Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is one of the most extensively researched essential oils, and one of the most backed by the findings and conclusions discovered from the studies done on it. It is produced from a shrub like tree by the name of Melaleuca alternifolia, which is found along streams and in swampy areas in its native land of Australia. In the 1920’s a chemist by the name of Arthur Penfold was busy exploring the properties of native volatile oils, isolating their properties, exploring their molecular structure, and contributing to the chemical understanding of variations within plant species. During his studies in phytochemistry, he found that tea tree oil appeared extremely promising due to its powerful antiseptic properties. But well before Mr. Penfold kick started the commercial tea tree oil industry, native aboriginals were using and benefitting from tea tree oil, and passing their knowledge down throughout generations. Tea tree oil uses are endless, with a long and rich history which continues to this day

Tea tree oil can be used as a cure for almost all tropical infections and diseases. You name it and it has some sort of positive effect or treatment for that disease. It is invariably found in almost the households of Australia, particularly those that have small children. The magical healing and disinfectant properties make it a wonder drug that also boosts your immunity. However, it is not meant to be ingested, and is poisonous. It is meant for topical application only!

It is said that when Mother Nature creates a diseases, she also creates the cure. The activity of microbes, bacteria, viruses and fungi are at their peak in the Tropics, so most of the medicinal plants to treat those dangerous things are found there too. Tea tree is one such plant. It can cure some of the most horrible and dangerous bacterial infections found in the tropics. Wounds can be effectively cured and protected using this oil. This oil is seldom taken orally, but if you do, it should be in mild concentrations. It can cure internal bacterial infections such as those in the colon, stomach, intestines, excretory system and urinary system. It can also be used in treatment of tuberculosis.

Tea Tree Oil heal wounds quickly and protects them from infections. Furthermore, it can help neutralize or diminish the scar marks and after spots left by eruptions, boils, pox, and acne. Its healing properties make it an excellent treatment for acne. For a gentle complexion bar that contains tea tree oil try Ms. Billie’s Tea Tree Oil Soap. It cleanses, is gentle to your skin, and contains 85% organic ingredients.

Viral infections are very hazardous and are frequently recurring, since viruses can survive under very harsh conditions. They can bear unimaginable heat, cold and even poison, because they develop a protective shell called a “Cyst” around them. Some viruses are intelligent enough to develop a new cyst each time they are activated, like the Common Cold Virus, in order to trick our immune system. They never die naturally and can live dormant (neither alive or dead) for hundreds or even thousands of years. They can be killed only if their cyst is ruptured using a particular compound or if they are subjected to extreme heat which is beyond their tolerance. The Tea Tree Oil helps rupture this cyst in some viruses and can give protection against them.

People who are suffering from cough and cold, congestion, and other troubles associated with colds, are sure to get relief using tea tree essential oil. It relieves cough, cold, bronchitis and congestion. It can be rubbed on the chest and inhaled while sleeping, or a drop can be placed on the pillow so it can do its magical work at night, and you can wake up feeling much better in the morning.

The stimulant property of tea tree essential oil can be very beneficial for taking care of certain hair conditions. If you suffer from dandruff or hair loss, simply apply a diluted amount of tea tree essential oil to your scalp. The increased blood flow that you experience will help your follicle stay healthy and strengthen the hold on your hair, so you won’t suffer from premature hair loss. Also, since the skin will become healthier, it will be easier to keep moisturized, reducing the amount of dandruff and dry skin!

It is obvious that an essential oil that is so deadly for bacteria and viruses will be effective against insects as well. Tea tree oil is an efficient insect deterrent and insect killer. It does not let parasites and other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, lice, or flies come near someone who has rubbed some of this oil on their body. It kills internal insects and worms too, such as intestinal worms like round worms, tape worms, and hook worms, because it can be absorbed by your body and skin.

Open wounds are the most susceptible place to infection by bacteria and fungi and may result in sepsis or tetanus. Thus they must be protected well in advance.Tea tree oil can be a wise preventative choice as it is an excellent antiseptic. It can be applied directly on the wounds, boils, sores, cuts or certain eruptions, including insect bites and stings, to protect them from infections. It is as good as any antibiotic, but without any of their adverse side effects.

Tea Tree Essential Oil is as effective against fungal infections as it is against any bacterial or microbial infections. It inhibits fungal growth and cures diseases like dermatitis and Athlete’s Foot. Although internal fungal infections can be very dangerous, and even deadly, never ingest tea tree oil, even in extremely diluted forms, as it is toxic. Other herbal remedies for fungal infections can be used that are far safer for internal infections.

Tea tree essential oil can provide relief from muscular pain, aches, and sprains because its strong chemical properties can work as an anti-inflammatory and also encourage blood flow to a specific area (being a stimulant), which speeds up the healing process and increases the rate of new tissue and cellular growth.
You can get organic tea tree oil from bulkapothecary.com

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Do not consume Tea Tree Oil.The side effects of consuming tea tree essential oil can be quite serious, and they include confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness, coma, unsteadiness, severe rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, general weakness, stomach upset, blood cell abnormalities. Keep away from eyes, genitals, and out of the reach of children.Get pure therapeutic grade and oils when possible. Tea Tree Oil can cause skin irritation, and other issues. Always dilute the tea tree oil in a liquid neutral oil such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, etc. Test on your skin before use. Check with your doctor before using especially Pregnant women and children.

Peppermint oil may be the most versatile essential oil in the world along with lavender. There are few body, health, and mind issues that it cannot help. It can relieve nausea (works great in a tea), headache, upset stomach, gas, and indigestion. It can help soothe the discomfort associated with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and studies have shown that encapsulated peppermint oil can reduce IBS symptoms in as many as 80% of people who take it. Peppermint oil supports digestion, improves focus, boosts energy, fever reducer, headache and muscle pain relief. I use it for muscle aches on my joints and knees. It works!

Modern over-the-counter medicine manufacturers know all about peppermint oil and its ability to soothe cold and flu symptoms. You’ve seen their products and more likely than not, you’ve used them at least once or twice for  relief from clogged airways, swollen sinuses, or that irritating cough that just won’t go away. Peppermint oil may be used to soothe a sore throat. The chemical properties of menthol temporarily cool and calm pain while at the same time thinning mucus. The anti-inflammatory properties of the oil can also help to reduce swelling and provide further relief. Try brewing peppermint tea then flavor with honey and lemon to help combat infection and speed recovery. There are many menthol chest rubs available over-the-counter, however these may contain toxic chemicals that can do more damage than good to your body in the long run. Instead, try making your own menthol chest rub using peppermint oil.

As we have already mentioned, peppermint oil possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. While medical science has yet to unequivocally prove this health benefit, people have used peppermint oil for pain relief throughout history. Make your own peppermint oil-infused bath salts for a cooling, pain-fighting soak. Mix 16 ounces of Epsom salt and approximately 15 drops of peppermint oil into warm (not hot) bath water. Use peppermint oil to ease joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.  I have been trying this and it really works! First, dilute approximately 15 drops of peppermint essential oil per 1 ounce of a carrier oil like sweet almond or coconut oil. Then massage into painful joints for quick relief. To temporarily relieve pain from overworked or strained muscles, use the same mixture detailed above – 15 drops of peppermint oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil – and massage directly into sore muscles.The cooling anti-inflammatory power of peppermint oil also has a long history of use to banish tension headaches. Simply massage peppermint oil – diluted or straight – into temples, behind your jawbone, and across your forehead for rapid relief.

Peppermint oil can be used to cool and soothe skin affected by burns, rashes, or dryness, and relieve itching from insect bites. Use a dilution of no more than 15 drops peppermint oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil to avoid damaging already irritated skin. Massage the diluted oil into skin to refresh, moisturize, and soothe away pain.

Inhaling peppermint essential oil can stave off the munchies and can help you feel full faster. If you can’t have a diffuser with you at dinnertime, try applying a couple drops on your temples or chest, or take a couple of deep sniffs from the bottle.

For a non-toxic alternative to dangerous energy drinks, take a few whiffs of peppermint. It will perk you up on long road trips, in school or any other time you need to “burn the midnight oil.” For those with chronic fatigue syndrome, peppermint oil may improve focus and concentration.

One medical study found that peppermint oil uses reduced nausea that is induced by chemotherapy better than standard medical treatments. Simply adding a drop of peppermint oil to water, or rubbing 1-2 drops behind your ears, or even diffusing it can help to reduce nausea.

Use certified organic peppermint oil if possible. They are pure and contain no chemicals. You can get certified organic oil from bulkapothecary.com

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Keep away from eyes, genitals, and out of the reach of children.Get pure therapeutic grade and oils that are edible when possible.These are very strong and only a drop or 2 is necessary, Peppermint oil can cause skin irritation, and other issues.Test on your skin before use. Check with your doctor before using especially Pregnant women and children.

  Natural Health

Today’s featured essential oil…..

Frankincense Oil is known as the ancient healer. Apart from being used as a cosmetic and as a fragrance, frankincense oil has numerous medicinal uses. Frankincense builds immunity, reduces inflammation, heals age spots, supports brain function and may help fight cancer. It is a natural hygiene product. It is an astringent and kills germs and bacteria. It has the ability to eliminate cold and flu germs from the home and the body naturally and can be used in place of chemical household cleaners. It can reduce symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause by balancing hormone levels. It can help relieve pain, cramps, constipation, headaches, anxiety, nausea, fatigue, and mood swings. It helps regulate estrogen production.

Frankincense Oil is extracted from the gum or resin from Frankincense or Olibanum trees, whose scientific name is Boswellia Carteri. Frankincense has been a popular ingredient in cosmetics and incense burners for centuries. Frankincense Oil promotes regeneration of healthy cells and also keeps the existing cells and tissues healthy. When you combine this aspect of frankincense oil with its powerful astringent capabilities, you have a potent anti-aging quality that frankincense oil is often used for. It can help you to eliminate sun spots, remove micro-wrinkles around the eyes and cheeks, and generally tone and tighten skin all over your body, while simultaneously replacing old or dying cells with new, healthy ones! I use it in my own organic wrinkle cream. It has given me some amazing results.

Frankincense Oil is effective as  an antiseptic, and even the fumes or smoke obtained from burning it have antiseptic and disinfectant qualities that eliminate the germs in the space where the smoke filters out. It can be applied on wounds without any known side effects to protect them from tetanus and becoming septic. It is equally good on internal wounds and protects them from developing infections. Those same antiseptic qualities also make frankincense oil a useful preventative measure against oral issues, like bad breath, toothaches, cavities, mouth sores, and other infections. Look for natural oral care products that include frankincense oil if you want to include a strong antiseptic in your health regimen.

The astringent property of Frankincense Oil has many benefits, because it strengthens gums, hair roots, tones and lifts skin, ontracts muscles, intestines and blood vessels, and thereby gives protection from premature loss of teeth and hair. Frankincense acts as a coagulant, helping to stop bleeding from wounds and cuts. This astringent property also helps to relieve diarrhea of various types.

It also reduces obstructed and delayed menstruation and delays the advent of menopause. It helps other symptoms associated with menses and Post Menstrual Syndrome, such as pain in the abdominal region, nausea, fatigue, and mood swings.

It can eliminate gas and prevent it from building up in the body. This removal of excess gas from the intestines also gives relief from associated problems like stomach aches, pain in the abdominal region and chest, abnormal amounts of sweating, uneasiness, indigestion and many other related conditions.

If you thought that Lasix and its variants were the only drugs that could help you release water from the body through urination, you were incorrect. Those pharmaceutical options may be instantaneous, but not very safe. Frankincense essential oil is a natural and safe alternative. It promotes urination and helps you lose that extra water weight, as well as fats, sodium, uric acid and various other toxins from the body, with the added advantage of lowering blood pressure.

Frankincense Oil is very effective as a sedative, because it induces a feeling of mental peace, relaxation, satisfaction and spirituality. It also lowers anxiety, anger and stress. When feeling anxious or if you anticipate some sort of stressful episode, add some frankincense oil to a diffuser or a vaporizer. Frankincense essential oil promotes deep breathing and relaxation, which can open your breathing passages and reduce blood pressure, moving your mental state back to calmness.

The best part about this is that frankincense essential oil is completely safe and has no adverse side effects. You can purchase Frankincense essential oil from bulkapothecary.com

Caution:  There are no known adverse side effects. Frankincense essential oil should not be used during pregnancy, since it does act as an emenagogue and astringent.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Keep away from eyes, genitals, and out of the reach of children.

Natural Health

Today’s featured oil……..

Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils. It is derived from lavender flowers. It helps with relaxation, improves mood, sleep, and helps encourage hair regrowth in those suffering from alopecia areata, a type of hair loss. It heals burns and cuts, and I have had success using it on insect bites to stop itching. In one study, encapsulated Lavender was shown to help with anxiety disorder without sedative effects or potential for abuse. The fragrance is calming, relaxing and balancing – physically and emotionally. Carrying a bottle of lavender around with you is like having your own personal first aid kit, perfume and pick-me-up.

Rub 2-3 drops of lavender oil in your cupped palms, then use the inhalation method to draw the scent all the way into your brain to calm the mind. Then, rub on the feet, temples, wrists (or anywhere) for an immediate calming effect on the body. Lavender oil even helps my aching muscles. I rub on my knee and the bottoms of my feet to relieve leg aches. Rub a drop of Lavender oil on your palms and smooth on your pillow to help you sleep. Put a drop of Lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite to stop itching reduce swelling. In Texas we have lots of mosquitos and chiggers. I use Lavender oil to stop the itching. It works great! Put 2-3 drops Lavender oil on a minor burn to decrease pain. Drop Lavender oil on cuts to stop bleeding, clean wounds, and kill bacteria. Mix several drops of Lavender oil with a nut or vegetable mixing oil (coconut, sesame, etc) and use topically on eczema and dermatitis. To alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, place a drop of Lavender oil on end of tongue, behind the ears or around the navel. To stop a nosebleed, put a drop of lavender oil on a tissue and wrap it around a small chip of ice. Push the tissue covered ice chip up under the middle of the top lip to the base of the nose and hold as long as comfortable or until the bleeding stops (do not freeze the lip or gum). Rub lavender oil on dry or chapped skin. Rub a drop of lavender oil on chapped or sunburned lips. Rub a drop of lavender oil between your palms and inhale deeply to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever. Rub several drops of lavender oil into the scalp to help eliminate dandruff. Put a drop of lavender oil on a cold sore. Add a few drops of lavender to any recipe you want to enhance. Add to your water or tea, brownies, bars, cookies, dessert recipes, raw chocolate or salad dressings.

As you can see, Lavender is an essential oil can uplift your life (and mood), heal and entice in a variety of ways. It’s a great secret weapon to have on hand at all times!  (get certified organic lavender oil from bulkapothecary.com )

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Keep away from eyes, genitals, and out of the reach of children.

  Natural Health

This week we will feature a different essential oil every day. Today’s featured oil…..

Out of the vast array of essential oils, one stands out as the one essential oil every home should have…Oregano Oil. This oil is derived from the flowers and leaves of the oregano plant. It is a powerful antimicrobial that powerfully fights off infections. Because of its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, oregano oil has a wide range of uses and health benefits.

Oregano Oil has the highest content of phenols among all aromatic plants. Phenols are natural chemical compounds that have high antioxidant properties. They have natural fungicide and antiseptic properties that kill a wide variety of pathogens, breaking through the cell membranes of disease-causing microbes.

As a nurse and infection control preventionist,  I have witnessed the over prescribing of antibiotics. Because of this over prescribing we have super bugs (bacteria)  that are resistant tp many antibiotics. Don’t get me wrong, antibiotics are great and definitely have their place, but many times could be avoided with safe natural ones such as oregano oil.

There are many uses for oregano oil including treating infections, nasal congestion, sore throat, acne, cold sores, nail fungus, shingles, and psoriasis. Do not use oregano oil directly on broken or sensitive skin as it may burn. Mix with organic coconut oil for applying to skin conditions.  You may add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to a glass of water to boost your immune system. Mix same parts of oregano oil with a carrier oil such as organic olive oil and apply to aches, sore muscles and backache. Add 2-3 drops to a diffuser or vaporizer to relieve nasal congestion and lung infections. Add several drops to your chicken coop water to prevent infections in your chickens.

Oil of oregano’s anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties make it a powerful natural remedy for fighting illness.  Do your research and then decide if oregano oil is for you. If you do decide to try it, I recommend you purchase a certified organic oregano oil. Certified organic contains no harmful pesticides or herbicides or other additives. I purchase mine from bulkapothecary.com

Caution: Oregano oil is very strong so it should always be diluted and never applied directly to an open wound or broken skin. Always dilute in water, or other carriers such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil. Don’t use oregano oil if you’re pregnant, nursing, have high blood pressure, or a heart condition; or are on medications or undergoing medical treatments. Avoid use in young children.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Keep away from eyes, genitals, and out of the reach of children.

Are pesticides responsible for killing the honey bees? Our crops are highly dependent on pollinators, predominantly  honey bees. What must we do to save them?

It’s well known to those who care about our future food supply that bee populations are dying off dramatically, and certain pollinating butterfly species, especially Monarchs, are becoming endangered.

Neonicotinoids are the most widely used pesticides in the world and are extremely toxic to bees and other pollinators. One of the effects of neonicotinoids is CCD. Sometimes the bees simply get confused and don’t return to their hives, and sometimes they simply die in their hives. It’s known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and it has been rampant in North America. These bug killers have long been used to treat millions of acres of farmland in the US. Neonics, the nicotine-based pesticides, gained popularity because they are powerful killers. Introduced in the 1990s, sales of neonics-coated seeds took off in the US in the mid-2000s, and by 2011, at least a third of soybean acres and nearly 80% of corn acres were treated with these pesticides, according to researchers at Penn State University.

The widespread use of neonics made them suspects in the massive deaths of pollinators such as the honey bee. Nearly 30% of American honey bees died last winter. More than a quarter of the 46 bumblebee species in North America are considered at risk. Another study found that up to 40% of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, are in decline worldwide.

European scientists have discovered that bee populations are experiencing a resurgence after three neonicotinoid insecticides, clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were banned by the European Commission in 2013. Unfortunately, all three are still used heavily in the USA.

But research showing that they sicken or kill bees and other pollinators means neonics could soon lose their grip in North America as in European Countries.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which mandated new labels for neonics with clearer language on their proper use, temporarily halted the approval of new outdoor neonics while it reviews the risks posed by five types. It expects to publish its assessments and open them up for public comment starting this year.

However, some researchers and farmers say regulatory actions are unwarranted because the problem is the unnecessary use of the pesticides as a preventive measure, and banning them would take away an effective way to protect crops.

Regulatory scrutiny of neonics already has forced major chemical companies to come up with alternatives.

Scientists are still investigating causes for the declines, though they have reasons to believe that pesticides, fungicides, disease and a loss of habitat are all contributing factors. A growing body of studies shows that neonics threaten the health of honey bees and other pollinators. Neonics can dissolve in water and become part of the irrigation runoffs that get into nearby waterways, harming aquatic insects.

Anticipating more regulatory changes, chemical makers have rolled out alternatives to neonics. Dow AgroSciences has developed Isoclast Active, an insecticide that targets many of the same pests as neonics, and Syngenta says it is working on new formulations that could have similar effects. Other companies such as Stockton and BioFence are marketing pest killers made with biological ingredients such as bacteria and plant extracts.

According to the EPA the use of neonics should be a last resort. Farmers have expressed concerns that banning or limiting neonics will lower their yields. So far, evidence from the US and Europe shows these fears may be unfounded. In 2014, a group of Iowa farmers grew soybeans with and without neonics seed coatings and found no significant difference in crop yields. A Penn State study found that using neonics could in fact could decrease yields killing beetles that eat crop-damaging slugs, leading these slugs to proliferate.

The Smiling Gardner offers organic options to pest and weed control.  Their products have been thoroughly tested and offer many other options including organic fertilizer. They also offer an Organic Growers Academy. If you are looking for great organic alternatives to pest control, and fertilizers, and want to grow in your knowledge of Organic Gardening, I highly recommend them.

In order to save our pollinators we must take action and act responsibily with our gardening and farming, especially when it comes to the use of pesticides.

“If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live.”
― Maurice Maeterlinck, The Life of the Bee

A homestead can be very rewarding, but also very challenging. If you are like us, you want to make money on your homestead. I’d like to tell you it is easy, but it is not. It takes hard work and determination. To make money on your homestead also takes planning, and knowing that it doesn’t happen instantly. Sit down and write out your own ideas about what you can do based on the size of your homestead and what you are interested in.

We are offering some suggestions for you, but remember, we are all different, our land is different, and our interests are different. Find what works for you. Don’t get discouraged if you fail. That’s part of being successful. Keep trying, until you find what works.

10 Ways to Make Money on Your Homestead:

1. Vegetables. Vegetables can be grown no matter what kind of space you have. You can have raised beds, a large ground garden, or grow vegetables in containers on your patio. There are many opportunities to sell your vegetables whether you live in the city or country. You can sell from a cart at the end of your driveway, at farmers markets, or at local grocers and businesses.
2. Herbs.  These can be fresh or dried. Herbs grow easily in pots or small areas. There is great interest in herbs not just for cooking but also in medicinal herbs.
3. You tube videos. You can create your own You Tube channel very easily and offer how-to videos for homesteading or anything else you might have interest in. We are building our own house, debt free as we have funds. We have several instructional videos for home building  on our You Can Do It channel, and soon we will add start up Bee Keeping videos.
4. Orchard Fruit. You don’t need a lot of acreage to have an abundant fruit crop. Keep your trees pruned or use dwarf varieties.
5. Farm Fresh eggs. You can sell duck eggs or chicken eggs. Let your poultry free range or use only organic feeds. These are the most popular sellers at Farmer’s Markets.
6. Honey. We are beginner beekeepers and it is so exciting! Click here to see our hive in action. Sell raw, unfiltered honey if possible. It seems to be the most popular.
7. Handmade soap. It is very easy to do, and doesn’t cost a lot to get started. Use your own homegrown products like goat’s milk or your beeswax from your hive as part of your soap making. Try to use organic products. They are big sellers!  bulkapothecary.com sells everything you need to make your own soaps. They offer natural and organic products.
8. Berries. We have blackberries and strawberries. Both can be grown in small areas. We grow our strawberries in pallets.
9. Homemade jams and jellies. Easy to do, and delicious.
10. Pallet wood furniture and signs. Many stores give their pallets away free. Be creative!

Many of our favorite fruits and vegetables are soaked in pesticides. If you are familiar with the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen from the Environmental Working Group, you know it is a list of the biggest offenders of pesticide soaked fruits and vegetables. It is mind boggling how many pesticides are in the food we eat. If you read my last blog post on Small Steps to Healthy Living, I compared how we eat to how my grandparents ate. They lived to be in their late 90’s. I believe the secret to their longevity was not necessarily the food they ate, but the fact that it was not processed and not dosed in heavy pesticides and chemicals.

There is a growing awareness of pesticide contamination, but despite that, these fruits and vegetables are still pushed as healthy.

Here are some of the worst offenders:

At the top of the list is strawberries, one of my favorite healthy go to snacks. More than 45 total pesticide residues have been found on strawberries! If you can’t access or can’t afford organic strawberries, grow your own. Their easy to grow, and can be grown in containers or small beds. We grow ours in pallet wood. It works great! 

Number 2 on the list if apples. Another one of my favorites, and also considered one of the top healthy foods. The vast majority of apple orchards are conventional, not organic. American apples were recently banned in Europe by regulators – this should tell us something. Over 45 pesticide residues were found in conventional apples by the USDA’s pesticide data program in 2010. Does not sound very healthy! 

Nectarines are number 3 on the list.  Nectarines soak up pesticides like a sponge, making it important to always buy organic or at least limit consumption. According to  the 2012 EWG report, nectarines actually had the most overall weight of pesticides of any fruit and vegetables.

Peaches are ranked number 4 on the list. The soft skin of the peaches with the amount of chemicals they are treated with make it a top concern. A study found 62 different pesticide residues on conventional peaches. Several are considered carcinogens and/or neurotoxins. You can wash some of the residue off, but with its soft skin, much of it remains.

Celery, according to USDA data, may contain as many as 64 different pesticide residues, including as many as 16 that are considered toxic to honeybees. This data earned it the number 5 spot on the list. This data underscores the need to buy organic when possible.

Our nation is unhealthy. While some of us try to practice good health, it can be difficult given the contamination of our healthy food. What can we do about it?  We must become informed consumers and we must stand up for ourselves as consumers. Push for regulations, and clear labeling. There are many groups out there you can become involved in such as the Organic Consumers Association and their Millions Against Monsanto. The Millions Against Monsanto Campaign was started by the Organic Consumers Association in the mid 1990s to fight back against Monsanto and the other Biotech Bullies who are responsible for creating Agent Orange, PCBs, Roundup (glyphosate) and other toxins that threaten human health and the environment.

“How could we have ever believed that it is a good idea to grow our food with poisons?” – Dr. Jane Goodall

Healthy living is not easy in today’s time. My grandparents lived to be in their mid to late 90’s. They practiced healthy living without really thinking about it.  I was thinking about how they ate compared to how I eat. If I ate like they did, I would weigh 300 lbs! I remember for breakfast my grandmother would cook bacon, eggs, fried potatoes, oatmeal and toast with butter. We always had fresh milk and cream to put in our oatmeal. Lunch and dinner were also big meals with meat and potatoes and fresh vegetables. What kept them from being unhealthy and overweight?  Most all of their food was fresh; not processed, with no added antibiotics or preservatives. They also led a very active lifestyle.

Today, millions of people live in urban neighborhoods and rural towns with limited access to fresh, affordable, healthy food. Those that do have access to healthy, organic foods in the city, find that these foods are often too expensive for their food budget. Busy lifestyles lead many of us to rely on fast food and convenience stores that don’t stock fresh produce. It takes a real toll on our health. As a result we struggle more with obesity and chronic conditions.

Our foods are over-processed, and contain harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and other additives. Poor nutrition can impair our daily health and well being and reduce our ability to lead an enjoyable and active life.

In the short term, poor nutrition can contribute to stress, tiredness and our capacity to work, and over time, it can contribute to the risk of developing some illnesses and other health problems such as:

• being overweight or obese
• tooth decay
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• heart disease and stroke
• type-2 diabetes
• osteoporosis
• some cancers
• depression
• eating disorders.

Steps to healthy living – it’s easier than you think

Take small steps. I would love to tell you I eat nothing but organically grown food. Unfortunately, I like you not only can’t afford it, but also don’t always have access to organic food. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Buy organic when you can, and where it can make a difference. For example, we always buy organic milk and butter. Organic milk and butter are produced without synthetic hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides. The milk is a little more expensive than regular milk but not enough to break the bank. Organic butter is very competitive in price with regular butter.
• Buy organic vegetables when you can. They are only slightly  higher than your regular vegetables. You can even find canned organic vegetables.
• Grow your own organic vegetables. You can do this on your patio or in a very small yard. There are many vegetables that do well in pots.
• Cut back on sugar. There are some healthy alternatives like pure honey, and natural Stevia. You can grow your own Stevia plant in a pot! Stay away from aspartame and its unhealthy side effects.
• Drink fresh, clean water instead of sugary drinks. Try this recipe for healthy water that balances the body’s pH level.
• If you can’t buy organic meats, buy natural grain fed meats without antibiotics. It’s important to read the labels. Not everything that says “natural,” is.
• Switch over to healthy recipes that look and taste good.
• Plan your meals ahead and shop for healthy ingredients.
• Enjoy cooking and eating healthy food with family or friends.
• Take long leisurely walks, have some fun!

Our choices have a major effect on our health and well being. Healthy living helps our mind and body to function as well as possible so we can live, learn, work, and play as well as we can.

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The word organic refers to the way farmers and ranchers grow and process their products. Organic processes are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution.
The interest in organic products among consumers has increased for several reasons including:
• Taste – some consumers prefer the taste of organically grown produce and meats
• Pesticides – consumers want to limit their exposure to pesticides and dangerous chemicals
• Food additives – consumers want to limit additives such as sweeteners, coloring, preservatives and antibiotics
• Environment – buying organic also helps the environment. Organic practices benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving water and soil quality, often restoring the land to its natural grasses and habitats.
According to the USDA only 0.5% of crops and pasture land are organic. That means 99.5% of farm acres in the U.S. are at risk of exposure to noxious chemicals. Organic ranchers and farmers use different, natural methods for weed control, treating diseases in crops and livestock, and managing pest control including natural fertilizers and crop rotation. Organic practices promote biodiversity. Organic farms and ranches are thriving, diverse habitats. Native plants, birds, and insects usually return after the first season of organic practices.
An organic farm or ranch may not always be the most efficient at first. It is definitely slower, harder, and more complicated. But the end result – better, healthier food and a restored environment makes it well worth the struggle.