A Taste of Heaven

I bet you saw that title and just KNEW this would be a great post including a good for you all natural dessert that was out of this world.. sorry
The reality is, my days have been full of editing, reviewing and editing again the final version of the Home Study Course. The upside is that I may be able to release it up to a month early (Aug 1) if things go according to plan, but the downside is I AM CONSUMED!
So I apologize in advance for spotty blogging, but today I will leave you with a sample from the food section of the course.. though you have to sign up for the course for the rest of it… enjoy

Asparagus
This vegetable is used traditionally to strengthen female reproductive organs, promote fertility, increase lactation and relieve PMS. According to the National Cancer Institute, asparagus contains the highest amount of glutathione, an important anti-carcinogen. Glutathione is also a mainstay in the natural treatments of ADHD and Autism, as it promotes detoxification. It contains Vitamin A, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, potassium and zinc.
Asparagus comes in familiar green and a more expensive white. The white is made by heaping soil above the plant, which prevents it from getting light and making chlorophyll.
To prepare asparagus, do not cut the ends; snap them off instead. Place them in an oven proof dish, drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top and coarse sea salt over that. Bake at 400 degrees for 4-5 minutes. Eat them right away for a crisp, salty snack. Alternatively, cut the stalks into small segments and stir fry or saute them. They are great added to a pasta dish in lieu of or in addition to meat.
The root is approved by the German Commission E for prevention of kidney stones and as a diuretic for inflammation of the urinary tract, but it is contraindicated in cases of kidney inflammation.

What are we doing?

It has been my objective from the beginning of my career to inform families on the proper uses of herbs and evidenced based remedies. Objective being a mild term here, perhaps soapbox is more appropriate? Everything I do is based on that goal from my seminars to my new book and my recent home study course. I love that there is a new found interest in natural remedies, and that they are readily available by consistent suppliers, but it is SO dangerous to self medicate with no understanding of what we are taking!
A recent review of a nationwide survey by the University of Iowa shows just how big of a problem this is. In this survey, over 30,000 adults were questioned and just under 20% of them had used herbal supplements within the past 12 months. Of those that had used supplements, over 53% of them used them to treat a specific condition.
The purpose of the survey was to determine whether the supplements were being used according to evidence based indications or not. Guess what? 1/3 of them were… yep. That means that 2/3 of the herbal supplements were being taken contradictory to their ideal usage.
Two-Thirds!!!
Women and those with a college education were most likely to use herbs, which we see time and time again in this type of review. Again, I am baffled. With a college education, and / or as a mommy in a home, I would assume these people would be the most likely to be sure to “dot their i’s and cross their t’s” when it comes to self medicating.
Herbal supplements are great. Obviously I think so; I am an herbalist. However, it is vitally important we are educated about our options and what we are taking. Herbs can and do interact with other medications. They can and do cause allergic reactions and we need to know the signs of one.

Sugar Scrubbing…

Most of you know I used to own a natural spa products company for mommies and babies. My favorite part of the business was creating new recipes, many of which never hit the shelves. Here is one of my favorite sugar scrubs.. just in time for summer.

You will need:
1cup organic sugar
2T jojoba oil
1T vitamin E oil
10-12 drops peppermint essential oil
1T organic liquid castille soap

tip: Most of these products can be found in a health foods store.

In a medium bowl, mix together the oils and soap, stirring gently to avoid bubbles
Pour in the sugar and stir until well combined. If you prefer a thicker scrub, add a little more sugar, for a thinner scrub, leave some out. Pour into a sterile jar with a tight lid and be sure to label it so you don’t forget what you made. Enjoy!

Herbal Home Study Course

I am SO excited about today’s news! I have been working on this Herbal Home Study Course for what seems like forever and it is finally ready for pre-orders! When I became an herbalist, my educational options were severely limited, and I spent months trying to find a decent herbal program from a Christian perspective. I am thrilled to offer another option in the limited market of Christian Herbalist programs! Here’s a brief overview, but you will need to check out my website for complete details…

Research shows that 80% of people turn to a motherly female figure for medical advice prior to calling a medical professional. What do we have to offer them in terms of solid advice? Do we turn to the latest health trend, or recite what we saw on TV last night or do we really have solid, evidence based advice to offer? The Vintage Remedies home study course, created by Master Herbalist, Jessie Hawkins, is designed to train the Family Herbalist in Western herbalism from a Christian perspective. This course will train the family herbalist in areas of prevention, nutrition, body chemistry, anatomy, herbal preparations, aromatherapy, and so much more.

The course is broken into 26 units, each consisting of 2 lessons, required reading assignments, a related project and a test. There is an additional mid-term test after unit 13 and a final exam after the last unit. Upon completion, a certificate will be issued to the graduate as a “Family Herbalist”. Every student is granted one on one time with Jessie for unit review and course questions. There is also a private “students only” online group set up for students to interact with each other during their journey.

Study Topics include:
Anatomy and Physiology
Wholistic Nutrition
Modern Childhood Epidemics
Creating a Home Medicine Chest
Common Childhood and Adult Illnesses
Herbal Classifications and Pharmacognosy
Herbal Preparations
Materia Medica (over 120 herbs!)
Aromatherapy
Creating a Wholistic Living Network
and more!

Birthing 101

I have been one busy person lately and have quite a few things in the works.. The first of which I am ready to roll out…. Birthing 101.
I have taught childbirth classes for years in a private setting for doula clients but am now offering this series in a group setting on a regular basis. As a “grand opening” special, I am offering the first series for FREE! Usually the classes cost $225 per couple. The free class is limited in size and pre-registration is required to hold a spot.
With a focus on natural birth and advanced comfort techniques including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and massage, these classes are designed to equip new mommies and daddies for a memorable big day. Go check it out!

New Date!

Just a note for those of you that missed it. The Aromatherapy in the Homeschool workshop that was planned for last month has been moved back till May 22nd. There is still some space left, so if you want in, email me for an enrollment form.