What is Candida & Candidiasis

Two of us in my family are taking Oregano essential oil in capsules 1-2 times a day and rubbing a mixture of virgin coconut oil and Oregano essential oil together on our feet before bed time for yeast infection. Garlic is also excellent for yeast infections. But, not many of us really want to eat crushed/ whole raw garlic so I plan on making a garlic tincture to take internally probably mixed with honey.

Here's an article I found on Candida:


By Disabled World - 2007-11-15
Candida, or Candida albicans, is a type of yeast that is generally found in the regular flora of the skin, intestinal track and the mouth, rectum, and vagina. Although Candida is naturally present in the body, it can cause problems if there is an overgrowth, resulting in Candidiasis.

* * *

What is Candida and Candidiasis?
Candidiasis is the common name for a condition that results in the overproduction of a form of yeast normally found in the body at low levels.
Candida is not considered anything to worry about; however, recent research has put a spotlight on this form of yeast that is causing the medical profession to reconsider its totally benign assessment of candida. It is inside all of us - in the digestive tract, mouth, and throat. In women, it is also found in the vagina. The most common species of candida is called candida albicans.
When the human body is weakened it is vulnerable to attack. Consider that at all times various bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens are waging an unseen war against the body. Likewise, the immune system is always on guard, waiting for the attack. In response to outside invasion, the body produces various weapons to fight hostile aggression. Sometimes, if the body is weakened through a host of conditions and situations, the immune system cannot do its job properly.
One common condition caused by candida is thrush.
Thrush is a buildup of candida that can effect men and women alike. As many as seventy-five percent of women will experience at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime - caused by an overgrowth of candida.
These common conditions are annoying, but they do not represent the symptoms of chronic Candidiasis. Chronic overproduction of candida can lead to a wide range of physical and mental symptoms. It can manifest as abdominal pain, fatigue, skin infections, and even cognitive difficulties. There appears to be such an extent of problems related to candida overgrowth that candida is often dismissed as a cause.
In chronic Candidiasis, the rapidly multiplying candida changes form. It morphs into its dangerous fungal state and spreads. The fungal form of candida produces rhizoids - hook-shaped barbed appendages that cut into tissue and membranes, causing pain and other harmful symptoms. If not treated, a condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome can develop in the intestinal tract.
Leaky Gut Syndrome allows toxins to leave the digestive tract and feed right into the bloodstream. It is also interesting to note that once someone begins treatment to kill the excess candida growth, the initial reaction to treatment will often result with the patient actually feeling worse! This is due to the fact that the fungal form of candida does not want to die and it fights like heck to survive!
In addition, there are indications that candidiasis can affect people who do not have compromised immune systems. New research has indicated that people who have healthy immune systems can also fall victim to the rhizoid-reach of candida. This is important because it presents a way for science to pinpoint root causes instead of simply treating symptoms.
Candida is most likely responsible for more problems than it is given credit for. Before you start treatment for candida, you should try and read up about the subject and fully understand what is involved. As with anything else, knowledge is power.

Disabled World - Disability News for all the Family: http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/candida_.shtml#ixzz2MiBkuuRN

Tooth Powder

Dear DIYers, herbalists, etc....

How many of you have tried different recipes of making tooth paste/powder? Well, I have and  I think I may have found the one I like. (I  enjoy trying out new recipes for fun and you never know if you'll like one  better than the other.) I recently decided after I saw Neem powder  at the health food store that I would try that in my tooth powder. I recommend only putting a tiny amount since it is bitter. For now, I have just baking soda and Neem plus spearmint and a little bit of Stevia. My plan though is to add a little bit of bentonite clay( supposed to remineralize your teeth), powdered Myrrh gum, and clove essential oil to it. I might powder some Sage that I grew last summer in the garden and add to it, as well. Sage is supposed to whiten teeth. Of course, naturally our teeth are supposed to be slightly off white not yellow or bright white. Oh, and Neem twigs is what they used in India to brush their teeth with at one time. I will include a link to the benefits of Neem and clove essential oil.

http://www.theneempeople.com/neem-bark-powder/

http://www.neemfoundation.org/neem-articles/neem-in-health/neem-cures/dental-care.html

http://www.beeyoutiful.com/clove-essential-oil.html

I think this book would be worth buying: http://www.beeyoutiful.com/the-complete-book-of-essential-oils-aromatherapy.html


http://www.etsy.com/listing/119401535/neem-herbal-clay-tooth-powder  Andrea's sells Neem tooth powder and tells you how to make tooth powder here:  http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/03/the-benefits-of-brushing-with-tooth-powder-and-a-make-your-own-recipe/

What new DIY "thing" or "project" have you made?


Have fun trying something new!


~Karla

Oregano Essential Oil, the King of oils

 If you struggle with a yeast infection why not give this a try. A good probiotic would work great with Oregano essential oil for a yeast infection.

The King of Oils for its across-the-board contribution to internal and external health. Especially in these uncertain economic times, it’s prudent to keep a bottle (or two) on hand to help you avoid extra trips to the internist, dermatologist, allergist, and dentist. Beeyoutiful’s pure, therapeutic Oregano Essential Oil is distilled from origanum vulgare, the oregano plant which grows wild in the Mediterranean region. You will probably not find this oregano in the grocery store. The one labeled “Oregano” in the spice section is in most cases not really oregano. It’s Spanish marjoram (origanum marjoram) which does not share wild oregano oil’s healing abilities.

Hippocrates—the ancient Greek “father of medicine”—knew oregano oil to be a potent agent for reducing pain and inflammation. Its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties enable it to fight off infection of all kinds. The Greek philosopher Aristotle noticed that tortoises who ate snakes, then ate oregano. This appeared to prevent them from being poisoned, so he began to recommend it as an antidote for poison.

Oregano Oil has a strong, spicy, camphorous aroma that can be as uplifting and invigorating as it is cleansing and refreshing. Used for centuries by many civilizations, it's modern day popularity stems from it's volatile oil content and strong purifying properties.Beeyoutiful's Oregano Oil is 100% Pure and Natural and steam distilled from dried flowering tops.

Probably best known as a workaholic in the kitchen, oregano also has many valuable therapeutic uses. In fact, it may well have first been used for its health properties before its seasoning properties were discovered. Ancient Egyptians prized oregano for its ability to disinfect wounds and aid the repairing process. It's also believed that they used it in mummification.

Throughout the centuries, oregano has been used to soothe coughs, calm digestive disorders, relax tension, and relieve sleeplessness. As far as kitchen use, it was the Roman gourmet Apicius who loudly proclaimed oregano to be an important part of his culinary creations, leading it to play an vital part in Mediterranean cuisine. When GIs returned from overseas after World War II, they demanded to have the Mediterranean herb staple in their dishes back home. Their insistence on enjoying this herb is what helped to make it popular in the United States. Today, oregano not only reigns in the kitchen, but also rules in the world of aromatherapy.

Good for Whatever Ails You

The compounds carvacrol and thymol are the oil’s unique, healing ingredients, and its flavonoids provide natural antiseptic action. Oregano oil also contains many minerals such as copper, niacin, and beta-carotene along with essential nutrients and anti-oxidants that some experts believe help to lower blood pressure, help degenerative arthritis, and slow aging.

Some experts recommend calming an upset stomach and mild indigestion by drinking a glass of milk or juice mixed with 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil. Or you can chug it in water (if your lips burn after drinking, apply lip balm or carrier oil for instant relief).*

Try it to ease the sniffling , sneezing, and watery eyes from an allergy attack. Oregano Oil contains rosmarinic acid which acts as a natural antihistamine, reducing fluid buildup and swelling during an allergy episode. Some experts recommend taking a couple of drops internally* while inhaling the vapors from a diffuser, a drop on a tissue held to the nose, or even dissolved in a bowl of steaming hot water.  

Some recommend to boost your immune system, especially during the cold and flu season, with a daily dose of 3 drops 3 times a day.* A European study showed wild oregano to be the best of 70 plants in immune-boosting capability. If you travel on planes or spend time in other enclosed areas, you can’t help but breathe stale, re-circulated air, but regular oregano use will keep your system fit for combating the germy-ness. If you still manage to succumb to the flu, get extra sleep, drink plenty of water, and frequent doses of oregano oil to shut down the illness. Rub diluted Oregano Oil onto the chest (Check for sensitivity first!) to break up mucus and act as an expectorant. If it can be avoided don’t confuse your body with over-the-counter, symptom-treating medications.

Lab tests show that oregano oil treats even strong, antibiotic-resistant superbug staph infections like MRSA. Strep, E-coli, and other bacteria also hate Oregano Oil, which kills bacteria without downside effects such as yeast infections. Oregano oil has even been shown to combat giardiasis. For empatigo or other flesh-eating sores, try applying the diluted oil while taking regular doses internally throughout the day.*

Gargle several times a day with 2 to 3 drops of Oregano Oil in water and then swallow it to help combat a strep throat.* Take 4 drops 4x/day as a remedy for bronchitis,* and breathe vapors from a few drops in a bowl of steaming hot water—preferably with a drop or two of eucalyptus oil added as well. This regimen may be able to help whooping cough because of oregano’s anti-spasmodic effects.

Dilute Oregano Oil with carrier oil for acne, being careful to avoid contact with your eyes. This will help to kill bacteria that aggravates even hormonally-induced acne.

Candida is an overgrowth of fungal yeast in the body which starts in the intestines— often due to use of antibiotics or a diet of processed foods and sugars—and then spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. Oregano oil combats systemic candida and treats yeast-related symptoms such as:

• Nail fungus—Dilute a drop of Oregano Oil with carrier oil and apply regularly to unsightly finger and toenails. Also rub into peeling, fungal athlete’s foot infections.

• Psoriasis and eczema can also be improved for many with regular Oregano Oil treatments.

• Thrush is yeast in the mouth. Gargle and swallow 2 drops of oil in water 3 times a day.*

• Vaginal yeast infections—Remove applicator from half a tampon, soak tampon in olive oil, add 2 or 3 drops of Oregano Oil, replace applicator, and insert. Repeat several times per day. If oregano oil is used around genital area, be certain it is diluted and carefully check for sensitivity ahead of time!

• Dandruff is frequently based in a yeast infection of the scalp. Add a drop of Oregano Oil to a dab of shampoo in your hand, and massage it into the scalp when washing your hair. Or add a few drops of oil to the entire shampoo bottle, and shampoo frequently.

Mouth ulcers and cold sores can respond to oregano oil, also has been an effective remedy for herpes.

Work to neutralize the poison and lessen the pain from bee stings, spider bites, and even snake bites with oregano oil (and see a doctor immediately!) Mix Oregano Oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz liberally to help repel mosquitoes and other irritating bugs.

Research in Turkey, where medical use of oregano oil is common, shows that oregano oil works better than ibuprofen and nearly as well as morphine for controlling chronic pain, making it valuable for arthritis and fibromyalgia sufferers.

As “icky” as it sounds, if you eat any imported fruits and vegetables or have pets, you almost certainly have parasites. These pests cause many symptoms from fatigue to anemia and worse. But before you spend money on expensive parasite cleanses, consider giving your body a few months of oregano oil treatment. Start with two weeks of heavy attack (4 drops in liquid 4x/day). Then scale back to a maintenance dose of 2 or 3 drops 3 times a day. You should notice an improvement in your energy level. The cavacrol and thymol phenols work together for a double punch of microbial power.

Try oregano oil in cooking, too! It makes mouthwatering Italian dishes with just a drop. And the anti-bacterial qualities make it one of nature’s finest preservatives. Used in meat, eggs, milk, or salad, it slows the growth of microbes and reduces the risk of food poisoning.

Directions for Safe Use Diluting with olive, coconut, or another non-petroleum carrier oil is important when using oregano oil externally because full strength it is stout enough to burn the skin (a ratio of 1:4 oregano oil to carrier oil works well). Internally, oregano is generally considered safe by many experts when taken even daily in small amounts (9 to 10 drops per day in juice, water, or milk for adults—half or quarter the amount for children). Taking larger amounts (4 drops 4x/day) for illness should be limited to 2 weeks at a time, and you should take a 2-week break between heavy usages. High levels of prolonged use can damage the liver and kidneys, including reducing the body’s ability to absorb iron. Oregano oil may be put into capsules to avoid the taste. Some health experts discourage the use of oregano oil by pregnant mothers—especially during the first trimester—because it may cause contractions and bleeding. Moderate use after then likely will cause no problems, but it is very important to check with your health care provider to be sure its use is appropriate for you.

The secret to healing well with alternative treatments like Oregano Essential Oil is to jump on a health problem before it gets out of hand, and treat it consistently. Since oregano is not addictive and has no side effects when used in the moderate amounts described above, repeated use is not a problem. So if you have ailments or want to avoid getting them, Oregano Essential Oil will treat you royally.

Important: While most people are not allergic to oregano oil, it is recommended that you test to make sure you’re not one of the few who are. Apply a drop diluted with a bit of olive oil to the inside of your elbow. If there is no reaction after 10 minutes, you are probably not allergic to oregano oil.

Mixes well with: Atlas cedar, basil, bergamot, citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, tea tree, thyme, and wintergreen.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

More information on essential oils, please read the following article: Good Scents of Balance and The Essentials of Essential Oils

Water Fluoridation DVD

Water Fluoridation DVD
You can watch this video free until August 13th.

Nettle Infusion: herbal nutrition with herbal infusions

Sprouting Pics

Have no idea what this is in the first pic. I forgot to label it! Second pic is lentils. They sprouted so well!!!

Sprouting Seeds

Howdy! I thought I'd share this excerpt from a book I have because I am very interested in sprouting my own seeds:)


Taken from the book: Just in Case, How to be self sufficient when the unexpected happens. By Kathy Harrison

I consider sprouting seeds to be one of the cornerstones of the preparedness pantry. They are inexpensive, take up very little room, and do not need any fancy equipment to process. After a diet of canned and dried food, our bodies will crave something green and alive. Sprouts will fill the bill nicely. Sprouts add crunch to sandwiches and a vitamin boost to scrambled eggs and casseroles. They are tasty eaten right out of hand and make a terrific addition to a stir fry. I have even added a handful to bread batter with excellent results.

Sprouts contain vitamins,proteins, minerals, enzymes, and fiber. All of these may be in short supply if you are eating for any length of time out of storage(those who stockpile and there was a crisis for them to eat from their stockpile). If you have a bag of lentils in your pantry, you have what you need to get started.
Most although not all, seeds and beans are good for sprouting. The following list is of the best:

Alfalfa, Amaranth, Barley(hull-less), broccoli,
buckwheat, cabbage, clover, flax, lentils, oats(hull-less), peas, pumpkin, radish, rye, spelt, sunflower, & wheat.

Each sprout has a unique flavor. Lentils and alfalfa are mild, for example, while radish has a bite to it.

As is usually the case, you can purchase rather complicated equipment for sprouting. I have seen a couple of these, and while they look pretty impressive and do a fine job of sprouting seeds, I did not find that they did a better job than I was able to do with a few things I already had in my kitchen. I not only saved a bit of money, but also saved the space a sprouter would take up in my kitchen and that's just as important.

The equipment is as simple as a glass jar, a rubber band, a piece of cheesecloth, and some seeds.

Sort out any foreign matter from the seeds. Soak two tablespoons of seeds in warm water for an hour or two. Drain, then place in a quart jar. Secure piece of cheesecloth around the top with rubber band. Put the jar in a dark cabinet. Two or three times a day, rinse the seeds with warm water, and drain through cheese cloth. In two or three days you will have sprouts. If you leave them in the sun for a few hours, the sprouts will turn a lovely green and will increase their vitamin content. I have started to make my last rinse in very cold water, and the sprouts seem crisper. Harvest sprouts when they are about three times longer than the seed they came from.

There are a couple things to know. Tomato and potato seed sprouts should never be eaten, as they are poisonous. Do not use nay seeds that have been treated with fungicides or pesticides for agricultural use. Bean sprouts have the same protein-binding substance as beans, but they must be cooked for a couple of minutes to make it available.

The biggest challenge will be keeping your sprouts from going sour. You will know by the slimy texture and foul odor that a batch has gone bad and you will need to dispose of it. You really have to be diligent about rinsing you seeds. The problem is that the jar of seeds should be kept in a dark cabinet. I used to forget about them until it was too late I finally set up a system of rinsing my sprouts before each meal. After a few weeks it became a habit, and I rarely forget anymore.

I also had a problem of finding myself sprout deprived. Sometimes I wanted sprouts and they weren't quite ready. I solved that problem by staggering my sprouts, beginning a new batch every other day.

Sprouts will store in a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator or any other very cool. dark spot for a few days. You shouldn't have to throw any out if you get into the habit of popping a few into whatever you are cooking.


Karla's note: they use sprouted seeds in Ezekiel bread. I was sent some Ezekiel bread recipes from my friend, Karen, so if any are interested in making your own let me know and I'd be happy to pass the recipes along:)


Videos on sprouting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoaIpZZfcFc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY2Ezu5GYMo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CVJ9e4SzBo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4n5p1rmTiw


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udiZvl7tLt8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owPgJr3ESng

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-1V4vtV8Yo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqv65dhRgD4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUOu-3gsu6A

More videos on youtube.

Water Kefir

I wanted to let everyone know that I am selling water Kefir grains. If anyone is interested let me know. It is $16 including shipping and handling or if you would like a mason jar to put the Kefir in so you can get started right away once you receive your Kefir then it will be $20 all together with shipping and handling included. Once you buy the grains you won't have to buy them again because if they are healthy they will reproduce and you will have more grains!




Milk Kefir: Milk Kefir vs. Water Kefir

Milk kefir and water kefir are essentially very similar. Both exist in the form of small crystalline grains which can be brewed into drinks and both confer huge health benefits to the people that include them in their diet. The main difference between them – and the reason why many people prefer water kefir – is the difference in versatility between them.

Milk kefir grains were the first kind of grains used to brew drinks. Since they have been around a lot longer, they have had more time to become widespread popularity and are currently well known throughout Russia and Eastern Europe (which is a pretty wide area).

They are also popular in the west, although not yet to the same extent. One of the great limiting factors on milk kefir popularity is the fact that there are many people out there who do not enjoy “milky foods”, or simply cannot digest them.

Water kefir grains provide all of the same health benefits as milk kefir, whilst being much more versatile! It is fun to experiment with them and see just how much they can do. If you start to cultivate your water kefir and then want to make a milk-based drink with them, you can just transfer a few of the grains into some milk. After a brief “lag phase”, the bacteria inside the grains will adjust to living off milk and start acting like milk kefir!

Water kefir grains really are that versatile. Many water kefir enthusiasts also enjoy brewing their grains with grape juice or coconut water, since it opens up whole new avenues of recipes that can be made with the finished drinks.

Many probiotics – the types of foods that, like kefir, contain helpful bacteria – are made from milk products. Pro-biotic yogurts are great, but not if you don’t like yogurt!

Water kefir grains allow you to make probiotic foods without always having to involve dairy, which is something milk kefir grains cannot achieve. They can be brewed into drinks (starting with almost any sugary liquid) or simply eaten, and can benefit almost anyone.

Although milk kefir grains are more widespread, and often easier to come across than water kefir grains, with a little effort it is usually possible to find someone who is happy to send you the things you need to get started making water kefir for yourself.

What is Kefir?

Strictly speaking, Kefir is the substance that exists as “Kefir grains,” that either look like pieces of cauliflower (in the case of Milk Kefir) or like little crystals (in the case of Water Kefir)..

These grains are living colonies of bacteria and yeasts that live in perfect harmony together, and have been around for thousands of years! One day someone discovered that if these strange-looking grains were brewed into a drink, the person that drank it would experience enormous health benefits. The idea soon spread, and Kefir is now popular as a health drink all over the world.


Kefir, which actually means “feel good” in Turkish, is a handcrafted, effervescent, cultured and enzyme-rich probiotic drink that's filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your inner ecosystem.

Drinking Water Kefir may help you achieve your optimal health, strengthen your immune system, and help to prevent diseases of all kinds.

Here's just a some of the MANY benefits of drinking Water Kefir:

Contains a wide variety of good bacteria and beneficial yeasts as well as many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. (including Vitamin c, Vitamin B, and

Has antibiotic and anti fungal properties.

Contributes to a healthy immune system and has been used to help patients suffering from many conditions, including AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, Candida, autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Can stop unhealthy food cravings, especially cravings for sugar and sweet foods. (For some)

Aids in the digestion of all foods.

Has a tonifying affect on the intestines, reduces bloating, and flattens the abdominals!

It appears to cleanse the liver.

Many see changes in their complexion and overall condition of their skin.

Brown liver spots may fade as can skin tags, moles, warts, etc.

With high levels of valuable minerals, including potassium, natural sodium, and chloride, the hair, skin and nails become stronger and have a prettier shine.

It appears to have a beneficial, cleansing effect on the endocrine system (adrenals, thyroid, pituitary, ovaries). Women find that their periods are healthier; some who had experienced early menopause have found this important monthly cleansing returning again.

It increases energy and gives you an overall feeling of good health.

Its tranquilizing effect on the nervous system has benefited many who suffer from sleep disorders, depression, ADHD and autism.

Drinking water kefir regularly can help, promote bowel movement, relieve all intestinal disorders, reduce flatulence and help create an all together healthier digestive system.

It's cleansing effect on the whole body helps to establish a balancing of the insides for optimum health and longevity.

It can also ameliorate eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

It tastes great... and it's a really inexpensive drink to make!


~ I myself have noticed a difference. It definitely detoxifies.

About Foods High in Iron: Nutrition & Healthy Eating | eHow.com

About Foods High in Iron: Nutrition & Healthy Eating | eHow.com