The Best Eggnog Recipe Ever; No, I Mean Real Eggnog

I’m not talking about the stuff that comes out of a carton. Yuck!

I mean the kind that’s loaded with live enzymes, nutrient dense vitamins and  of course delicious good cheer.

The most important ingredient is that the ingredients be important.  That is, preferably raw, organic milk and cream and free range egg yolks. Here’s one of my Christmas favorites:

12 free range eggs
6 cups raw milk
2 cups heavy, raw cream
1/2 cup raw honey.  If you don’t like the flavor of honey, consider maple syrup or succanat
2 teaspoons freshly ground nutmeg

Traditional Eggnog Directions

Submerge the eggs (still in the shell) in a large bowl of near boiling hot water plus a few drops of dish soap. As the water cools; wash, rinse then wipe the eggs dry.

Separate the egg yolks, place in a mixer with the honey and beat for 10 minutes.

Allow to cool in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours
30 minutes before you plan to serve, mix the milk into the chilled yolk mixture.If you plan to add brandy, this is the time to incorporate it.
Stir in 1+ 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg.
On high-speed, in a separate bowl, beat the cream until the cream forms stiff peaks.
In yet another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture.
Gently fold the cream into the egg mixture.
Ladle into cups and sprinkle with the remainder of nutmeg.

 

Serves: 8

 

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My Hair Do is From the Pantry;

Or How to Stay Lovely With Wholesome Products

Before venturing on the holistic path to wellness via homeopathy over 25 years ago, I was exquisitely chemically sensitive.    Compelled to examine the ingredients in the products I was using, I discovered that most of them included  unpronounceable and questionable ingredients.

At first, I looked to health food stores for goods that didn’t include chemicals and fragrances, but was disappointed to find that although marketed to the whole health industry, most were only packaged differently; not manufactured purely.

There must be methods that women used before the advent of the beauty market, I reasoned.  Where would a woman look for her beauty products if not in a store? …why the home!  And so  I began an exploration in  my pantry. When we step outside our comfort zone, vistas present.

One of my first considerations was  sugar and water  as a substitute for hair spray… When I was little I had a friend who had a doll with a dress that was stiff .  My friend told me the  dress had been  dipped in a sugar and water mixture that kept the fabric inflexible and in place. It had possibilities, but I  had images of swatting at yellow jackets  at a picnic  in a rigid  1950’s hair do. On to another idea.

Next, I considered a  cornstarch and water mixture.  The same image presented.   And at one point I whipped up egg whites and vinegar and tried to put it  through a misting bottle. ‘Just in case you’re tempted to try this;  don’t.   It doesn’t fit.

So after various trials and errors, I’ve distilled my methods to the few below.  You might try following my  tips that are natural, easy and fun and toss away the chemicals into the kitchen trash on your way to the pantry.  Here are the methods that have worked for me so far.

• I start with a simple , fragrance free shampoo.   I’ve experimented with techniques for using a combination of baking soda, plain castile soap and other fundamental soaps, but find that our harsh , hard water keeps me from successfully using them.   Instead, I rely on Real Purity Shampoo…..(1.800.253.1694),  RealPurity.com.
• Next, I rinse with an ounce or so of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. I keep this mixture in a bottle to which I’ve added 4 pills each of  Silica 6x, Nat mur 6x and  and Kali sulph 6x from Hyland’s Homeopathy at  http://www.hylands.com/cellsalts/. The vinegar removes  soap residue and provides a luster while  the homeopathic remedies  keep the scalp conditioned and the hair thick and healthy.
• After allowing my hair to air dry, I usually set it with hot rollers to give it a little bend and fullness. Here’s the best part.  After years of searching for a gel or spray that didn’t have fragrances and other dubious ingredients, I finally analyzed what the main ingredient was in styling gels.  It’s alcohol.  So I put vodka in a spray bottle!  ‘Easy to use,  fast drying, clean smell…what else did I need?  As I engage each strand of hair, I spritz it with my  80 proof vodka that holds in the roller and then dries instantly for a longer hold.  ‘Love it!
• After  a minute, I remove the roller then  scoop an almond sized lump of 100% coconut oil,  soften it between my hands for a few seconds , then  run it through my hair.  Not unlike other hair conditioners, it  offers shine, manageability and a little volume minus the chemicals.
• Lastly, instead of hair spray, my friend, Nancy shared her secret  of using Aqua Gel; A Real Willard’s Water Product (1.800.447.4793). It’s an aloe vera supplement intended to be eaten daily, but I dip my fingers into it to sculpt and hold specific strands in place. ‘Infinitely better than the commercial version sculpting gel. And it holds all day.

Not only do each of these kitchen products afford me safety and wholesomeness, but they cost a fraction of the price of costly commercial products.  Yet, most of the fun is  in knowing I figured it out on my own.

I’ll bet you have your own homemade products too.  Pretend it’s a pajama party….. and let’s have some fun!  Pass along your natural or homemade beauty secrets.

 

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Gluten Free Bread

(Similar to traditional banana bread)

This recipe allows for almond flour purchased from a health food/gourmet store or  for a more nutritious and alive product follow instructions  below for  *soaked almonds.

2 cups almond flour

3 organic bananas; store frozen bananas kept for just such an occasion

5 free range eggs

3-4 T organic coconut oil

1t vanilla; I make my own. Check forthcoming blog for recipe

1t almond oil extract (optional)

1 t baking soda

¼ t Celtic or other whole salt

¼ to ½ cup organic raisins or other organic dried fruit

½ cup unsweetened dried coconut

¼ cup coconut flour (this is not necessary but adds to the rise and nutrition)

Grind the dried fruit in the food processor until it can be ground no further and  add the remaining ingredients. If too wet, add a bit more coconut or almond flour, being mindful that  if blended too  long, the batter will yield  a more dense bread.  So, easy on the blending.

Butter a glass baking or bread dish, pour in the batter and bake for 50+ minutes, at 340 degrees. Check for completion with a toothpick. Allow to cool a bit before serving.

Lovely with raw butter as an accompaniment to stew. Even though a bit crumbly for sandwiches; it’s still good.

*Soaked Almonds: Place 2 cups of nuts in a bowl and cover with enough water to  cover 2 inches above the almonds. Set out on the counter for 12-24 hours. The next day, drain thoroughly and assemble the almonds on a cookie sheet or 2 to dry in a 100-120 degree oven for 24+ hours or  until they’re thoroughly dry. Try to distribute them one layer only.

When thoroughly dehydrated, the almonds should  be very crispy.  If not, return them to the oven. In a food processor, grind the almonds to a light flour. If the consistency is more like a meal than  flour, you didn’t dry them long enough.   Use them anyway;  it will taste fine, but won’t  yield a bread.

This is a variation on a recipe given to me by my client and friend, Theresa Lasaca

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Thanksgiving Relief

If you eat or drink too much… and feel unwell from it….here are my top 3 picks for quick comfort:

• Nux vomica 30 from your homeopathy kit, every 2 hours up to 4 doses

OR

• Nat phos 6x from your cell salt kit, every 30 minutes or so until improved
OR

• If you don’t own a homeopathy kit, then 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda plus lemon juice of ¼ lemon in 4 ounces of cool water. Drink it down as the mixture fizzes.

Mangia!

May you have a happy, restful and meaningful Thanksgiving, Joette

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Deodorant; If You Want it Done Right, Do it Yourself

‘Looking for a source of high quality deodorant, worthy of your skin and subsequent delicate organs? Why, make it yourself! No need to read ingredients, no need to wonder what they really mean because you are the manufacturer.

Homeopaths recognize that the skin and internal organs are keenly connected. We also understand that anything that’s placed on the skin has the potential of being absorbed and forces the system to distribute. So salves, roll-ons, sprays and creams, particularly placed on a most tender and delicate area of the body are important considerations. Remember, the lymph nodes responsible for battling infection and such are only millimeters away from the underarm area. So, what we apply on our skin must be worthy of our entire system. Here’s a good rule to follow that I teach my students and clients:
If you wouldn’t eat it; don’t wear it!

Below are my favorite ingredients, chiefly because they’re edible, but also because they’re the properties we’re looking for in a quality deodorant. If you have suggestions, especially that would help minimize the liquidly result caused by coconut oil in warm temperatures, please let me know. We’ll adjust the recipe.

1) Let’s begin with coconut oil. It’s a good ingredient choice because it has natural antibacterial properties and is soothing and nourishing to delicate, underarm skin. The only trouble with coconut oil is that it melts in very warm weather, so I recommend keeping it in a tightly sealed container if traveling or in very hot weather. The importance of it in the diet should also be considered, but that’s the subject of another article.
2) Our second ingredient is baking soda which has a reputation for naturally antidoting odor and balancing the acid/alkaline of the skin. ‘Right out of the kitchen pantry!
3) And of course, essential oils have been employed in an effort to reduce odor, so I chose sage because it’s also reputed to have natural antiperspirant properties as well as a pleasing aroma. ‘Very fresh smelling.
4) Cornstarch is an acceptable addition as long as one isn’t allergic to corn. Be sure to buy the organic version. At some point, I’d like to find GMO-free , but for now it works to absorb wetness. I’m still experimenting with arrowroot powder and bentonite clay. ‘Will keep you updated.

Here’s my home made sage deodorant that’s been a staple for my clients for some time:

Homemade Sage Deodorant

• 1 2/3 cup high quality coconut oil, such as from GreenPasture.org
• 1 cup of baking soda
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1-2 drops of sage oil such as from YoungLiving.com
• Deodorant roll-up containers http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/package/product.asp?product_id=botdeod

Gently warm the coconut oil so that it’s either slightly liquid-y or just soft enough to stir easily. Keeping it near the stove before mixing, will accomplish this. Combine all ingredients in a bowl using a spoon. Once thoroughly blended, spoon the mixture into a deodorant stick container and there you have it!

Homemade, inexpensive, gentle, and effective….’Love it!

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Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz

After the extravagances of past decades, we’re finally seeing a shift in thinking with regard to the use of medications. Yes, I know, every other commercial is a company pushing their newest drug. Yet, in spite of this, there is a ground swelling of those who remember life without drugs and recall a healthier world.

Take antacids for example. If we followed the TV ads we see, the magazine and newspaper ads we read, we'd be ingesting these nostrums daily. If indeed they must be ingested day after day, isn’t that cause for questioning the value of these products in the first place?

I say, it is time we consider another method. One of intelligence, efficacy, of time-tested value and purity … that is, of course, homeopathy. Why? Because it doesn’t cover up the problem, it squarely addresses it.

Homeopathy is founded on a firm rock. Its laws and principles are irrefutable, being proven in tests and clinically in hospitals, clinics, nurseries and veterinary offices throughout the world for over 200 years.

So, does homeopathy offer an antacid for the relief of overeating and drinking? You bet! Let’s examine some of homeopathy’s two best-known remedies and how to use them for a little too much at Thanksgiving or an excess of holiday cheer.

Natrum phos 6X is homeopathy’s king of antacids. Tuck a small bottle of it in your purse, diaper bag or glove compartment. Then, any time indigestion hits, toss 3-4 pills directly in the mouth. If no relief is afforded within 15 minutes or so, continue taking in the same manner. In most cases, the indigestion will be resolved within short order. Curiously and as a welcome old friend, the next episode of indigestion will often not be as severe, not last as long and will be fended off for a longer period of time. Further, the cost of these little pills is under $20 and they pack neither side effects nor additives.

Nux vomica 30X is also a remedy one can count on to be efficient and powerful, yet gentle for the relief of reflux. It is used when we have overdone a good thing…too much dip, too many drinks on New Year's Day, too much candy on Halloween. It will antidote the symptoms of heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even irritability, as long as this cluster of symptoms matches.

Even a hangover is a thing of the past with the correct use of Nux vomica. Taken every few hours, it will offer not only relief but do so without side effects. Often the person suffering from indigestion who will benefit from Nux vomica 30X also complains of wakefulness, usually around 3:00 a.m., with the thoughts of the day dancing around in his or her head.

The materia medica of homeopathy has thousands of remedies that have been used since the late 1700s. They are as consistent today as they were when the homeopathic doctors used them then. Homeopathy is not capricious; it doesn’t declare that the latest drug is “the” solution only to have it pushed to the back of the pharmacy shelf within months or years in lieu of the newest hottest catholicon. Better yet; no homeopathic remedy has ever been withdrawn from the market due to subsequent illness that it has caused.

So when you’ve eaten too much turkey or had more than your share of wine consider homeopathy. It may not only relieve your heartburn, but also the irritability that comes from having to withstand the parade of irksome drug commercials during the football game!

I have written more in my latest Ezine. Take a look here is the link to my website where you will find my latest Ezine as well an archive of past ones. Enjoy! http://homeopathyworks.net/newsletters.cfm

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Gingivitis Treat it Naturally With Homeopathy

I love those “itis” diseases. You know, the ones that place “itis” after the noun that determines the location of the disease. Since itis means “inflammation of,” it's easy to determine the disease. Tendonitis = inflammation of the tendons. Tonsillitis = inflammation of the tonsils. Hence, gingivitis = inflammation of the gingiva. By breaking down the word into its components, it not only gives us information, but comfort in knowing that the disease is often not as serious as it sounds.

So it is with gingivitis. Generally, it is not a disease of severity in our world today. There are, however, varying degrees of severity. If it's a mild case, then herbs can be curative.

One of the easiest ways to treat gingivitis is with Myrrh. Yes, the gift given by the king at Jesus' birth. That in itself has value in my book. Another important ingredient is Propolis, which is found in honey. Both are available in high-quality toothpaste purchased from a reputable health food store. Having said this, in my estimation, it's always better to make whatever you can at home. (No hidden ingredients for the sake of shelf life or economy.) If you choose this path, both of these herbs can be purchased in tincture form, again from a health food store. Place 10 drops of each in a glass of water, then swish in the mouth 2-3 times per day, more often if the problem is severe.

So, local measures of treatment are important. However, if the gingivitis is of an ulcerative nature with severe erosion and halitosis, the problem needs to be approached with a greater degree of person-specific treatment. Homeopathic remedies have repeated success in treating this bacterial infection without antibiotics. Let's see what is available.

The key homeopathic remedy for gingivitis is Mercurius sol 30. This is of particular value when the tongue is heavily coated. It should be taken thrice daily for one week. Then one week off and then resumed again the following week. Alternate weeks on and off until results are complete, but no longer than over a period of 2 months. If the tongue isn't coated, then use Nitricum acidum 30 thrice daily in the same fashion.

If improvement is noted but is not complete, it is best to contact a homeopath for an in-person or phone appointment. Homeopathy has the ability to address even the most severe cases of mouth disease. It is safe, gentle, effective and carries no side effects. The next time your mouth speaks of illness, consider homeopathy; the world-accepted medicine worth spreading the word about.

“Health is not random,” says homeopath, Joette Calabrese HMC, CCH. Her book Cure Yourself and Family With Homeopathy and her CDs Perform in the Storm, a Homeopathy First Aid and Secret Spoonfuls; How to get Healthy Foods into Kids Without Getting Caught are collections of experiences as a skilled homeopathic consultant to hundreds.

Her lively, entertaining examples and solutions of what to use for the most common ailments a homeopath is confronted with, have graced national journals such as Homeopathy Today and Wise Traditions. The author, practitioner, and mother splits her time between working with clients throughout the U.S. and abroad and speaking in arenas such as Chautauqua Institute, national radio shows and college campuses. Join her at Homeopathy Works for events, forums and consultations.

‘WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? Feel free, as long as you include this entire blurb with it: “Classical homeopathic practitioner and mother, Joette Calabrese HMC, CCH, teaches women around the world how to take care of their families’ health so that the business of wellness is in their hands. Get her FREE monthly articles and advice at Homeopathyworks.net and click on “newsletter” and download the most recent.

 

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