What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is an effective natural bacteria-fighting agent that contains many vital minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine that are vital for a healthy body. 

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is made by crushing fresh, organically grown apples and allowing them to mature in wooden barrels. This boosts the natural fermentation qualities of the crushed apples, which differs from the refined and distilled vinegars found in supermarkets. When the vinegar is mature, it contains a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called mother, which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light. The mother can be used to add to other vinegar to hasten maturity for making more Apple Cider Vinegar. 

Natural vinegars that contain the mother have enzymes and minerals that other vinegars in grocery stores may not have due to over-processing, over-heating, and filtration. For this reason, it is recommended that you purchase only unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar, with an ideal acidity (pH) level of 5 to 7, this health drink is a natural probiotic.

What are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful natural cure for a number of ailments which usually require antibiotics and other medications that have a number of side effects. In particular, Apple Cider Vinegar has been known to:

• Reduce sinus infections and sore throats
• Balance high cholesterol
• Cure skin conditions such as acne
• Protect against food poisoning
• Fight allergies in both humans and animals
• Prevent muscle fatigue after exercise
• Strengthen the immune system
• Increase stamina
• Increase metabolism which promotes weight loss
• Improve digestion and cure constipation
• Alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout
• Prevents bladder stones and urinary tract infections

Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar:

General Health Problems:

Weight Loss

The use of apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for weight loss is centuries old. D.C. Jarvis, M.D maintained that an overweight person could lose weight gradually by taking 2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water before meals.

Bad Breath

Due to its anticeptic properties, Apple Cider Vinegar makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath or halitosis. Simply add 2 teaspoons of ACV into a cup of water and gargle the mixture in your mouth for 10 seconds at a time and spit the solution out. Repeat until the cup is empty. 

Body Odor

Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective body odor remedy, since it can help adjust the skin's pH level which helps to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. For armpit odor, simply wipe them once each morning with undiluted apple cider vinegar (using a cotton ball). For foot odor, fill a pan with warm water and add 1/3 cup of ACV, then let your feet soak in this mixture for 15 minutes once per week. 

Skin Problems and Infections:

Acne

Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural cure for acne. Apply a solution of apple cider vinegar and water (2 tablespoons to 1 eight ounce glass of water) with a cotton ball several times a day. This will help reduce infection and dry out inflammation.

Age Spots

Apple Cider Vinegar contains sulfur that fights the effects of aging, which makes it suitable for treating age spots. Apply daily, to these darkened areas of the skin, a solution containing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of onion juice. According to this home remedy, the spots should begin to fade within 2 weeks.

Cellulite

Many women have found that Apple Cider Vinegar can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

Yeast Infection

Apple Cider Vinegar has been found to be an effective treatment for yeast infections. 

Stomach Problems:

Heartburn

This usually occurs after eating, sometimes up to two hours later. This very unpleasant feeling can be alleviated by taking 2 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar in 8 OZ of water, taken three times a day before meals.

Constipation

Apple Cider Vinegar is frequently used as a natural cure for constipation. 

Diarrhea

There are various causes for diarrhea, and although it should not be left untreated, it is often a natural way for the body to rid itself of harmful compounds and ingested materials. Apple Cider Vinegar is a fantastic natural remedy for diarrhea since the high pectin concentration acts as a protective coating which soothes the irritated lining of the colon. A suggestion is to add 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to a large glass of water, and drink this 3 times daily while the symptoms persist.
 

Major Illnesses:

Diabetes

Apple Cider Vinegar may help to control high blood sugar levels, which is why it is often used as a natural treatment for Diabetes.

How to take it?

For daily maintenance, weight loss and pH balancing:

• 2 teaspoons in 8 oz of water 3x a day (taken before your meals) 

For treating an acute condition like acid reflux, cough, bronchitis, or sore throat:

• 2 Tablespoons in 8 oz of water 3x a day (taken before your meals) .

To help with the taste you can always add a teaspoon of raw honey. 

Tell us in the comments below how you use apple cider vinegar.

 CALLING ALL CABBAGE LOVERS!

I have a tasty, happy-healthy recipe and it's packed with nutrition!

(EASY RECIPE BELOW)

Cabbage is an economical and versatile vegetable that is easy to find in any supermarket and it gives you a huge nutritional value. This vegetable can be eaten cooked or raw, or pickled 

( See my Sauerkraut recipe here ) 

Cabbage provides many health benefits. In fact, cabbage is rich in various phytonutrients and vitamins like vitamin A, C & K. These all are natural antioxidants, which help prevent cancer and heart disease inducing free radicals.

Cabbage is also a good source of dietary fiber, providing nearly 15 percent of daily recommended dietary intake. Fiber is very important for ensuring the body’s digestive system is functioning at optimum level. 

Some positive health benefits of cabbage are as given below:

1. Prevent cancer growth
   Cabbage contains several cancer fighting properties, including lupeol, sinigrin, diindolylmethane (DIM), indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and sulforaphane, which may help trigger enzyme defenses and inhibit tumor growth. 
2. Treat peptic ulcers
   Cabbage is one of the best natural remedies for stomach ulcers (called peptic ulcers). A study at the Stanford University School of Medicine found that fresh cabbage juice is very effective in treating peptic ulcers. The anti-ulcer properties of cabbage are due to the high glutamine content in it.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
   Cabbage is good source of the amino acid glutamine and is believed to help those who are suffering from any type of inflammation.
4. Boosts immune system
   Due to its high amount of Vitamin C, cabbage helps strengthen the Immune System and help the body fight against free radicals.
5. Prevent cataract risk
   Cabbage is also high in beta-carotene which helps protect against age-related macular degeneration and prevent cataracts.
6. Weight loss
   Cabbage is a great diet choice for those who are looking to lose weight. One cup of cooked cabbage contains just only 33 calories. 
7. Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
   Recent research has shown that eating red cabbage may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.  Red cabbage contains vitamin K and anthocyanin, an antioxidant to help reduces plaque on the brain, thus can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Relieve constipation
   The high fiber content in cabbage helps stimulate the digestive system, and thus ... well let's just say everything with be moving along smoothly. :)
9. Skin care
   The antioxidants in cabbage help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.
10. Relieve muscle soreness
    Cabbage contains lactic acid which known to help relieve muscles soreness.

To obtain the most health benefits of cabbage, avoid overcooking cabbage since it decreases its nutritional value especially vitamin C and the remaining nutrients will become more difficult to be digested. Cabbage can be eaten in various ways such as boiled, steamed, sauted, stir-fried or even roasted. But cabbage is most nutritious when eaten raw, or fermented as in Sauerkraut. 

EASY IDEA: Add sliced or grated raw leaves in vegetable salad for more taste.

Here is one of my new "easy" favorites. It makes a great side dish or add in some bratwurst for a complete meal!!!  I hope you get to try it soon! Let me know what you think! Live Well- Debbie 

CABBAGE-N-BACON DISH  Ingredients:

3 or 4 strips bacon, finely chopped    

 *Important: Look for bacon that is cured with naturally occurring salts, rather than the usual method of curing meat with synthetic sodium nitrates/nitrites. 

1/2 medium organic onion, chopped 

1/2 head organic cabbage, chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 TBSP white wine vinegar (optional)  

Directions:
Fry bacon until crisp and well browned.

Remove from pan and add chopped onion to the bacon grease and heat for 1 minute then add vinegar.

Add cabbage, pepper flakes, salt and pepper, stirring until all cabbage is coated.

Add the crumbled bacon bits and cover.

Cook over low heat until cabbage is tender. (about 10 minutes)
        If desired add grilled Brats for a great meal!

YUMMMMM!!!!

FOR ANTS ONLY!

I  know- this isn't a happy-healthy recipe for ants...

But it might make you happy to finally be rid of them!

I came across this idea and just had to share it with you! Eating organic and staying away from herbicides and pesticides is a big priority for me and my family. When I can find an alternative to harmful pesticides- It definitely makes me HAPPY! Here is a LOW COST method to get rid of ANTS once and for all. 

Instructions:
~One Cup Sugar
~THREE Tablespoons Boric Acid or Borax Laundry Soap
~THREE Cups of Warm Water

Mix the Sugar and Boric Acid together and slowly add the warm water, stirring all the time so the mixture will not get lumpy. Store it in a sealed jar and whenever you see ants simply take a used soda bottle or milk jug lid. Put a cotton ball in the lid and saturate the cotton ball with your sugar and boric acid mixture. It will not take much, just enough to fill the lid, if you spill any over the edge leave it, this will only attract the ants even more.

When you see the ants drinking the mixture, DO NOT kill them, let them drink and take the mixture back to the colony. This should kill the entire colony. In a day or two the entire colony should be gone. 

WARNING: If you have small children or pets make certain they cannot get to this mixture since Boric Acid is harmful if ingested. 


B.T.W. If ants don't have you down, but roaches do- Try this idea- 

1). Mark off all studs in each room so that you know where they are (simple pencil mark will do).

2). Drill a small hole in the wall area between each stud, just big enough to insert the tip of the boric acid container (most brands come in a plastic bottle with an applicator tip) or the end of the duster.

NOTE: Avoid all air circulation ducts, pipes and wiring!

3). Deliver the boric acid powder into each hole (about 4 or 5 tablespoons worth seems to work just fine, but it depends on the roach population).

4). Spackle up the holes.

That's it!

It seems like a lot, but is really a small price to pay when you have a roach infestation... and it will keep away roaches (and a few other pest bugs) for about 8-10 years.

DANDELION IS DANDY 
and I'm not LYIN'

On dandelions: “If you can’t beat them, eat them.” ~James A. Duke, botanist
 

There was a time in my life when I only thought of dandelion greens as weeds!

I had never made a meal of them, nor had I read about or studied the many health benefits these common backyard plants offer. Growing up in Arizona, I'd seen many Dandelion weeds growing in various places but never did I see them on my dinner plate!  As I began to look at the many health benefits this plant offers, I realized that I might have been missing out on something that was growing right under my nose.  Did you know that the flower, leaves and root of the dandelion are all edible? 

You thought that eating broccoli was good for you, well take a look at this:

1 cup raw	Vit. A Daily Value	Vit. K Daily Value	Calcium Daily Value	Iron Daily Value
Dandelion Greens	2712 IU 54%	151 mcg 188%	103 mg 10%	1.7 mg 9%
Broccoli	581 IU 12%	89.4 mcg 112%	41.4 mg 4%	0.6 mg 4%

Dandelion greens are at the top of the list when it comes to nutrition! 

Dandelions actually rank in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value.  An often overlooked gift from God. 

Would you believe that this little green plant provides the third richest source of Vitamin A of all foods, after cod-liver oil and beef liver! 

When it comes to good health and good taste, dandelion greens are a perfect choice providing calcium, iron, fiber, Vitamins A, E and K, and powerful antioxidants including beta Carotene and lutein.

Dandelion is also rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and is a good source of protein. 

Dandelion has been used as a healing and preventative herb for centuries and if you are like me, once you see what dandelion can do for you and your family, you will go in search of this power packed plant that at one time, only was a nuisance.  

WHERE TO GO TO GET YOUR DANDELIONS: 

You can always harvest Dandelions in the wild but there are some precautions that you must take.  

   HUNTING FOR DANDELIONS:

You may want to skip over leaves from plants that have gone to flower. Here’s why: as the energy moves up to the blossom, the greens becomes quite bitter. Please note: do not gather dandelions from public trails, roadsides or any chemically-tainted area including treated lawns. 

GROW YOUR OWN:
Actually, growing your own from seed isn't that hard. People try like crazy to keep them FROM growing! Just add them to your herb or vegetable garden or try using containers that you can keep close by the kitchen! 

The best time to harvest dandelion leaves and roots is early spring before the flower blooms and late fall once the flower has gone by. 

BUY THEM FROM LOCAL MARKETS AND FARMERS MARKETS

     

When purchasing dandelion greens, ( Yes, some grocery stores will carry them ) be sure to look for organic varieties. The plants should be a beautiful green shade, not browned, spoiled or wilted. And remember, they will have a bit of a bite, so go slow if you haven’t tried them before. 

Spring is the time to turn over a new leaf - a beautiful green, dandelion leaf – at its very best, most tender, and most delicious right now, in the early spring. 

Benefits, just to name a few...

• Supports digestion and helps relieve gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
• Reduces swelling and inflammation.
• Treats viruses; jaundice, edema, hepatitis, gout, eczema and acne.
• Assists in weight reduction.
• Keeps the liver's blood detoxification pathways open, which some pharmaceuticals shut down.
• The inside surface of the flower stem can be used as a soothing agent for burns and stings (for example in stinging nettle allergy).

... and if that is not enough there are reports of Dandelion actually preventing or lowering high blood pressure; preventing or curing anemia; lowering serum cholesterol by as much as half; eliminating or drastically reducing acid indigestion; preventing or curing various forms of cancer; preventing or controlling diabetes mellitus; and, at the same time, having no negative side effects!!!

Are you ready to start including Dandelions in your wellness plan? Below you will find some great ways to do that!

For the liver, and some of the benefits listed above, you need the dandelion root as root extracts, teas or tinctures.

Make a Dandelion Tincture
First: Harvest the root and leaves when flowers are not present.
Next: Both leaves and roots can be washed, chopped, put into a glass jar, and covered with alcohol such as 100 proof vodka.
Then: Steep in dark cupboard for 6 weeks.
Lastly: Strain and save liquid.

A dose is 10 - 30 drops of tincture per day to cleanse liver.

Did you know that jaundice, a yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes, is an obvious sign of a liver on the decline. Even unexplained aches and pains and chronic fatigue and could be attributed to liver stress. Liver stress can be largely responsible for emotional and psychological problems too.

Chronic irritability, depression, resentment, and indulging in unnecessary angry outbursts often are also indicative of low liver stress.

Dandelion root stimulates the liver's bile production for the gall bladder and helps the liver control the gall bladder's releasing of that bile for digestive purposes, especially fats. Good digestion is the foundation for good overall health.

Make a Dandy Dandelion Tea

DANDELION ROOT: In general, roots are harvested in summer for medicinal purposes or autumn for drying and grinding for coffee.  The roots are best harvested after the first year of life. Wash well, and chop into even pieces for consistent drying time. You may also hang and dry the leaves, crumble and store and use as any other green leaf tea! 

Drying the Roots:
The easiest way to dry the roots is to use a food dehydrator, but you may also use the oven. To dry them in the oven, place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in a 200 degree F. preheated oven. To use a food dehydrator, use the herb liner and set the dehydrator to about 95 degrees F.

To test for doneness, pinch a piece between your fingernails; no moisture should escape the root.

Place the dried roots in an air tight container and store in a dry, cool, dark location until you are ready to use.

1. When you're ready to make tea, measure out about 1 tablespoon of the chopped roots.
2. Place this amount in a coffee grinder - or dice into smaller pieces using a food processor or a knife. If using a coffee grinder, take care not to over-grind, or you'll end up with a powder.


3. Place the ground root into a tea ball- a mesh container designed for holding herbs or tea leaves. 

4. Bring 8 or 9 oz. of water to a boil and pour it into a regular-sized coffee cup. Add the tea ball and steep for 10 minutes. The end result is a very mild tasting tea - although if you over-steep it, the tea will become bitter. Feel free to add lemon or spices - or even a favorite bag of tea - to make a stronger-tasting tea.

And does it work? I do believe drinking dandelion tea helps my PMS symptoms - and it generally "picks me up." Plus, it's packed with great nutrition! 

WHAT TO REMEMBER:  Dandelion Tea is great for detoxing the liver! Plus it has many other great benefits, such as:

1. It improves digestion and aids weight loss.
2. It eases congestion of the liver.
3. It helps to purify the bladder and kidneys.
4. It reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.
5. It contains calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins B and C.
6. It helps to purify the blood, regulate blood sugar and improves blood circulation.
7. It helps to ease bloating and aching joints.
8. It helps to cure skin conditions.

You can also roast the roots- ( About 10 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees F. ) Grind and add to your coffee or use as a coffee substitute with some unsweetened almond milk, and cinnamon.  

TO MAKE A TONIC: Which is just a stronger version take the root fresh, dried or roasted and boil for 15 minutes. Drink it hot or let cool over night if possible and then strain. 

TO MAKE AN INFUSION WITH LEAVES: ( Again an infusion much like a tonic is just a much stronger drink known to have more nutritional value. See my notes on this at the very end of this post)
Take about 18 fresh leaves and tear them into strips and place in the bottom of a pot. Pour 1 quart boiling water over and allow to sit for at least 3 to 4 hours. (Let sit overnight if possible) Strain before drinking. Add a bit of honey if the brew is to tart for your taste. Unsweetened dandelion tea may also be cooled and used as a skin wash.

And that's just the beginning Dandelion leaves also have all of these health benefits and more, which makes them a great option to include in your morning green juice.

Here are some more delicious ways to start using Dandelion Leaves:

• Use it in salads in place of some of the other leafy greens.  
• Sauté alone or with onions and garlic in olive oil or sesame oil; garnish with sesame seeds.
• Chop the leaves and add to soups, stews, or a crockpot dish. 
• Add chopped leaves to pilaf mixes. Great with quinoa, wild or brown rice!
• Purchase a blend of baby greens that contain dandelion; toss with your favorite dressing and enjoy.

Preparation methods: Fresh greens and flower tops are generally washed and then blanched in boiling water for a minute or so and cooled immediately by plunging into cold water. Blanching reduces bitterness. 

Use young tender shoots, raw or blanched depending on your taste. 

Dried leaves, root as well as flower parts can be used to make tonic drinks and herbal dandelion teas.

      

RECIPES

Dandelion Root Stir-fry.
Clean the roots, cut into slices, and add to a stir-fry the way you would carrot or burdock root.

Dandelion Pesto

1 bunch of freshly harvested dandelions (bunch could be as big or as little as you like)

½ cup of pine nuts

½ cup of walnuts

4-5 cloves of garlic

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 teaspoon of salt (or salt to taste)

Blend all ingredients in food processor until thoroughly mixed. Serve like you would any pesto, with crackers, veggies, etc.

Dandelion- Lime Cooler