Clay Baths

Unlocking the Healing Power of the Earth

How to Hydrate Clay.

Recipe for a Good Life

Last night I had a wonderful conversation with a good friend. In the course of an hour we both laughed, shared our woes, discussed our creative endeavors and when it was time to say good bye we were in brighter moods -- just as it should be. As we were winding down the evening, she said to me, "If we were neighbors, we would both have messy homes, but beautiful gardens." 

Her words were spontaneous and they resonated. It dawned on me how little we require to create a good life in this world. All we really need are the right ingredients combined together at the right time. Elements as basic as earth and sky; shelter, kinship and food. It is the understanding neighbor across the fence who has a good heart and helping hands. Or a kind soul to share a sunset, from the quiet of the back porch, after a long summer's day. 

It is the people who care enough to be present in our lives year after year, through the joys and the heartaches, whose opinions we grow to trust and count upon that make a good life. We all need people there in the moment with us to make our own recipes work and to prompt us on where our priorities lay. Just like my friend did for me, with her throaty laugh and earnest words, reminding me friends matter, nurtured gardens grow; dust bunnies and dirty dishes will always wait for us.


Lucinda Hodges

Homemade Carrot & Ginger Soup

I prepared a fresh batch of ginger soup from a recipe I found on Reed's Inc. Blog and it is delicious! It was very easy to make. This is a soothing, nutritious soup, that is easy on the palette.

I have always liked the combination of ginger, carrots and oranges. Since I frequently juice fresh, ginger and carrots, this is the perfect soup to make on a day I juice, because I can use the ginger/carrot pulp from the juicer to make this soup. 

A few other observations: I thought 1/3 cup of fresh ginger might overwhelm the soup, but it doesn't. In season, you could easily substitute butternut squash for the carrots, and sweet red peppers would add a nice flavor to this soup. The cream adds richness but you don't need heavy cream for this recipe to work. 

Bowl of Ginger Soup, ready to eat.

I also changed the recipe slightly. While I sauteed the onions I placed the ginger and carrots together in my food processor and pulsed them, rather than mince them by hand. Once the onions were translucent I added the carrot/ginger mix, then the chicken stock and simmered for 15 minutes, turned off the heat and let it sit for another 15 minutes. Then I poured the mix into my food processor, gave it whirl, put it back in the sauce pan and added the fresh orange juice I had made in my juicer. That was a nice touch to have fresh squeezed orange juice. A dash of cinnamon, a dash of spike, a little cream and it was done! 

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup minced onion

1/4 cup minced peeled fresh ginger

3 cups (or more) chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth

4 cups sliced peeled carrots (about 1 1/2 pounds)

1 cup orange juice

1/2 cup half and half

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup matchstick-size strips peeled carrot (for garnish; optional)

1 tablespoon matchstick-size strips peeled fresh ginger (for garnish; optional)

Preparation

Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and 1/4 cup minced ginger and saute until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 3 cups chicken stock and 4 cups sliced carrots. Cover and simmer until carrots are tender, about 30 minutes.

Working in batches, puree mixture in blender or processor. Return soup to saucepan. Mix in orange juice, then half and half. Cook over low heat 5 minutes. Mix in ground cinnamon. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing, thinning with more stock if necessary.) Ladle soup into bowls. Top soup with carrot and ginger strips, if desired, and serve.

Bon Appetite!

Lucinda

Frugal Travel

How to Vagabond Around America on Five Dollars a Night or Less

Flathead Lake,  Montana "The world is a book; and those who do not travel read only a page." Saint Augustine      I love to travel, especially when I can enjoy it in the time honored tradition of the vagabond: with few restrictions, free to wander, following my bliss.  But, like many people I am constrained by physical and financial limitations which can make getting around America a real challenge. Over the years I have discovered my passport to vagabonding on the cheap is an America the Beautiful –  National Parks and Federal  Recreational Lands Pass. The Access Pass is free to all disabled or impoverished Americans. It is a lifetime pass to the Federal Park System. To obtain your own Access Pass simply apply in person at any Federal Park, Forest Service or Recreational Area. Bring along your basic documents; a letter from your doctor or from Social Security will suffice. For complete details look here. I have been using my Access Pass for about twelve years. With your own Access Pass you can enter all of the National Parks in America at no cost. That benefit alone saves you $25.00 in entrance fees every time you visit a National Park. Once you are inside the National Park, or any pubic lands, the Access Pass will save you 50% on camping fees. Currently camping fees range from $10.00 to $50.00 a night depending on the amenities offered. A wilderness or primitive campsite, which provides a place to park, picnic table, tent area, running potable water and no flush latrines will cost a mere $5.00 a night with your pass -- now that is my idea of frugal lodging and your room is sure to come with a view. In addition, most state parks will honor the Access Pass and give you the same 50% discount. Since state parks are generally less expensive than the federal parks a primitive camp site fee in a state park can be as little as $3.00 or $4.00 a night, or even free, depending on the state. So, if you are ready to sing the song of the open road, now is the time to get equipped with an America the Beautiful Access Pass, a reliable vehicle and some basic camping gear. Your great escape awaits you! Vagabonding Basics: Lake McDonald, Glacier Park With 58 National Parks in America, encompassing 84 million acres of land, along with 190 million acres of Forest Service land, divided into: 155 National Forests, 9 National Grasslands, 1 National Tall Grass Prairie, and 2,387 campgrounds  -- there is vast array of camping and recreational choices for the frugal traveler. And this is just within the federal lands system. For example, New York has 5,344 campsites in the state park system and camping is free of charge to everyone with an Access Pass. So, don't overlook state parks as a resource when researching your next excursion. But, ultimately, the best way to determine which of these options is right for you; is to know your purpose for traveling and be realistic about your limitations. For instance, if you are severely, chemically sensitive and need to avoid chemical exposures the National Forests are the place for you. Remember, the National Forest is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. These lands are managed as multi-use lands and no fee camping is permitted for ten days at a time. So for a frugal traveler, who prefers isolation from other campers, the National Forest with close to 200 million acres, offers nearly limitless possibilities. Using the National Forests These lands are your National heritage, maintained with your tax dollars, and are, essentially, free for all Americans to enjoy regardless of income. If you do decide to camp on National Forest land, you will be giving up the amenities of a campground, but you are gaining open space, well away from people, their campfires and other potential environmental irritants. There are many informative websites which will help you determine where you want to camp and recreate on the National Forests. But, once your vehicle is packed, and you are on the road, always drop in at the Regional Forest Service Office or local Ranger Station. Nothing replaces time sensitive, firsthand, knowledge of a locale. These outposts are generally staffed by friendly, informative people. It is their job to make your stay on the National Forest a good one and most Forest Service employees are more than happy to oblige. To assist them in assisting you, be specific when you ask questions. If you want to find a good place to camp, which is close to a paved road and no more than ten miles from a grocery store then be sure to state that. Without specifics they can't know what your looking for. You also want to ask about other activities in the area that you may want to avoid. Are herbicides being sprayed? Are there cell towers or high voltage power line encroachments? What about cattle grazing? Is there logging or oil and gas exploration in the area? Are all terrain vehicles permitted? Are there any upcoming events that will be held on the National Forest that could impact your plans? And don't forget to ask about the activities you want to enjoy while camping. If it is your heart's desire to pick berries, harvest mushrooms, wild craft herbs, try your hand at fishing, or float the river, ask if you need a permit and where to go on the forest lands to enjoy these pursuits. They will provide you with maps, brochures and permits -- most of which will be free, or for a very nominal fee. And last, but not least, find out if there are any current problems with wildlife, fire restrictions, flood warnings, or road closures in the vicinity. If you are planning to camp alone, inform the rangers of that fact and what your itinerary is. And use common sense; if you are allergic to mosquitoes don't plan to camp a week in the Mosquito Creek Valley. Pay attention to the flora, fauna, climate and geography where you plan to camp. A little, prudent, preparation will make your vagabonding experience much more enjoyable. National Parks Rock! Our National Parks are the crown jewels of our natural world. Unlike, the National Forests, the Federal Parks are operated by the Department of the Interior, with an entirely different purpose and mission. The National Park Service's mission is to conserve nature, Inside Lake McDonald Lodge protect wildlife and maintain the historic objects within the boundaries of each National Park. To accomplish this, the National Park Service restricts how we are able to utilize the land. For the frugal traveler, this means camping outside of designated campgrounds is strictly prohibited and fervently enforced.  There are other significant differences in experiencing the National Parks compared with the National Forests. The Parks are treasured destinations for people throughout the world. Every National Park I have visited has at least one, grand, historic lodge. These lodges are typically the focal point of human activity in the park and are magnificent examples of rustic architecture - a sight to see - as much as the nature and wildlife surrounding them. They also boast enormous fireplaces which are used year round. So, if you are affected by wood smoke, sight seeing in these areas is going to be problematic. The same will be true for the campgrounds: in the summer season each campground will be full to capacity, reservations are highly recommended and there will be a camp fire burning at nearly campsite. So, if you have asthma, which is triggered by wood smoke, the National Parks are going to be troublesome. You will be much more comfortable day tripping through the Park and camping outside of the Park boundaries in the National Forest. Even so, the National Parks are truly a vagabonders delight. Designed to facilitate your enjoyment of the wonders of nature, by providing visitor and interpretative centers, access to historic sites, wildlife viewing, while also catering to your desire for creature comforts. If you are in need of a hot shower, a gourmet meal with a fine wine, or simply an evenings entertainment,  the National Park Service, provides all of these conveniences, via private concessionaires. There are also outdoor amphitheaters offering, evening slideshows, short films, sing-a-longs and even cowboy story telling or Native American cultural opportunities. Our National Park's excel at blending the best of both worlds. You won't be bombarded by constant advertising or televisions blaring cable news inside the confines of a National Park. You will see families playing board games, reading and relaxing on rustic terraces and cavernous hotel lobbies with expansive views. And, to be true to their mandate; economy rooms, cabins and family style buffets are offered in every National Park. So, if you can afford a night at the Motel 6, you will be able to afford a night in one of America's grand lodges. There is no doubt, our Parks provide a unique cultural and social scene all their own. Something, I firmly believe everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. So, if the call of the wild has roused your spirit of adventure and you are ready to enter into the world of frugal traveling be sure to bring along a free spirit, an eager heart, and an open mind. Be receptive to new people and experiences, while remaining flexible to what poet Walt Whitman calls, "the rudeness of the Earth."  In this way, you will discover a whole new traveling experience beckons you to come forth and -let go- deep within the heart and soul of mother nature. As of the spring of 2011 the Access Pass is still available, but Congress has considered eliminating the program. Thanks to public out cry the program has survived. But, if you want an Access Pass, I would get one ASAP. Article and photos by Lucinda Hodges

Poor Man's Chelation

Not long ago I discovered a couple great tasting recipes for "poor man's chelation" using cilantro. Studies have found that fresh cilantro is able to remove heavy metals, including mercury, from the central nervous system. Cilantro, also known as coriander or Chinese Parsley, is a common spice used in Middle Eastern and Mexican cooking. Both the leaves and stems can be used in the following recipes. You need to eat at least 2 two teaspoons of pesto everyday for three weeks. This is enough to remove toxic metals like lead, mercury and aluminum from your body. Instead of the pesto you could also toss fresh cilantro into a fresh salad or homemade salsa.

In addition to the cilantro you may wish to consider taking chlorella. 1 gram = 4 tablets, 3-4 times a day. Chlorella is an anti-viral containing various peptides. It is known to bind to all known toxic metals, even environmental ones like Dioxin. It is easily absorbed, restores bowel flora and strengthens the immune system. Cilantro will carry out the heavy metals, while the Chlorella works to take care of what's been released by carrying it into the urine and out of the body. Chlorella needs to be taken thirty minutes before ingesting the pesto.

As with any detox it is important to give your body lots of good support, be sure to keep up on your vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C for immune support. Please note, Vitamin C needs to be taken as far away from the Chlorella as possible, such as after meals. The addition of raw walnuts and brazil nuts to your diet will provide a natural replacement for the Magnesium, Zinc and Selenium that will be chelated. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of filtered water. If at any time you experience a reaction, stop immediately, it’s a sign your body is chelating too quickly.

Cilantro Chelation Pesto
2 cups packed fresh cilantro [coriander, Chinese parsley] [vitamin A]
2/3 cup flaxseed oil
4 cloves of garlic
1/3 cup brazil nuts [selenium]
1/3 cup sunflower seeds [cysteine]
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds [magnesium]
4 tablespoon lemon juice [vitamin C]
2 teaspoons of dulse powder
sea salt to taste
 

Process the cilantro and flaxseed oil in a blender until the cilantro is chopped. Add rest of ingredients except of sea salt and mix until finely blended into a paste. Add a pinch of sea salt and blend again. Store in dark glass jars if possible. It freezes well, so purchase in season and fill enough jars to last thru the year. Cilantro has been proven to chelate toxic metals from our bodies in a relatively short period of time. Combined with the benefits of the other ingredients, this recipe is a powerful tissue cleanser. Two teaspoons of the pesto daily for three weeks is purportedly enough to increase the urinary excretion of mercury, lead, and aluminum, thus effectively removing these toxic metals from our bodies. Consider doing this for 3 weeks at least once a year. The pesto is DELICIOUS on toast, baked potatoes, and pasta.

*Note: one bunch of cilantro is equal to approximately 2 cups

Cilantro Pesto
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove of garlic
1 cup almonds or other nuts
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Process cilantro and olive oil in a blender or food processor until the cilantro is chopped. Add remaining ingredients and process to a lumpy paste. [you may need to add a touch of hot water and scrape the sides of the blender.] You can change the consistency by altering the amounts of the olive oil and lemon juice, but keep the 3:1 ratio of oil to juice. [freezes well, so make up plenty]

Kathy Fitzpatrick

Making Salt

Ghandi and the 1930 Salt Satyagraha: A Spring Walk Worth Remembering

Mahatma Gandhi once walked 240 miles to make salt at the edge of the Arabian Sea. It was an act of treason. A way to subvert British rule. It was classic civil disobedience: a simple, deliberate act of life sustaining labor designed to thwart an unjust rule of law. 

Every person requires salt to live and yet it was illegal in 1930′s India for any Indian to harvest salt from the sea. Salt was taxed and sold only by the British. By controlling a necessity of life the British were able to exert control over the majority they ruled.

Gandhi understood the power of simplicity over the power of tyranny. He wielded that power with grace and precision. He made salt. He spun his own cloth. He founded an ashram. He walked his talk, and ruled a nation. There was power in reclaiming HIS right, to sustain HIS life, in HIS own way.

As almost any chemically injured person will tell you the very first thing we lose with this disease is control. The loss of power often follows the loss of control, and if we lose the ability to work, medical bills mount as assets dwindle. Toxic homes push the most severely effected of us outside to live alone in cars, or worse. It ain’t pretty and yet somehow against all odds most of us — not all — but most of us, survive to eventually find some semblance of stability in our lives.

So, how do we do it? How do we fight back and reclaim our lives? There are as many answers to that question as there are chemically injured people. We each find our own chosen way.

I believe there is a bit of Mahatma Gandhi in everyone of us. Gandhi made salt. Some of you make soap, create jewelry, gaze at the stars, carve wood, write poems, practice photography, quilt, paint, build websites, write legal briefs, or simply listen and provide vital emotional support. 

These are all equivalent acts of simplicity, creativity, frugality and subversion. One act no greater than the other. Each as potentially empowering as The 1930 Salt Satyagraha, which began on March 12th, and ended at the Arabian Sea on April 6th, 1930. A spring walk worth remembering.

Lucinda Hodges

originally published in 2006, Pariah, A Healing Journal

Quercetin, Another Super Antioxidant

So, there is truth in the old adage, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  I have been reading about quercetin in the book, Natural Detoxification, The Complete Guide to Clearing Your Body of Toxins, by Dr. Jacqueline Krohn. Quercetin is one of those marvels of nature. It can't be manufactured in a factory, it is grown in our orchards, kissed by sunshine and blessed by rain. It is the source of that wonderful color in apples, cherries and grapes. And, it is a powerhouse for good health.

But what the heck is quercetin in terms of science and human health? As I have learned from my reading, it is a plant based flavanoid, or bioflavanoid, which means it is a plant pigment. Flavanoid's are the substances which give plants color, they are frequently found in the rind or skin of fruits and vegetables. They are also common in teas, dark chocolate and wines. Quercetin is also produced in pineapples, broccoli, green peppers Italian squash, red and yellow onions, tomatoes, cayenne pepper, garlic.

I started taking quercetin as a supplement about a year ago for its anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effects. But, I had no idea it was such a powerful antioxidant until I read this in Dr. Krohn's book, "One of the most powerful anticancer substances discovered to date, quercetin prevents damaging changes in the cells that initiates cancer. It also helps inhibit the spread of cancer cells. In addition, quercetin keeps blood from thickening and forming clots. The pain-promoting inflammatory substances that are produced in the the body by rheumatoid arthritis and colitis are blocked by quercetin." Here are some more factoids from the book: 

Quercetin Aid to Detoxification

• extremely potent antioxidant
• inhibits the production of free radicals
• accelerates the production of detoxifying enzymes that rid the body of carcinogenic toxins
• interferes with an enzyme that neutralizes cortisone, the natural anti-inflammatory produced by the body
• a powerful antihistamine
• helps protect and potentiate vitamin C
• prevents free radicals from oxidizing LDL, the "bad" cholesterol

• prevents nerve, eye and kidney damage in people with diabetes by blocking the accumulation of sorbitol.

The recommended dosage is 400 mg., between meals, two to three times a day.

Lucinda

Melatonin: Master Hormone & Powerful Antioxidant

~Melatonin is released from the "seat of the soul" in the center of the brain. 

~Melatonin secreted by the pineal gland in the brain acts as an endocrine hormone. 

~Melatonin is also produced in the retina and GI tract.

~Marijuana circulates melatonin in our bodies.

~Melatonin reduces oxidative stress and is a free radical scavenger.

~Melatonin stimulates antioxidant enzymes in the brain and the synthesis of glutathione.

~Children born to older Mom's may be born deficient in melatonin. 

~Melatonin strongly influences the immune system by preventing infections and cancer. 

 

~Anemia may respond to taking doses of 10 mg or higher each night.

~Melatonin may prevent memory loss and Alzhiemer's by preventing amyloid deposits in the brain and neuron death.  

~Melatonin has a synergistic effect on other antioxidants and will enhance the function of vitamin's A & C.

~Melatonin improves thyroid function in perimenopausal women.

~Melatonin is effective in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Need to know how much melatonin to take to get a good night's sleep? Begin with a dose of 3 mg, or whatever dose you are already accustomed to and take it about 30 minutes before bedtime. Then double the dose each evening until you are sleeping through the night. Stay at that dose. If you are feeling a hangover affect in the morning taper back one dose.

Sweet Dreams,


Lucinda Hodges

I retrieved many of these facts from an article, Melatonin Marvels, written by Dr. Ramsy NMD. Originally posted on Dragonfly Dreaming, Two Sisters Blogging

Making and Using Native American Medicine Bundles and Bags

Symbols of connections,

With allies of the earth.

Medicine to heal us

And give us rebirth.

Talents to honor,

Abilities to praise,

Strength and compassion

Guide our Medicine ways.

By Jamie Sams

For generations Native American Indians have used traditional medicine bundles and bags. Each bundle and bag was assembled and passed on according to the reason for its creation. Some were handed down from warrior to warrior, others from shaman to shaman. These medicine bundles and medicine bags became living histories of Native American people, their clans and their experiences across generations.

Adapting this Native American tradition to contemporary life can be a meaningful way to strengthen our own inner intuition and build strong bonds with extended family. A way of retaining memories for ourselves and lending positive influence to the lives of those we care about and want to connect with. And of course, a source of strength for our own personal healing.

Making your own personal medicine bag

A personal medicine bag is for you alone and should not be shared as a whole with others. The idea is to place items in a small pouch or bag over time that have meaning to you: a shell you were attracted to on a sunset stroll on the beach; a seed pod from your favorite shade tree; a button from a prized dress. Items may be individually wrapped in cloth or leather to protect and preserve them. The bag does not need to be a traditional leather bag and should be kept in a place that is all your own. A small pouch can be worn or carried with a chosen item from your personal medicine bag. Over time you will develop a sense of when and why an item belongs in your personal medicine bag.

Making Medicine Bundles

Medicine bundles can be personal for your own use, or made for a particular purpose and passed on. Again, the bundle does not to be made of leather and traditional materials. Any valued piece of cloth folded together and tied with a ribbon will do. Reusing the lining from a worn winter coat or sewing pieces of favorite material together for a bundle are good choices. The idea is to use what is already around you and not buy new items. I like to use river willow branches and fold cloth over the branches, tied with bits of ribbon or strips of

leather, to give the bundle shape. Willows are plentiful where I live and I pass by them on every walk I take along the river banks. Use what you see and may be taking for granted in your everyday world. Use the time you spend making a bundle to reconnect with the natural world surrounding you.

Rites of Passage

Medicine bundles and bags are most appropriately given and utilized during times of change: a child leaving home for the first time; a soldier departing for war; a friend or sisters first pregnancy. When you make a bundle for another person think of the purpose of the bundle and what message you want to give them with the bundle. For a soldier going to war items that evoke protection and strength would be chosen. To make a medicine bundle for healing, choose items that are medicinal, valued, and which hold deep spiritual meaning would be called for. If you are making a bundle to pass down to your child, or children, you want the items you give to have meaning to your family. Removing an item from your own personal medicine bag and placing it in the bundle would be appropriate for a medicine bundle for a son or daughter. Writing a poem, enclosing a personal letter, including an old family photograph or a container of seeds from your favorite perennials in your garden, are all good ways to give of yourself and share something tangible of who you are with your family.

Sacred Space and Respect

Be sure to honor yourself by only making and giving a medicine bundle or bag to a person who appreciates and respects you. Someone who will honor and understand the unique spirit and nature of the gift. This is particularly important for those of us coping with our own injuries and illnesses. Many of us have lost the support of our own families and friends. Other's have lost possessions and their own sacred space escaping toxic homes and fleeing environmental catastrophes. We understand acutely how fragile life can be. Use the power of making medicine bundles and bags wisely and you will be able to strengthen your own personal healing and create new allies. To give some part of yourself is the most precious thing we have to offer. In today's consumer driven world these are the most prized possessions we have, our sacred space, memories and experiences. The very essence of who and what we are and hope to become may be contained in medicine bundles and bags.

By Lucinda Hodges

Originally published in Pariah, A Healing Journal