. To learn. To provide sustainable nutritious food for the body, mind, and soul to all walks of life. Breaking bread together never tasted so good. |
Plants as Medicine
Carrier Oils…Essential Oils..What’s the Difference?
I really never gave too much thought about carrier oils until recently. My standby has always been fractionated coconut oil. Coconut oil can be great for certain skin types, and I’ve just never felt the need to venture beyond FCO….. until recently. Oh sure, I’ve dabbled here and there…. stepping out on my old friend, but always coming back home to my tried and true love. I was well aware of carrier oils for skin types (see above), but did you know that…. just like essential oils…. carrier oils have attributes that support and affect body systems beyond the integumentary system/skin?
Y’all know the difference, right? A carrier oil is a fatty oil base. They can go rancid over time and although they may have some health benefits, carrier oils generally don’t hold a candle to those benefits seen with Essential Oils. Essential oils, on the other hand, are not fat based…. nor do they feel oily. With the exception of the cold pressed citrus oils, they have an incredibly long shelf life (provided they are cared for properly). Essential oils can be diluted with carrier oils without affecting their effects on our body.
Young Living Essential Oils help support virtually every single body system. We typically choose which oils we are going to diffuse, apply, or ingest according to the body system we wish to support. We may or may not use a carrier oil along with our oils depending on personal choice. Regardless of which carrier oil you choose to use, begin with these tenants:
- Use organic whenever possible.
- Never use mineral oil or petrolatum or petroleum jelly as a carrier. They clog pores and are toxins themselves (made from petroleum). Additionally, they prevent toxins within us from escaping, and will prevent essential oils from being absorbed into the skin.
- Be very wary of using a cosmetic or commercial skin care product as a carrier for your essential oils. Rashes and adverse reactions have occurred when combining the two. Remember, nearly all mainstream skin care products contain toxins themselves, and the mixture of both good (essential oils) and bad (that skin care product) may not end well.
However, there are some distinct benefits to using carrier oils with your essential oils:
- Hot oils (ex: Thieves, Lemongrass, Cinnamon Bark) can feel just that…. HOT….. if applied undiluted.
- Diluting your oils with a carrier oil definitely gives you more bang for your buck. We should ALL be frugal oilers… a little goes a long way, and our oils are a precious commodity.
- Adding a carrier oil to your essential oil can, in effect, create an ‘extended release’ component to your essential oil. Most of our essential oils are volatile. This means that they are released into the air fairly rapidly. What is not absorbed into the skin becomes airborne. The addition of a carrier oil to your essential oil will increase both the amount of oil that is absorbed into your skin AND the duration that the absorption takes place. This is a good thing!
- Many carrier oils can act synergistically with essential oils. Whoa. Really?
Yep. Here are a few examples:
- Coconut Oil – This oil is well known as the ‘go to’ for hair care and skin care when used topically, but did you also know that when ingested, this oil is also very supportive of the cardiovascular system, helps balance blood sugar, strengthens the immune system, and is helpful in dental care? For real!
- Jojoba Oil- This is an ‘external use’ only carrier oil that most closely resembles human sebum (the waxy substance produced by glands in our skin) making it one of the best moisturizing carrier oils available. It comes from the seeds of the Jojoba tree. Jojoba oil is also known for its antifungal properties, making it exceptionally well paired with Tea Tree oil. It can be used as a natural makeup remover or as a moisturizer for cracked feet and hands.
- Sweet Almond Oil- Really, any of the tree nut oils (Walnut, Almond, Pecan, etc) make amazing oil and vinegar salad dressing bases (especially when paired with lemon, basil, marjoram, oregano, and thyme oils), but you can use this oil topically too! It has been found to be helpful in repairing damage to collagen within the skin. When ingested, it may help limit inflammation and promote vascular health. Sweet Almond Oil also gets bonus points for being high in vitamins E and K.
If you are curious about a specific carrier oil, do a little research. You may get more than you bargained for (and I mean that in a really good way!).
Young Living has a complete line of carrier oils too, available in 8 oz bottles. Each one is a synergistic blend of carrier oils and essential oils designed for a specific purpose. (You will want to read the ingredients closely if you happen to have a sensitivity to a particular oil.)
- V-6: a general all purpose topical oil blend containing Coconut, Sesame, Grape Seed, Sweet Almond, Sunflower, and Olive oils.
- Ortho Ease–: a muscle and joint blend of carrier oils that also contain wintergreen, juniper, marjoram, eucalyptus radiata, and peppermint.
- Ortho Sport:– a slightly more intense muscle and joint blend of carrier oils that also contain wintergreen, peppermint, thyme, eucalyptus globulous and oregano.
- Cel-Lite:– a great firming and toning carrier oil blend that also incorporates the benefits of grapefruit, cedarwood, and juniper. I love to use this one on my thighs and hips when I get out of the shower!
- Dragon Time: a carrier oil blend designed for balancing emotions (ie: calming your inner dragon!). This carrier oil is designed for women and also contains lavender, ylang ylang, jasmine, fennel and clary sage.
- Relaxation–: if you are looking for a relaxing carrier oil blend, this is it. While it does contain lavender, spearmint, coriander, bergamot, and tangerine, feel free to add any additional oils if needed. This is a great blend to massage on little feet right before bedtime :).
- Sensation: oooo la la! This carrier oil blend is created for romance and love. It can be applied anywhere…. (I will leave that up to your imagination). It does not disappoint. In addition to the base oils, this carrier oil blend also contains ylang ylang, bergamot, jasmine, and geranium.
Do any of these carrier oils tickle your fancy? Give one of them a try and let me know what you think.
If you are an oil carrying aficionado, I would encourage you to also keep a small bottle of carrier oil on hand to dilute in the unfortunate circumstance that you get an oil in your eye. Should that ever happen, don’t flush with water (it will only make it worse). Instead use a little carrier oil in the corner of your eye to immediately dilute the offending essential oil. If you failed to heed my advice and have no carrier oil on hand, simply use any fatty substance (butter, milk, or even a piece of bacon fat!) in place of the carrier oil. I hope you never need this piece of info, but if this has never happened to you, you’ve simply not used oils long enough!
Take care, and have a blessed September day!
Liz
Who Gives A Fig?
Yowsers! We have figs. In fact, we have a disproportionate amount of figs. We have figs coming out our ears all from one very happy (but unknown species) tree.
We planted the little gal (there are male and female plants…. the girls being the producers) about 7 or 8 years ago, and it got off to a very rocky start…. multiple times. Every winter it appeared to die back to the brink of true death until two years ago. Last year we got spoiled by simply eating all we wanted off of the tree. There were enough to pick and eat daily, but not enough to make anything with. This year, the stars must have been lined up right because we have whopper crop this year. I’ve had to get on the ball and start collecting fig recipes. There are some amazing ones out there!
I’ve found this collection at BonAppetit (the figs with bacon and chile is on my ‘to do’ list… Wow… I’ll bet those flavors pop!)
I found a ‘cheeky chilli pepper fig chutney‘ ….. you know anything chef Jamie Oliver puts together is going to be good. My dear friends Aryanne and Martin gave us one of Jamie’s cookbooks several years back. The man knows how to use his ingredients, no question about it. I love that he focuses on using fresh ingredients and prefers seasonal cooking (cooking with what is available at the appropriate season of harvest). I do think that was God’s intention anyway. We were never supposed to eat the same thing 365 days a year like we are prone to do now. It’s probably one of the reasons the standard American diet is typically out of control and obesity and other body system dysfunctions continue to plague our country. If it’s not fresh, it’s likely filled with preservatives and other chemicals to make it taste more appealing.
And finally…. a ‘pear-fig-ginger-jam (with ahem… a dash of whiskey)‘ that we’re gonna have to try. That sounds like it would be incredible over a block of yogurt cream cheese (labnah) or cream cheese with some crackers.
Figs are a food of the Bible, and are loaded chock full of health benefits. God is good that way… giving us just what we need. Dried figs… the most common way people eat chem…. are even more densely loaded with nutrients than fresh. Although I like to eat them both ways, fresh from the tree is my preferred route of nourishment.
The Fig low down:
- high in fiber
- great source of magnesium, manganese, copper, potassium, and calcium (1 dried fig = the calcium in an egg!)
- rich in vitamin K and B6
- contain powerful antioxidants that neutralize disease and dysfunction causing free radicals ( just like some oils I know, love, and use!)
- According to Dr. Mercola’s website figs have some other more unusual uses too… ” Traditional medicine around the world has made use of figs as poultices on tumors, warts, and wounds. The fruit and leaves have been pulverized and gargled to relieve sore throats. Fig extracts and dried figs have been found to contain ingredients that protect the heart, regulate kidney and liver functions, lower blood pressure, lower incidences of macular degeneration, and inhibit some cancers, specifically post menopausal breast cancer.” Holy smokes Figman…. my cornucopia of wellness tools just got a little fuller!
Any of my local friends want some figs? Give me a shout and this farmgirl can hook you up!
Take care, and have a blessed day,
liz
Sleep Week – day 5
Sleep! The saga continues…. so many pieces must fall into place for us to get a well rested night of ZZZZZZZ. (and I’m keeping this one short so I can hop into bed!)
Both men and women need balanced hormones. A LOT can go wrong within our bodies if our hormones go wackadoodle (I know…..not a scientific term, but it’s FDA compliant !). Sleep pattern disruption is just one of those things.
While this post focuses mainly on ‘The Change’, be aware that ‘wackadoodle’ hormones can happen at any age , but especially during puberty, pregnancy/childbirth, and ahem….. the aforementioned time.
Disturbed sleep patterns caused by hormone imbalance aren’t just for women… men can have their own issues when testosterone levels begin fluctuating.
At the age of 50, I’ve found that my personal sleep is best supported by Tranquil on my toes at night, Progessence Plus on my forearms at night, and Estro drops in my NingXia Red the morning. These are all products that are available to you at wholesale pricing from Young Living.
Signing off for the day…. but know that I’m here for you if you’ve got any questions about some of these products I’ve just mentioned. Looking for a sheep herder? I’m happy to help!
Sleep Week – day 4
Good morning sunshine! I hope you all woke up refreshed. This morning, I wanted to talk a little about melatonin.
Melatonin isn’t just for sleep. Small daily doses may also support our thyroid function and healthy estrogen levels (in women aged 42-62 years).
I find it so interesting that ‘natural night time light colors’… think campfires, moonlight or fireflies are acceptable to our bodies, while unnatural (ie:manmade) lighting colors are disruptive. God certainly knew what he was doing
Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing…High doses of melatonin supplementation can actually cause the reverse effect and aggravate good sleep.
Thank goodness Young Living knows this (those smarty pants!), and have given us ImmuPro and SleepEssence*.
Immupro is an excellent immune system supporting supplement. Melatonin alone also supports the immune system (in proper amounts of course). This is one of the reasons it is an ingredient in ImmuPro…. while it does aid in sleep, it also does so much more! Remember, healing occurs greatest while we sleep.But did you also know that if our bodies are not producing enough melatonin (see the graphic above) due to even the briefest exposure to light at night or due to aging then our thymus gland begins to atrophy. And if our thymus isn’t functioning properly…. that is bad news indeed! A shriveled up thymus means that a key component of your immune system has been compromised.
Approximately 9 million people in the USA take prescription sleeping pills regularly. Meds like Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata (etc) are only approved by the FDA for short term use, and yet, doctors prescribe them like night time candy. I know this because they are some of the fastest moving drugs in our pharmacy.
There are significant (and sometimes long term ) side effects of prescripton sleep aids… especially when taken regularly.
- Drowsy daytime driving
- Depression (yes, they can both cause and augment it)
- Increase the risk of infection (by 44%)
- Increased risk of falls (especially a problem in the elderly)
- Erratic behavior (both night and daytime)
This is why it’s so important to uncover the root cause of sleepless nights, and address that, instead of the ‘band-aid’ solution in the form of a sleeping pill.
I do not take ImmuPro or SleepEssence nightly, but I do keep at least one of these on hand…. and use them when I struggle with sleepless nights. The nice thing about these products is that you can take them occasionally, or regularly if needed without fear of addiction or side effects.
As I’ve posted throughout the week, if today’s discussed products interest you, You can have a wholesale membership with Young Living for a once a year purchase of $100 (they throw in a free oil for stress too!) and then have access to ALL their products at wholesale pricing (24% off retail prices). You can order whatever you’d like with no minimum. Places like SAM’S and Costco charge a higher annual fee, and you get nothing but access to their buildings…. so this is a pretty great deal. If you have any questions, please feel free to message me. (If you choose to sign up with a membership…. regardless of the type, I’ll send you a 400+ page hardcopy reference manual and other resources to get you started).
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