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Plump, Happy, Colorful Eggs!

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For a growing family, I can’t think of a more perfect food than eggs.  Rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A and D, eggs are an economical source of complete protein.

But beware: all eggs are not created equal.  I wanted to share these pictures with you to show the comparison between the fresh eggs from our own flock of chickens on the left and the commercial imitation of an egg available at your local supermarket on the right.

Notice how the egg yolk from a hen raised on pasture is a deep orange compared to the pale yellow commercial yolk.  It is actually shocking how bright the color is when you first start eating pasture-raised eggs.

Some friends have even questioned whether something was wrong with the eggs they were served because they were so orange! Imagine their horror when they found out the diet that had produced such “unnaturally” colored eggs: bugs and vegetable trimmings destined for the compost pile.  This color is a sign of the nutrient-rich diet my hens have been enjoying and the health benefits passed on to my family when we eat these delicious eggs.

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Even the egg whites are different.  Did you know that the white should actually be composed of two distinct parts?  There is a firmer inner ring surrounding the yolk and a thinner portion that spreads out at the edges.  Most people don’t know this since you can’t detect it in factory-farmed eggs, but I think the picture above illustrates it well.  Give these high-quality egg whites a try for the most fabulously textured meringues you have ever eaten!

What you can’t see in these two eggs are the vast differences in nutritional quality.  When hens are allowed to feed on grass and insects as they were designed to do, they produce eggs high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.  Commercial feeding practices, however, lead to eggs with high omega-6 fatty acids, but little omega-3s.  The modern western diet already provides a dangerously high amount of omega-6s at the expense of omega-3s due to our high consumption of refined vegetable oils.

High omega-3 content is why Asian societies consider eggs to be a brain food.  In fact, pregnant Chinese women often eat up to a dozen eggs per day and tests reveal their breast milk to be incredibly high in DHA, a fatty acid important for the brain development of their babies.

What about cholesterol, you might ask?  Numerous studies cited in Sally Fallon’s Nourishing Traditions have found that cholesterol levels do not rise with egg consumption.  In fact, eggs are a great source of choline, a B-vitamin that helps cholesterol stay moving in the blood stream.  The cholesterol found in eggs plays a key role in brain development and forms the building blocks for hormones.  From the age of four months on, it is actually a great idea to feed your child a cooked, mashed egg yolk a day.  Wait until your baby is at least a year old before feeding egg whites, which contain proteins that are difficult for babies to digest.

Let me share a quick way to get more of this nutritional powerhouse into your diet.  Add a raw egg yolk to your smoothies. Rest assured that eggs from pasture-raised chickens pose little threat of salmonella poisoning.  Even so, you should wash the shell with hot, soapy water before using them raw and please only use pastured-raised eggs for this purpose.  Commercial eggs are much too dangerous to eat raw because the chickens that laid them have been heavily treated with antibiotics.

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Check out my downloadable CD Secret Spoonfuls: Confessions of a Sneaky Mom to find tons more tips on getting your youngsters to eat nutritious foods that taste great.  Lots more free articles and info on my website homeopathyworks.net.


17 Tips for Achieving Genuine Health

(Or, how I found mine after years of illness) 

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As a busy homeopath and mother, I understand how precious of a commodity time is for all of us.   After detours, mistakes, and years of searching for the healthiest ways of living, I’ve distilled my research and time-tested tips to a simple seventeen. Here are my top all-time favorites.

1)      Stay calm. The world is not as scary a place as the media and other self-serving entities might lead us to believe. When I am anxious or worried I repeat a passage from Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”  To know that God is protecting all of us, gives me inner peace.  No matter who you believe God to be, pray or meditate daily. If you’re Catholic, say your rosary. If you’re Protestant, read your Bible. If you’re Jewish, study your teachings. Don’t miss out on the importance of faith.

2)     Don’t watch TV or spend unproductive time on the internet. After working in the field of media, I learned that it is not in your best interest to be subjected to most forms of media as a steady diet. Protect your children from the barrage as well.

3)     Eat like your great-grandparents did. Eat whole, real, and unprocessed foods. Make your meals yourself from single, basic ingredients. It takes longer, but the rewards are worth the effort. There is something therapeutic about chopping fresh vegetables and creating soup from homemade bone stock. And you’ll earn a reputation as a good cook!

4)     Learn enough homeopathy to be able to treat yourself and your family for life’s little unknowns. The more you know, the more you’ll want to know. Homeopathy is timeless and enduring. At the very least, find yourself a credentialed, experienced homeopath and use his/her services liberally.

5)     Stay away from conventional medications as much as possible. Most meds are dangerous and at best superfluous. Every dubious drug has a healthy counterpart either in homeopathy, in food,  or in an herb (My CD “Homeopathy First Aid: Perform in the Storm” is available on my website).  Learn the safe alternatives and use them with confidence.  Save the use of modern drugs for life-threatening situations only.

6)     Get fresh air and direct sunshine at least 30 minutes daily. Throw out the sunscreen. Have you read the ingredients? Sun screen inhibits your body’s natural mechanism to make Vitamin D and is loaded with chemicals not meant to be slathered on the skin. Instead, if needed, protect your skin the old-fashioned way: a hat, cover-up, and common sense.

7)     Get some exercise. I realize how trite this statement sounds, but after years of resisting exercise myself because of time constraints, I’ve come to learn that I’m more productive and happier when I work out. Even a short walk is good enough.

8)    If possible, keep a garden and animals. A flower or vegetable garden can be a sight for emotionally sore eyes.  A pet can bring a smile to your face. They keep us closer to what is important in life: simple pleasures.

100 364619)  Protect your family and the integrity of the family in our society. That means your marriage and the marriages of those around you. A unified family is the basis of a healthy, prosperous and creative society.

10)  Keep your exposure to electromagnetic fields to a minimum. Use the speaker function on your cell phone instead of holding it up to your ear.

11)  Expose yourself and family to the intelligent, creative, and lofty influences of our society. By listening to classical music, reading fine literature, viewing fine art, we are inspired to greatness ourselves. Then emulate and study those who have led successful and creative lives: Mother Teresa, Benjamin Franklin, Gandhi, Churchill, and Beethoven.

12) Keep family traditions.  Whether they’re based on your religion or created by you, they are important for carrying family into the next generation.  If you don’t have any or enough, the way to establish them is by repeating a meaningful activity, time and again.

13) Eat and drink raw dairy products from animals that are pasture fed and preferably organic such as raw sheep’s milk cheese from Italy, raw goat and cow’s milk from France, Denmark, Ireland, and sometimes the United States.

14) Eat organic. At least as much as possible, buy or grow your own vegetables and eat meat from pasture fed animals. In other words, support local, organic, family farms.  Your liver will thank you too.

15)  Include some fermented food or drink with every meal. Old fashioned sauerkraut, pickles, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, fermented carrots, and so on. They provide live enzymes that help us break down the cooked foods we eat. They are excellent for intestinal disorders and are utilized by the healthiest people on the earth.

16) Try to eat raw food at least 80% of the time.   This is not as difficult as one would imagine: drink raw milk, eat fermented and fresh vegetables, dehydrated nuts and seeds,  and incorporate raw yogurt, cheese and butter into your diet.

17)  Do good work. Prepare your food and nurse your family with pride. Whatever it is you choose to do, do it with aplomb, commitment and joy.

These are the tips that have helped me and my family live lives full of vitality and vigor.  What tips have you discovered to maintain your own good health?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________These are just a few of my tips for vibrant health.  Lots more on my website homeopathyworks.net.  Check out this link to read many more of my articles.  Or call (716) 941-1045 to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation to see how homeopathy could fit with your health strategy.


Lessons in Parenting, Bird Style

2012 06 24 17 04 31 532These cheeping babies outside my door have made me aware of their presence lately by their constant squawking.  Not to get too philosophical, but passing by them the other day made me stop and ponder our role as parents.

Like these little birds, our children are completely dependent on us.  If the mama bird doesn’t bring back a nutritious dinner of insects and worms, these babies won’t grow.

It’s that simple; they are helpless without her.

We, too, have a crucial responsibility to provide our children with nourishment and care.  This idea seems facile, but how often do we really consider the enormous weight of our everyday decisions?

I’m thrilled that I knew about the discoveries of Dr. Weston A. Price since the time my kids were small. His invaluable nutritional wisdom and common sense continue to inspire and guide me in making healthy food choices for my family. 

Another thing that struck me about this humble robin’s nest was the confidence of the mother bird.  She instinctively knew how to construct a safe dwelling for her babies.

The incredible ruckus she sets up whenever anyone approaches the nest illustrates how protective of a mother she is.

Why then are we as parents frequently afraid to stand up for the health of our children?

Whether it means questioning a doctor who assures us that the antibiotic prescribed for our child is really very “mild” or convincing Grandma that strawberry Pop Tarts don’t count as a serving of fruit, we need to feel confident enough of our parental authority to take a stand when our gut tells us something isn’t right.

Homeopathy has helped me more than anything else to feel secure in my God-given role as a mother.  Just knowing that I possessed the ability to cure an ear infection, or sore throat, or even halt an allergic reaction imbued me with a feeling close to euphoria.

You’ll no doubt experience it too, the first time you witness the effects of your well-chosen homeopathic remedy.

Over the years, it has become my mission to empower moms and dads to do what this little bird has done and take the health of our children into our own hands.  It can be as simple as owning a homeopathic remedy kit and a comprehensive book and/or taking a good course.

If you’re serious about increasing your knowledge, my year-long course for parents might be a good fit for you.  Classes have started, but we would be glad to get you up to date with the material.

We have no choice. If we bring them into the world, we must do what we know is right.

Committed parenting.

Homeopathy.

Whole nutrition.

Once you know this, you have to do what’s right.

That’s all there is to it!

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Don't wait!  Start taking charge of your family's health now by checking out the many free downloads on my website http://homeopathyworks.net like this handy first-aid chart.


Pond Perfect

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I make no apologies.

I’ve always hated exercise.

It’s tedious.

 

I beg  forgiveness from those of you who are ardent sports enthusiasts, but despite many attempts,  nothing’s quite stuck.

 

Running? Not my style.

Yoga?  Too still for me.

Swimming?  The chlorine negates any benefits the exercise might offer.

Exercise classes?  I hate to be a music snob, but I’ve always found the music to sound like elevator music.

 

For years my husband and I took ball room dancing, and that’s where I found nirvana.  The music, the party atmosphere, the required attention to detail and then oh, the movements…I loved it all.

 

Unfortunately, this particular exercise requires a partner and my husband is not always willing.  So I’ve had to find another way to move after a day on Skype and writing at my keyboard.

 

Two years ago, we built an acre pond that finally allowed me to find exercise bliss.

 

The weather here in New York has been gorgeous lately and I’ve had swimming thoughts upon which I’ve recently been acting.

 

My family completed building a dock last week, hence I don’t need to wade into ankle-deep muck.

 

So I’m swimming daily!

 

And it isn’t even boring.  We have domestic ducks who quack at me from the marshy side of the pond and the frogs croak out the bass as I paddle by their quarters.

 

If I go early in the morning, I get a great jump on my day.

 

I think I’ve found my niche!


Feeling the Heat?

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If you’re one of the millions who faced power outages this week due to severe storms, I’m sure you are feeling the heat.  Soaring temperatures and high humidity can be a cause for concern, especially for the elderly and children.  If at all possible, use your common sense and get to a cooler location.

Heat stroke is extremely serious and requires emergency treatment.  Luckily, it can be prevented.  Staying hydrated is of utmost importance.  Try my refreshing homeopathic electrolyte drink.  It’s especially good when profuse sweating depletes electrolytes faster than you can replace them.

As we’ve learned, homeopathy helps to gently bring the body’s system back into balance.  When we experience symptoms from being overheated, it is a signal that the body’s internal cooling system is overtaxed and can’t function properly.  Therefore, we should consider a homeopathic remedy to gently stimulate the system back into alignment.

Try one of the  three remedies described below.  If symptoms are severe, administer a dose in the 30th potency every 15 minutes until improved.

Glonoine:  Pay attention to the eyes and the expression.  If Glonoine is needed, the eyes will be glazed over with a blank, fixed look.  The pupils will probably be contracted as well.  Cold sweats may be present.  The body may be cold, but the head will probably be hot.  A racing or barely perceptible pulse is also of note.  Exhaustion may be so severe that speech is impossible.

Belladonna:  This remedy has some similarities to Glonoine such as a cold body and hot heat and a blank stare, but the pupils will normally be dilated when Belladona is required.  A red face is possible with Glonoine, but paleness may also occur.  However, Belladonna is always associated with a burning red color.  As a memory trick when I was learning homeopathy, I kept a card on Belladonna in my red robe.  Any of the following symptoms can also point you toward the use of Belladonna: involuntary stool or urination, twitching limbs, bending the head backwards, and extremely deep sleep.

Aconite:  Remember that we think of Aconite for symptoms that come on extremely quickly.  This remedy is also associated with agitation, restlessness, and anxiety so if these states are present, Aconite may help.  Additional clues can be contracted pupils, a strong pulse, and a feeling of heat throughout the whole body, not concentrated in the head like Glonoine and Belladonna. 

Once you have chosen the remedy that best fits the total symptom picture, stick with it for a least three doses.  If not even a slight improvement is noted after that, try giving the second most likely remedy.

You shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical treatment for heat exhaustion or heat stroke, but I have heard many reports from my students of times when they were able to turn around in the ER parking lot because the remedy they took on the way to the hospital worked so quickly!

Happy summer and stay cool!


Flying High…With No Jet Lag

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You’re about to head off on a wonderful summer trip.  Don’t let the dread of jet lag dampen your fun.  Fortunately for you, homeopathy can work wonders for relieving this unpleasant condition.

 

We can think of jet lag as a disruption of the body’s internal balance.  Restoring equilibrium and setting things to right is exactly what homeopathy does best.  And most importantly, it does it gently.

 

The next time you travel across multiple time zones keep the following list of remedies handy.  Once you’ve determined the remedy that best fits the totality of your symptoms, take a dose in the 30th potency every 3-4 hours or more frequently if the situation is more severe.

 

 

Arnica

This is the premier remedy for any type of trauma.  Jet lag may not seem like an injury, but it does wreak havoc with the body’s internal clock.  A feeling of weakness and soreness is present because the person is so tired.

 

Cocculus indicus

 
A person needing Cocculus experiences nausea or dizziness in addition to  the extreme fatigue of jet lag.  In order to avoid vomiting, she is forced to lie down.  Although this person is tired, she reports feeling too tired to sleep.  Fresh air, food and drink make the condition worse.

 

Gelsemium 

The keynotes of the remedy Gelsemium are feelings of exhaustion and mental dullness.  Extreme prostration is also noted.  We can therefore think of this remedy for jet lag where the tiredness is so extreme that there is almost a sense of paralysis because the person needing this remedy has such difficulty even getting out of bed.

 

Nux vomica

Think of Nux for case of jet lag where the disruption in the body’s internal cycles manifests itself in constipation or gastrointestinal disturbances.  Irritability may be marked along with sleep problems. 

 

 

Now that’s you’ve brushed up on what remedies to use for jet lag, you’re ready to hop on that plane.  Here’s one more  homeopathic tip before you go.  Dissolve a few tablets of the homeopathic cell salt Nat mur 6x in water and mist your face during the flight.  Nat mur is made from sodium chloride, the same mineral in our bodies that regulates moisture balance.  This little gem in your water bottle will help you stay hydrated and feel refreshed as you make your final descent to your destination.

 

Happy travels.  Just remember to take homeopathy with you!

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Joette Calabrese, HMC,CCH,RSHom is a homeopath and mom who has depended solely on homeopathy and nutrition in raising her family without a single drug….ever!

If you find this kind of information valuable, you can learn more about homeopathy at her site: homeopathyworks.net.  Contact her office at 716.941.1045 to schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation to learn if homeopathy might be a good fit with your health strategy.


Get Rid of the Goofy Gatorade

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My son Peter spends his summers working in the landscaping business.  Dehydration is a threat when the mercury spikes into the 80’s.

Gatorade is loaded with questionable ingredients like dyes and artificial flavors and plain old water just isn’t enough to prevent electrolyte loss.

But I've taught Peter well.

Every morning, he mixes up a gallon jug, tailor-made for a long day of sweaty outdoor work.

The electrolytes in this refreshing drink protect his body’s sodium balance while the homeopathic cell salts support potassium and his general vital force.

Try  this electrolyte drink that’s easy to  whip up before a long day of summer exertion.

Peter’s Homeopathic Electrolyte Concoction

•16 pills of Bioplasma (from your health food store)

•16 pills of Nat sulph 6x (from your health food store)

•¼ cup acidophilus bifidus yogurt or kefir

•1/4-1/2 cup fresh lemon or lime juice

•Maple syrup or raw honey, to taste (not too sweet)

•1 teaspoon Celtic salt

•½ cup coconut milk (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a gallon container and fill to the top with ice water.  Shake well.

Mildly sour, with a hint of sweetness.  Remember to shake before each drink.

With homeopathy and smart nutrition, you can say “Bring on the heat!”

 

 

P.S. ~Would you would like to learn how to be prepared for epidemics and other crises, as well as all types of first aid situations and sourcing these remedies?  Then you need my upcoming course The Survivalist Guide to Homeopathy. Learn more about how homeopathy is THE medicine for when the SHTF. For more information on how YOU can Think Outside of the Box, click here >> https://homeopathyworks.iljmp.com/3/toanu.

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Interested in how you can treat your family's everyday ailments yourself?  Check our FREE first aid reference chart here.  It's packed with the info busy moms and dads need in a pinch.  If you'd like to learn more about homeopathy and whether it's a fit for your health strategy, contact our office to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation.


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Books & CDs

Joette’s Materia Medica

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I designed it especially to provide a framework to guide you through your remedy choices. It is perfect for busy mothers and others who love curing their families themselves.

Protect Yourself from the Flu

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Deal with the flu without drugs and expensive commercial products.

Combo Pack: Top 7 Products

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Go from clueless to clued-in…in the fastest way possible.

Cell Salts: Learn Homeopathy at Home

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The easiest, safest and most inexpensive way to treat your whole family.

Homeopathy in First Aid

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Learn to choose the correct homeopathic remedy to give on the way to the emergency room or better yet,
avoid the trip altogether.

Cure Yourself and Your Family with Homeopathy

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Homeopathy is inexpensive, non-invasive and profoundly curative.

Secret Spoonfuls: Confessions of a Sneaky Mom with Kid Pleasing Recipes – CD & Booklet

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Boost and maintain optimum health with simple foods, instead of vitamin pills.

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