Superfood: Miso

Miso has been a staple in Chinese and Japanese diets dating back approximately 2,500 years. Today, most of the Japanese population begins their day with a warm bowl of miso soup believed to stimulate the digestion and energize the body. So what other health benefits does miso have? well here are ten that have been scientifically researched: 

1. Contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.

2. Stimulates the secretion of digestive fluids in the stomach.

3. Restores beneficial probiotics to the intestines.

4. Aids in the digestion and assimilation of other foods in the intestines.

5. Is a good vegetable-quality source of B vitamins (especially B12).

6. Strengthens the quality of blood and lymph fluid.

7. Reduces risk for breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers.

8. Protects against radiation due to dipilocolonic acid, an alkaloid that chelates heavy metals and discharges them from the body.

9. Strengthens the immune system and helps to lower LDL cholesterol.

10. High in antioxidants that protects against free radicals.

Learning how to make your own miso is a fun way to get all these benefits, without breaking the bank. This is one of my favorite videos that teaches how to make miso!

this is where you can buy the kuji culture to start your batch:

http://www.tibbs-vision.com/sake/

DIY: Pallet Projects

Transform this....

Have you seen those stacks of wooden pallets behind the grocery store? or perhaps where you work? well even if you haven't seen them, I can guarantee that there are some available near you! almost every company that ships and receives orders, use pallets. Most of the time you can find them for free! yes free. Add a little elbow grease and some imagination and you could make some pretty amazing things. Check out some things others have made with pallets below.

...Into this!

Pallet loveseat 

Awesome couch

Pallet swing/chair

pet bed

simple shoe rack

bookshelf/bike rack

floating shelf

Easy vertical garden

easy and cheap staircase

wine rack/counter 

more vertical gardening

home theater seating

childs bed

coffee table

hydroponics

chandelier

bike rack

lawn chairs

Natural Medicine Chest: EFT

EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique. It is a form of energy healing. Using the same meridians as acupuncture, this modality brings the benefits without the needles. This is a great addition to add to your healing arsenal. EFT works on the basis that ALL physical issues are caused by underling emotional issues. By stimulating these meridians and using affirmations you can actually reprogram your brain! There have been many studies showing EFTs enormous benefits. It can literally be used for ANY disease, ailment, issue.
Check out this video all about EFT and what it can do for you.

Natural Medicine Chest: How to make an herbal tincture

Did you know you can make your own herbal tincture at home? It's so easy and affordable that anyone can do it! you just need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find.

First decide what kind of tincture you are going to make. check out our Herbal Medicine Chart to see which herbs do what.

What you will need:

-1 pint(2cups) glass jar

-Enough fresh herb to fill jar or 4oz. of dry herb (whatever herb you choose)

-100 proof vodka (enough to fill jar and cover herbs)

Directions:

1.simply add herbs to glass jar

2. cover herbs completely with alcohol 

3. put a lid on it and give it a shake

4. store in cool dry place for 8 days-1 month 

5. strain with cheesecloth and store in clean glass jar

6. make sure to label your new creation

Here is a great video from our friends at Mountain Rose Herbs that shows you exactly how to make it.

Natural Medicine Chest: Turmeric Chai Tea

Tumeric Chai Tea

Turmeric has long been revered for it's potent medicinal properties. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, and is shown to aid in a number of ailments.

~

Some of turmerics medicinal properties include:

-Anti-microbial- Effective against bacteria and viruses (colds/flus)

-Liver detoxifier- Supports and cleanses the liver

-Fights cancer- Effective against: Prostate, breast, lung

-Prevent diabetes- Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

-Weight management- aids fat metabolism 

-Anti-inflammatory- turmeric has been shown to be just as

 effective as many other anti-inflammatory drugs 

-Anti-depressant-  used for depression for thousands of years

With all of these valuable properties , turmeric is definitely a must have for every natural medicine chest

This recipe will make 4 servings of your turmeric chai tea blend (store in air tight container)

Ingredients:

-3 tablespoons ground turmeric

-4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

-1/8 teaspoon ground clove

-1 teaspoon ground cardamon

-2 teaspoons ground ginger

                                          * Mix all ingredients and store in airtight container*

To make tea: 

-4 teaspoons of Turmeric Chai Tea Powder

-1 cup hot water

-sweetener to taste

-Add 1/2-1 cup warm milk (i.e. cow, goat, almond, hemp, coconut, etc.)

Sit back and enjoy this delicious AND medicinal tea.

Thanks to our friends at Fugally Sustainable for the recipe!

http://frugallysustainable.com/

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

DIY: Non-toxic dishsoap

                                                               Homemade Liquid Dish Soap Recipe

Ingredients:-1 ½ cup of hot water
-½ cup liquid castile soap
-1 tablespoon of white vinegar
-1 tablespoon of baking soda
-1/8 teaspoon of tea tree oil (optional)

Update: If you want more of a thick dish soap like you might find in the store, add - 1 tablespoon shredded bar soap.

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and then pour in 1 1/2 cup of very hot water. Be sure to whisk/stir this mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly blended (and the bar soap is melted).
2. Allow mixture to cool completely on the counter. Stirring occasionally.
3. Store in any dish soap dispensing bottle and use as you would the commercial brands.

Note: You may choose to naturally increase the anti-bacterial qualities of the soap by adding 1/4 tsp. of lavender or eucalyptus essential oils. 

Making your own household cleaners may seem like a daunting task at first...But once you get in the groove it is really quite easy. From the following items, 100% of your basic cleaning needs can be met:

• Borax
• Baking Soda
• Super Washing Soda
• White Vinegar
• Castile Soap
• Essential oils ( can add unique properties depending on which you use. some properties include: antibacterial,antiviral,astringent)

.Happy safe, non-toxic cleaning!

Thanks to our friends at Frugally Sustainable for the recipe 

http://frugallysustainable.com/