Grinding Grain

Howdy! I just thought I'd share these pictures I took of my brother grinding wheat with our Country Living Grain mill. He had wanted to give grinding a try.

Our grain mill is held in place by c clamps instead being bolted down.

Hope everyone has a blessed day!`


Sincerely,

Karla

A Healthy, Delicious Punch

This is very good, different, but delicious!

Makes 2 quarts
juice of 6-8 lemons
1/2C Rapadura (Turbinado sugar- Sugar in the Raw is one brand or Zulka Morena which is a natural, non gmo cane sugar/cane juice crystals)
1/2C whey
1/2tsp grated nutmeg
2 quarts of filtered water

 Punch comes from the Hindu word meaning "five", because it was made with five ingredients. During colonial days in America, the five ingredients were water, sugar, tea, and liquor. The earliest description, in a poem thought to have been written by Samuel Mather in 1757, calls for water, sugar, lemon juice, grated nutmeg, and a small amount of "spirit." We substitute Rapadura(which was the type of sugar in India) sugar and whey(which would of been readily available in India) for "spirit." The result is a delicious non-alcoholic fermented drink.

Place all ingredients in a 2 quart glass container. Cover tightly and leave at room temperature for 2-3 days. Skim off any foam that may have risen to the top. Cover tightly and refridgerate. The punch will develop more flavour over time.

~Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Morrel and Mary Enig

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

Old Fashioned Sour Cream Dressing

1/2C sour cream
2tbs vinegar ( I use Heinz salad vinegar or white vinegar but you can use any kind you prefer)
1/2tsp salt
2tbs sugar
paprika (I use it according to taste)

Beat all ingredients together till mixture is stiff(also when sugar is dissolved). Serve with shredded cabbage or as dressing for salads.

This is one of my absolute favourites!

~This recipe is taken from Beverly Lewis's Amish Heritage Cook Book~


Enjoy!


~Karla

Like A Garden

From "Before You Meet Prince Charming" by Sarah Mally


In many ways your heart is like a garden. It needs to be protected and kept clean. The good- the beauty, placed there by our heavenly Father- needs to be nurtured. Any pollution needs to be removed. And all enemies- and there are many coming in all shapes and forms must be kept away.

A truly guarded heart must have no vacancies- no empty spaces that need to be filled, no voids that leave open places and room for the enemy to get in. When God asks for our heart, He asks for all of it. He wants to fill every part with Himself. He completes us. Only when we are completely satisfied with Him will we be able to selflessly give of our lives for others.

I hope this is a blessing to you!



Have a blessed night!



Because He lives,

Karla

Learning Patience

This actually goes with the post I did last week"Grabbers, Hidden Flowers, and Princesses."

 Patience is crucial. Even when a little pressure is kind, polite, and thoughtful, it still is taking control.
A Caution: Desperation leads to becoming a grabber.

-From "Preparing To Be A Help Meet" by Debi Pearl

Peanut Butter Cookie Cereal

Peanut Butter Cookie Cereal

• 3 cups tap water ( I use purified water from our Berkey)
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour or Wheateena or bulgur or cracked wheat
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (Or Turbinado sugar)
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Measure the water into a medium sized saucepan. Carefully stir in the whole wheat flour with a whisk or a fork. Stir until the flour is dissolved in the water. Add the sugar, peanut butter and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, it will need a lot of stirring. Reduce the heat and continue stirring for 3 to 5 minutes. The cereal should thicken up and smooth out. Serve in bowls with milk at the table. This recipe serves 4 or 5 people depending on appetite. Kids usually like this cereal a lot because of the peanut butter. It is a good choice for small children because it is so smooth, remember to cool it down though, so no one gets burned. Older children who are kicking the cold cereal habit are likely to enjoy this one particularly.


Recipe from: Hillbilly Housewife