Tag: Apple Cider Vinegar

14 Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar Uses

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Apple Cider Vinegar, also known as ACV has varying uses for health, beauty and green living. Found in many kitchens, it is an ancient healing modality, dating back thousands of years. ACV is made from fermented apples which contain powerful acids that give it a pungent odor and sour taste. If you can get beyond the initial nose- scrunching feeling it gives, the benefits are extraordinary. When purchasing it’s important that it is organic which unpasteurized still has “The Mother” what looks like webs or gunk at the bottom.

Since I have a tendency to Bragg about all the uses, without detail, in past posts. Here are some detailed ways it can be used.

 1. ANTIOXIDANT: After the sugars have fermented into vinegar, the antioxidant benefits are numerous. Some include catechin, gallic acid, caffeic and chlorogenic acids. Amongst many benefits, antioxidants assist the immune system and neutralize free radicals.

2. SINUSES: The vitamins, minerals and acids contained in ACV help balance the body’s PH level. The natural anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help the immune system fight off sinus infections and thin the mucus. Mixed with a dash of cayenne for more sinus support.

3. ENERGY: The minerals, enzymes, acids and amino acids in ACV can promote more balanced and higher levels of energy. ACV also helps to decrease fatigue and foggy-headedness.

4. SKIN: Using ACV on the skin as a facial toner or cleanser can balance the skin’s PH levels over time leaving skin glowing. It can also help fade bruises and ease burns.

5. DIABETES: ACV promotes healthy blood sugar levels and is anti-glycemic, which is beneficial for anyone with diabetes or blood sugar issues.

7. CLEANER: Mixed as a ratio with water 1:1, you can also add essential oils to this mixture. It has anti-microbial properties that kill pathogens and bacteria, studies have shown it to be as effective as bleach.

8. DIGESTION: Lack of digestive acids in the stomach leads to heartburn, taking a tablespoon of ACV in water improves the stomach acid, easing indigestion. It can also help the body break food down during the digestive process if taken before or after eating, due to the enzymes.

9. NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC: The acid, mineral and vitamin content of ACV make it a highly effective anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal when taken internally. It also has probiotics and magnesium to balance the system when combating an infection.

10. PETS: ACV helps to repel fleas from animals. You can mix a similar ratio of 1:1 as the cleaner, even adding in a few drops of oils like tea tree or clove and rub on your pet’s fur to get the little buggers off. 1x a day for a month. Diatomaceous earth, which I’ll address in another post is touted for pets too.

12. FOOD: ACV is super yummy in dressings, salads, sauces, soups, veggies, pastas and more. It can add the perfect touch to many dishes. It also improves the nutrient absorption of food, vitamins and minerals.

13: WEIGHT LOSS:  Taking a tablespoon a day in water can help with weight management.  “Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry journal published a study finding that drinking it for just three months caused significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference, and triglycerides.”

14. DETOXING: ACV assists not only the metabolic process but also the liver, lymphatic drainage and cardiovascular systems. It also naturally balances the PH and kills candida, the root to many health issues.

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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

These 14 that I’ve listed are of a hundred or so benefits of ACV. Which is why it is a staple in my life, for prevention and the all around amazing-ness it gives. Here are some ways to take it if you can’t stomach it alone.

2 TBLSPNS in 8 oz purified water with 1tspn blackstrap molasses or raw honey before a meal or anytime you need some energy. For more healing benefits adding cayenne is like super-charged ACV. For colds warm water, ACV and honey help immensely. If you’d like more advice, food and dressing recipes or ways to use it, please contact me directly.

xo,

Nicole

 

Related  articles:

 

10 Best Natural Antibiotics

1 TBSN ACV Eliminate Health Problems

Vitamins, minerals and remedies

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Best Natural Antibiotics

Posted in Health, WellnessTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 23 Comments

Antibiotics ie. Anti-Life kill all bacteria, healthy and unhealthy. When one is uninformed of the adverse effects of antibiotics, it can lead to autoimmune disorders through the eradication of healthy flora (bacteria) in the digestive track and other areas of the body.

If you’re prescribed antibiotics it’s important to ingest sources of probiotics afterwards. Including ones you can buy in capsule form or eating foods like Yogurt, Kefir, fermented veggies ie. Kim Chee, Sauerkraut, or drinking Kombucha, or Raw Apple Cider vinegar.

Our bodies are meant to heal themselves and when out of balance or deficient it makes it difficult. In order for the whole to heal, homeostasis is imperative. Over the years the information I’ve come across leads right back to the digestive track if not in good health, disease is the result.

Here are some natural antibiotics that may already be found in your kitchen.

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Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE):

A study from The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that “grapefruit-seed extract was effective in killing over “800 bacterial and viral strains, 100 strains of fungus, and a large number of single and multi-celled parasites.”² No other naturally-occuring anti-microbial can come close to these results.”
Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-viral. With an amazing array of antioxidant properties which neutralize free radicals. GSE helps the body to defend itself through proper immune function, while alkilizing naturally. It inhibits the growth of Candida, Giardia and other harmful intestinal issues and keeps healthy Flora intact.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

Taken once or twice a day as a shot, it’s one of my all time favorites as a cure-all. The benefits range from antiseptic, antibiotic, weight loss, arthritis, cholesterol, skin disorders, sinuses, anti-aging and much more.
 ACV is a great detox for the body and can also be used as an astringent topically.

Honey:

The healing properties of honey are numerous, the best source of honey is raw and Manuka Honey from New Zealand is said to have the strongest curative properties. It’s suggested that honey has antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action against certain spectrums of bacteria and fungi. Topically applied, honey releases H2O2, evidence shows that most strains of harmful bacteria die in the presence of oxygen or hydrogen peroxide.

Raw Garlic:

When crushed or chewed raw garlic has a property called allicin which has high amounts of anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Garlic helps with a myriad of diseases and assists in colds and flu, it can be applied topically as well. Along with the family of onions it’s used as a cancer preventative.

Colloidal Silver:

“Colloidal silver has been recognised as a powerful, natural antibiotic. Research has shown that it works by acting as a catalyst, disabling the enzyme that single-celled bacteria, fungi and viruses require for the metabolism of oxygen. This then suffocates the invading cell whilst doing no harm to any human enzymes, resulting in the removal of disease-causing organisms from the body.”
Colloidal silver dates back centuries with a long history for its healing benefits. It’s reported to heal many infections and used as a natural antibiotic and defense for the body.

Pau D’arco:

Pau D’arco comes from the inner bark of trees from South America. This bark is said to be an antioxidant, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral. It is effective in healing Candida and different bacterial strains including staph and strep. Easily brewed in a tea form it also helps the body ward off colds and the flu.

Olive Leaf:

A unique plant with multi-faceted applications. Olive leaf is therapeutic towards many common ailments. Many scientific studies have been conducted investigating the extract’s properties against virus, retrovirus, bacterium and protozoan. “Research suggests that olive leaf may be a true anti-viral compound because it appears to selectively block an entire virus-specific system in the infected host.” Amongst others, some benefits of olive leaf are; supporting the immune system, energy production, healthy blood circulation and cardiovascular.

Turmeric & Cayenne:

Two personal favorites of the spice cabinet. Cayenne’s health benefits are numerous, it works as an anti-fungal, antiviral and alleviates allergies. It assists in carrying toxins out of the system. This little red pepper increases metabolism, helps fight disease, benefits the circulatory system, blood pressure and prevents heart disease.
Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial, it also assists with allergies, the liver and metabolism. 
The property curcumin found in Turmeric boosts and aids many regulations within the body.
Sprinkle each in your favorite dishes.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:

An antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-fungal. It contains Caprylic and Lauric acids that help the body ward off bacterial and viral infections. It assists in maintaining cholesterol levels, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism it also aids in thyroid production. Take one TBLSN daily in tea or coffee or by itself. It can also be used as a moisturizer.

An amazing article on the benefits of Coconut Oil for hair loss: hairlossrevolution.com

Oil of Oregano:

Separate from the spice Oregano, Oil of Oregano dates back centuries as an antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic that effectively wards off infections. It helps with colds and sore throats, digestive problems, topical infections amongst many other uses.

I’ll go into more detail on the healing properties of essential oils through the olfactory glands in a separate post.

: )

For now, how’s your immune function?

xo,
Nicole

 

Vitamins, Minerals and Remedies

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Due to many inquiries into remedies, vitamins and minerals as of late, I am again compiling and recycling information that I posted before. Of course, this is only scratching the surface of information that is very complex. These remedies, supplements and vitamins are crucial to a healthy state of being for me, especially during the winter, I notice a dramatic improvement in the way I am feeling from taking.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

The benefits of this cure-all range from weight loss, arthritis, cholesterol, skin disorders, sinuses, anti-aging, and so MUCH more.
2 tlbsns Taken with 8 oz of water is also an incredible detox and preventative for the body. Can be used in dressings and for baths, and foods. Can also be used as an astringent, clearing skin, tightening pores, while giving a more pronounced glow.
If purchased, make sure it is RAW, meaning that “the mother” (probiotics) are present.

Algae

These are all “Brain Foods”

Cyanobacteria (Blue Green Algae) is the oldest life form on Earth. It is one of the most nutrient dense sources containing minerals, vitamins, probiotics, enzymes, B12 and chlorophyll.

Chlorella is an immune system booster, aiding in the treatment of many symptoms. It assists in the chelation process of removing heavy metals from the cells and body.

Spirulina is a freshwater algae that contains vitamins, minerals and high protein. It aids in the regeneration of brain cells. Since I have taken on a daily basis, my memory has improved drastically.

coconuts

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

An antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-fungal. EVCO contains Caprylic and Lauric acids, assisting the body in warding off disease, virus and stress.
Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, while also aiding in thyroid production. Helps to regulate digestion, and provide long-lasting energy.
I take 3 Tblspn daily. If ingesting for the first time, start off with 1 tlbsn/ day, building up to 3, as it can cause herxheimer reaction.
EVCO can be used in place of butter when cooking.
It can also be used as a moisturizer, I prefer it over a store-bought moisturizer.

Probiotics

Helps the intestinal flora stay healthy, repopulating the “good” bacteria that can sometimes be destroyed by antibiotics, stress, and unhealthy eating habits.
Probiotics are found in many foods including Kombucha, Kefir, yogurt, ACV, Sauerkraut and Kim Chi just to name a few.

Multivitamin

One a Day, Centrum and the likes are not properly digested in the body, resulting in only a small portion of them being absorbed, I do not suggest buying these brands.
Multivitamins that contain whole foods are the best to take and absorb easily. A liquid Multivitamin is truly the best form to take. These can be found at health food stores.

Fish oil

Fish oil contains DHA, EPA and essential fatty acids, including omega-3’s.
Important for brain function, mental health and lubrication of the body.
Flax seed oil can be used instead for vegetarians having its own components of Omega- 3’s. Good for arthritis, the heart and anti-aging.
Brain Foods. Krill oil is an especially good form of receiving DHA and EPA’s.

B Complex

Needed for energy production and to help lower stress levels. Good for mind, mood, memory and anxiety. They assist the cells in burning fat and glucose for energy.
B-12 helps with energy levels and works with DNA production by promoting a healthy nervous system. B-12 is best taken sublingually or intravenously.

Zinc

Zinc assists in a healthy immune system and for proper wound healing. It is needed for DNA synthesis and helps in the regulation of cells within the body. The body contains high amounts of Zinc, which is especially important in supplementing when one is ill.

5-HTP

Naturally boosts serotonin levels and wards off depression. An aid for sleep, I take with Rhodiola and find a major improvement in my levels of well-being.
There are researches being done, stating that it may help with many other functions within the body.

Iodine

An extremely important mineral that assists in thyroid production.
Most of our breads are made with bromine which blocks iodine uptake, causing thyroid and hormonal problems.
Iodine is essential for proper thyroid functioning. I take an iodine supplement daily.
Good food sources of Iodine include seaweed, especially Kelp.

Kelp

Vitamin D3

Highly effective in the winter when there is not as much sunlight and our bodies are not naturally producing D3. It is immune boosting and aids in cell differentiation; good for cell growth and wound healing. D3 Has been shown to be cancer preventative.
If the sun is out during the winter, sitting in it, even if it’s through a window for 15 minutes, can naturally boost D3 levels. I stare directly at the sun when it is out, this boosts D3 as well as other vitamins and minerals.

Magnesium

Relieves migraines, depression and insomnia. Helps relieve PMS symptoms, chronic fatigue, prevents heart attacks and reverses osteoporosis. It is very calming, when taken with 5-htp, a great sleep aid.
Magnesium is needed for calcium production, studies have shown that most American women are deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is needed double the amount of Calcium.

Milk Thistle

Assists in repairing liver cells and promoting regeneration. Milk Thistle raises the glutathione levels and helps guard against toxicity from alcohol. Studies have shown that silibinin, an active compound of silymarin (found in MT) is effective in fighting cancer in lab studies.

Liver Flush

There is a Liver flush which consists of drinking 1/2 cup of olive oil with grapefruit juice. It is quite intense, yet helps immensely.
http://www.ehow.com/way_5585384_epsom-olive-oil-liver-detox.html
Our liver is where the body holds anger and negative emotions, in cleansing it, one can find more tranquility and peace.

xo,

Nicole

More related articles:

Coconut Oil Benefits

Iodine Benefits

Healthy Liver Foods

Good Vitamins and Food sources

Great source for Home Remedies

Earth Clinic

Beauty Secrets

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Here I’m giving home remedies for cultivating natural beauty from outside in. As we all know, beauty radiates and starts from within. Buffing and shining the outer, so your inner light can sparkle even brighter.

I prefer to have an au natural glow and have found some fun ingredients to play around with. Below are some of my favorite natural beauty treatments; be forewarned anti-aging may occur with use.

Hair:

FYI: Sodium Laureth Sulfates and Parabens are not good for the body and should be avoided at all costs.
Natural shampoos with a pinch of Borax (12 mule team) works wonders to boost body, health and shine.

While I was in the Panamanian islands healthy conditioners were unavailable. Unknowing what to do about my hair I improvised by cutting an avocado in half and after shampooing slathered on my hair for 5 minutes.
Afterwards, my hair was extremely silky and shiny and bouncy.

To do: Cut open an overly ripe Avocado before showering. After shampooing slather on hair completely covering roots to ends. Leave on for 5 minutes or longer, you can even sleep with it on in a hair bag.
It helps moisturize, replenish and soften hair into a silky state.

Biotin (2-5 mgs) taken once a day and B vitamins helps hair grow quickly, fuller and healthy.

Natural Skin:

Natural face wash: I like to use baking soda or borax with a bit of water as a face wash. Or a natural soap with oatmeal or chamomile for sensitive skin.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar: An amazing astringent, after the initial sting and redness cools down, skin is left healthy and glowing, with diminished breakouts.

OILS:  Oils are great moisturizers and healing for the skin.
Each oil carries a different property and will work according to skin type. My personal favorite is Coconut oil. Vitamin E and Wheatgerm help with scarring.
Olive Oil is anti-aging, mixed with Citronella oil, a great bug repellant.

Cocoa and Shea butters: Extremely moisturizing. Cocoa butter helps with stretch marks and scarring. Shea butter improves skin tone. Oils and butters can be mixed together as concoctions based on skin type and structure.

Exfoliators and Masks:

For fresh, supple and healthy skin.

Honey and sea salt: A mixture that exfoliates by sloughing off dry skin while the honey acts as an antiseptic.

Body Brush: Exfoliates skin and stimulates the lymphatic drainage system.

Yogurt (organic) mask:
Leave on for 20 minutes or more, it’s soothing to the skin while leaving it moisturized.

Castor Oil mask:
Healing and moisturizing for extremely dry, weathered skin.

Olive/Sunflower oil with sea salt & essential oil:
Natural exfoliator for whole body.

Aloe vera: Heals burns and can be used as a cooling mask.
Blend whole leaf with essential oils such as eucalyptus or mint and refrigerate.
Hydrates, heals and cools the skin.

Natural tooth paste and whitening:

I suggest toothpaste that is fluoride free. For information on fluoride dangers.
Baking soda and Hydrogen Peroxide work well as a toothpaste, and natural whitener.
A good friend introduced me to an AMAZING whitener; Activated Charcoal.
This can be sprinkled on top of toothpaste and is one of the best whiteners I have ever used.
Be careful when using, it is black powder and stains sink easily.

Bath Time

Luxurious and soothing, I create bath concoctions based on my mood.

Sea salt and Baking Soda (mineralizing)
Borax or Epsom salt (detoxing)
Lavender oil and sea salt (relax and cleanse)
Eucalyptus and sea salt(soothe and cleanse)
rose petals/ rose buds (feeling flowery)
The concoctions are endless, be creative and make one based on your mood.

Create your own pampering day:

Pick a day of the year that resonates with you. On this particular day take time to pamper yourself byindulging in your every wish and desire.
Celebrate who you are and all of your unique, amazing qualities. Write a list of your favorite things about yourself, or shop for favorite beauty items.
Dress up or down, sing in the shower,dance in sexy underwear.
Eat foods that make you feel sensual, dress in clothes that make you feel beautiful.
Do whatever your heart and beauty call you to do on this day of yours. Allow you to enjoy and celebrate feeling gorgeous in your skin.

Own the Goddess within
Like Aphrodite coming out of the sea-foam, a “goddess bath” is a sensual way to celebrate your day. Fill a bath up and sink into it as a reminder of your unique light, awakening you to your splendor.

xo,

Nicole

Daily Habits

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I have always been fascinated with herbs, natural medicine, and alternative healing modalities.
As a child I had a 1000 page book of natural remedies that I would rifle through,already drawn to my passion.
At 25, I had tipped the scales with my diet, I was an unhealthy health nut. I desired health but kept polluting my body with unhealthy eating patterns, thought patterns and habits.It was time for me to balance that out, a process that took almost 3 years taking me all over the country, while meeting amazing and informative people.
Being a creature of habit, it has taken for me to switch my bad habits to ones that encourage my health and well-being, for the most part.
I have learned how to nurture my temple, by listening to my body’s desires and taking care of my whole. It has resulted in my feeling more energized, healthier and happier, consistently. I believe that nurturing the physical is one step in a healing process of an emotional, mental, and spiritual undertaking.

Here is a list of some daily additions that have improved my state of being. I hope these benefit you as they have benefitted me. I will get into more superfoods on a later date.

For informational purposes only, not intended to diagnose or cure.

Sea Salt

Sea Salt is a better alternative to table salt, and one can get Iodized sea salt.
If I am ever tired or foggy headed, sometimes a pinch of sea salt under my tongue perks me up immediately.
If you drink a lot of water it is important to keep mineral balance and adding sea salt to your water and diet will do so.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

An amazing antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-fungal. It contains caprylic and lauric acids that help the body ward off disease, virus and stress.
Assists in maintaining cholesterol levels, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, aiding in thyroid production.
I use 3 Tblspn in my black coffee or tea daily, it helps regulate digestion, and provide more energy.
If ingesting for the first time, I suggest starting off with 1 tlbsn a day and building up to 3. There can be a herxheimer reaction that takes place.
This amazing oil can be used in place of butter when cooking.
I use it on my face and body as my moisturizer, I like it much more than a store-bought moisturizer.
Coconut water and Milk are extremely beneficial to the body as well.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

My cure-all. The benefits range from weight loss, arthritis, cholesterol, skin disorders, sinuses, anti-aging and MANY more.
Transforming my health in numerous ways, it is a great detox for the body.
If purchased, make sure it is RAW, it is important that “the mother” probiotics are present.
Can be used in dressings and taken internally 1-3 times a day. It can also be used as an astringent, leaving clearer skin and a more pronounced glow.

Aloe

An amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral.  Contains vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants, fiber, amino acids, enzymes and naturally rich in polysaccharides. Cooling and healing for the stomach and intestines, taken internally can clear up many issues of poor digestion. Lubricates joints, brain and skin, while supporting immune system in fighting infections.
I take it with a bit of squeezed lemon juice 30 minutes before eating or as an addition to power smoothies.

Algae

Chlorella, Spirulina and Blue Green algae have numerous benefits, I like to think of them as brain foods.
Cyanobacteria is the oldest living form on this planet, one of the most nutrient dense sources that contains minerals, vitamins, probiotics and enzymes, B12, chlorophyll and is an excellent way to get most of our daily uptake of nutrients.
Chlorella is an immune system booster, aiding in treating many symptoms, assists in chelation process of removing heavy metals from the body.
Spirulina is a freshwater algae that contains vitamins, minerals and high protein.

 Cayenne Pepper

The health benefits are numerous. It is an antifungal and alleviates allergies while assisting in carrying toxins out of the system. This little red pepper increases metabolism, helps fight disease, benefits the circulatory system, blood pressure and prevents heart disease.
I sprinkle some in my Apple Cider Vinegar daily and use it in most of my cooking.
Another cure-all I can’t go without.

Turmeric

A natural antiseptic and antibacterial, and useful as a disinfectant.
Can assist with allergies, liver and metabolism.
The property curcumin found in Turmeric boosts and aids many regulations within the body. Black pepper helps the absorption.
Take 1 tspn a day.

Cinnamon

Used as a spice as well as medicine. It helps with digestion, lowering cholesterol, fights cancer, brain tonic, and many other useful benefits. I use in my coffee and anything that calls for sweetness.

Here is a website that has helped me immensely, it gives testimonials on what I have presented.
www.earthclinic.com
Just scratching the surface, I will be getting into more remedies and supplements further on.

xo,

Nicole