The Modern Hippy

     Per request of friend/reader Yoshi, I’m putting up a couple of youtube videos for a more visual approach to neti pot instruction.
     The first is very thorough. The second is to the point and has no speaking whatsoever. It is just right though. Her approach seems to say, “Get off your ass and do it!” The first video I thought good because it’s done by a normal looking guy, not some crazy hippy chic. And he apparantly started to do it because of a suggestion from his wife whom watched Oprah.
Enjoy!

And….

For the other Neti Pot posts click here:

Neti Pot – The Modern Hippy’s First Experience

Neti Pot – The Modern Hippy’s Second Experiment & Directions

On a side note:
     While at work today, surrounded by other hippy massage therapists (Yes, at the moment I have a job, as a fill in contractor. So it’s okay, I’m still in control of my schedule and am working for a respectable clinic, not an assembly line. I’m still damn the man, but setting up one’s business takes time when you are lazy and recovering from a rough year.), I was asked how I was feeling. Meh, I said, but I bought a neti pot and that and essential oils, are helping me a lot. No antibiotics for me! Each person had their own thing to say about neti pots and how wonderful they are. I love this hippy town!

     I will be singing the neti pot’s praises for a long time! I used it again this morning in and out of the shower. Let me say, I was very nervous, being a bit of a chicken when it comes to nose/sinus stuff. Yeah, so I had done it once before, but I was still nervous. Maybe it was because I had been in so much pain last night. Not from the neti pot experiment, but just from feeling like poop, forgetting to take my fish oil pills, sitting in a chair all day, not being able to nap properly, having a monstrous sinus and tension headache AT THE SAME TIME! It was so pathetic and bad that I cried four times, over silly things like dropping the chicken sausages on the floor and not being able to see where one rolled. Yup, that’s how ridiculous I am when I’m sick. But that’s not the point. The point is, today I feel much better. And today, I was able to get the water to come out the OTHER nostril! And I got to see it happen!

     I tried it in the shower, still made the back of my eyes feel cool and tear. And I coughed a lot. Today though, I was brave and curious enough to try it in the sink – while watching myself in the mirror. Sorry, no photos, I still have some self respect, or is it self consciousness?

     Per request of a friend and occasional reader, Yosh (hope you don’t mind the mention), of the modern hippy, I will be giving instructions and other information about using the neti pot.

     First, what you’ll need is a neti pot. Funny I know. Can you tell I’m feeling better? Please wash your neti pot out and thoroughly rinse. You don’t want soap behind your delicate eyeballs – imagine that headache! Then decide where you are going to do it. Over the sink? In the shower? I suppose you could do it outside if you’d like. Where ever it won’t matter if you splatter. (Hahaha, rhyming too!) Measure out 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Unrefined is okay, I used it. I wouldn’t recommend any of the colored sea salt. No need to dye your sinuses, plus that might cause problems I don’t know about. I DO NOT recommend using iodized table salt, as brands like Morton’s actually contain dextrose, an artificial sweetener. Artificial sweeteners are not meant for sinuses! Let alone eating, but once again I digress.
Fill the neti pot with warm water. I used warm tap water, though when I get a filter I’ll probably use that. Mix until the salt is completely dissolved.

     Now comes the fun or scary part. Remember, you will be breathing through your mouth through this, your nose will be busy. Lean forward, tip your head to about a 45 degree angle. If you aren’t leaning forward enough the gunk will flow down the back of your throat and make you sputter and probably gross you out a little. Stick the spout of the neti pot in one nostril. Make sure there is a good seal and the water won’t sneak out. Steady your hand if you are shaking. Very slowly tip the pot. Can you feel the water enter the bottom of your nose? Good. Keep pouring slowly and wait unti for a funny feeling behind your eyes. It’s almost out! Try to remember to breathe, but breath holding is acceptable if you don’t hold it too long. It’s a very strange sensation to be breathing while water is running through part of your breathing apparatus.

     Something to remember is that you are in control of how much water flow there is. The more you tip the pot, the faster the water will flow. I’m a fan of slow flowing.
Also, the more you do it the better you will get, the easier everything will be.
Rinse through both nostrils. I didn’t use the whole saline solution that time. I was still getting used to it. I think I used about a third of it. Do what is comfortable for you, and what gets you the best results. I’ve read that some people use a whole pot for each side of the nose.
When you stop rinsing exhale gently through your nose to help the gunk out. Use a tissue or do this over the sink. I’ll say this again: Do blow gently to avoid hurting yourself. Also, don’t plug either side of your nostrils. Allow things to come out on their own, without the closing of one side.
Then wash your neti pot!

After you are done see how you feel. Can you breath better? I could. It felt strange, but good.

Some considerations:

     I read that if you can’t blow your nose (though I’m not sure if this means “don’t have the ability” or “it hurts too much”) consult a health care professional first. If you are sensitive like me, go slowly, don’t rush it. Children should be closely supervised! Don’t share!

Where to get a neti pot?

     I got mine from our local co-op. If you don’t have a natural food store, or supplement store, try a pharmacy. You can of course check online! Etsy has some cute stuff, if you’d like something handmade and unique! If I hadn’t been so desperate, and hadn’t put buying one off until the last minute I would have gotten one there.

One last note.
Why use a neti pot?

     It’s a great way to clean out your sinuses. If you are like me and have sinus trouble, use it. If you have allergies, use it. If you live in a polluted area, use it. If you live in a dusty area, use it. If you have a cold, use it. If you have pets, live in an old house, or live in a small place, or work in a poorly ventilated place, smoke, go camping, have kids, use it. “Have kids?”, you ask? Why not? You could win the gross out competition and show them that there are natural ways to deal with your sinuses. Just don’t let them play with it unsupervised. Maybe wait until they are older to show them, just in case.

     Among my home health experiments detoxing is climbing the priority ladder. The more reading I do the more it seems like a prudent idea. Much of the reading I’ve been doing says eat organically. It seems perfectly logical to decrease the amount of toxins in the form of pesticides you place into your body.

     As frugally as possible I am switching our foods to mostly organic. Eventually we will be entirely organic. But as cost is a major factor in any life change, it’s going slowly. By eating organic foods I’m cutting out several toxins that would otherwise add to the crap already stored in my body. I decide what to choose to buy organically by referring to the list provided by The Environmental Working Group. Here they are by rank. Feel free to check out the full list here.

1. Nectarines
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes – Imported
11. Carrots
12. Pears
     Potatoes make the list at #15. I’ve read that anything that grows in the ground like potatoes or peanuts should be organic because they are sitting in a mire of chemicals and dead dirt – they end up absorbing quite a lot of disgusting bits. I want my potatoes to live in a dark chocolate loam of purity until they get picked up for the co-op or other natural food store.
     I have been following this for a couple of weeks. Lots of organic apples and lettuce can be found in our fridge at the moment. Honestly, what I’ve found in the last couple of years of buying more organic foods – they usually taste better. I’m all about taste. Food should taste yummy – not only a visual picture of yummy.

     Organic foods are important to help eliminate the ways toxins get into your body. Wonderful. How do I get rid of the toxins I already have? That’s a little more complicated. There are a million things out there claiming to help detox. What I do, when researching things is to view everything logically, then pick the things that seem to fit together like a puzzle. Synergy is the idea. The logical things I’ve found, that are helping me shape what I’ll be doing to detox my body, short and long term are:

Eliminate processed foods – There is no way around this!
Cut out ways toxins get in – i.e. in food and personal care products
Drink enough water – you have to pee these nasty things out!
Drink filtered water – same idea behind eating organic foods!
Rest – it’s hard work for your body to clean itself!
Cut out things that aren’t beneficial for detoxing or are harder for your body to process – red meat, dairy, coffee etc.
Get enough vitamins – supplements or fresh fruit and veggie juices, preferably organic
Give your digestive system a break – do a water or juice fast. I’ll be trying a juice fast in the near future.
Exercise – It increases all sorts of good hormones, increases circulation which helps to get the nasty stuff out!
Add a probiotic – Miso, kombucha, keffir or yogurt, though the latter two do break the dairy rule
Colon cleanse – I’ve read something that compared your colon to your sink – if you never cleaned your kitchen sink imagine to horrible possibilities!
Drink some teas that promote detoxing – you can find them boxed, or make some lovely loose leaf blend!
Use milk thistle – a friend of mine mentioned that her mother’s naturopath said if she wanted to do a little detoxing buy a bottle of milk thistle, take double or so of the dose until the bottle is empty. (I’ve tried it, it’s amazing how it can help!)

     I’m a firm believer in finding things that fit your life. It’s a westernized ideal to find the one magic treatment that will detox your body fully. My opinion is that detoxing will start to happen naturally after making certain life changes, i.e. cutting out processed foods or coffee. To further detox it seems that the idea of finding synergistic things to use will help you to cleanse your body the most effectively. It’s like clutter – clutter attracts clutter – the problem are habits and choices. I’ll use myself as an example.
     I’ve cut out processed foods. Almost no coffee – only twice or so monthly. I’m cutting down on sugar – I do make fabulous gluten free baked goods so it’s hard. Switching to organic stuff. Cutting down on dairy. I’m lactose intolerant so I don’t drink milk, but I loooooove cheese and yogurt. However, these still create phlegm in the body – the idea is to not create more phlegm. From what I’ve been reading it’s a better idea to use goats milk products like cheese and yogurt instead. I haven’t tried that yet. I’ve done the milk thistle thing. I drink a decent amount of tea that either supports my immune system or helps to boost detoxing. (There are things that detoxing herbs will do that you might not expect. I’ll explain later.) I’ve started exercising at least twice a week. In the grand scheme of things that isn’t much, but it’s way better than what I was doing. I’ve added some needed vitamins such as B12 (I don’t eat a lot of red meat at the moment), D3 (we live in Washington and I know the lack of sunshine affects me profoundly) and minerals such as calcium and magnesium (necessary for proper muscle and nerve health). I’m doing more research to help me figure out what else is important and may need supplementation. I’ve started drinking Kombucha, which I love. I choose only the stuff at the store that has herbs added, no artificial or “natural” flavors or other additives. (Soon I’ll be making my own!) I drink a ridiculous amount of water in a day. I’ve adopted a system of drinking water 30 minutes before or after a meal. I’ve read many times over that drinking water with a meal will dilute the digestive juices and subsequently not allow food to be broken down properly. Thus improper digestion. I’m also planning on doing a juice fast, either using organic juices from the store or ones I prepare myself. Problem, I don’t have a juicer at the moment so I might just have to buy stuff from the store. I figure that one day, doing a fast won’t hurt me – as long as I use juice and teas. Just water will probably make my blood sugar drop too far. Also, a plan for further future would be the colon cleanse. I’m also thinking about adding a more broad vitamin B complex supplement as well. And I’ll be learning how to make keffir from both milk (cow and goat) and coconut milk (crazy I know!).

     From what I’ve seen so far, each change is beneficial in a different way I didn’t know mattered. Not drinking anything 30 minutes before or after a meal has made a HUGE difference in my indigestion problem – I was getting uncomfortably farty.
I’m also trying to sweat out some of these nasty things through taking hot bathes at home and hopefully soon using the YMCA’s sauna.

     A note on using detoxing herbs. Some herbs are laxatives. Laxatives shouldn’t be used long term as your body can become addicted to them. Stop using them and your body may have the opposite problem – not going enough. However, there are some that have a laxative-like effect, but are not true laxatives. Milk thistle is one of the ones I think falls in the last category, but I can’t find definite literature on that. Just be cautious. Aside from laxatives, sometimes detoxifying herbs will make you sweat, which I have found out the hard way several times. Peppermint, lemon, and ginger induce sweating. Since I’m making my own teas and using fairly fresh items I got the crazy sweats a few times and didn’t know why. Also, please understand that the fresher the herb or whatever, often the stronger the effect. So if you have a box of peppermint tea in the cupboard that has been there for awhile, chances are it won’t have the same effect. My advice, experiment on an day that doesn’t matter or be prepared for some entertaining times.

     Also, remember that if you are taking any sort of prescription consult a trained professional. Though most herbs you’ll find are safe, many prescriptions drugs are not safe with herbs. On a little side note: many of the articles that are written by allopathically focused people tend to phrase their sentences to make it sound like the medicines are safe and the herbs are risky. (This makes me very angry.) Hands down, prescription medicines have more side effects and have a higher chance of having a negative reaction with another prescription, food, or herb. Herbs rarely have side effects. Almost all medications have side effects or things you must consider and/or change in order to “safely” take those medications.

Any suggestions on what to do to help clean myself out are always welcome!

     For the last few months I’ve been reading what my library calls “consumer education” books, such as The Omnivore’s Dilema and Fast Food Nation. It all started when I decided to educate myself more on the US food system,and “environmental toxins”. The whole thing started with The Compassionate Carnivore by Catherine Friend.

     I make jokes about how I’m on a depressing book reading binge. Honestly, it’s true. I’m addicted to learning new terrible things. The books I’ve read recently are: Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, The Omnivore’s Dilema by Micheal Pollan, The Compassionate Carnivore by Catherine Friend, Drop Dead Gorgeous by Kim Erickson, and now The Hundred Year Lie by Randall Fitzgerald.

      I’ve learned that diseased cows were slaughtered and sold to us. The pesticides sprayed on our foods aren’t just of the surface of the skin, but also in the parts we eat. Cheap food is subsidized by the government, so the actual cost is not what we pay. Once calves are old enough to wean they are shipped to feed lots and fed corn, which they aren’t built to digest. Their diet of corn has caused health problems with the cows and has created a crazy, often deadly e. coli bug. I’m learning that there really is little comprehensive testing of drugs before they are released to the unsuspecting public. And once they are released they are only taken off the market once people get really sick or die. And enough people have to do that before they even think about reacting to “protect” the public. Also, our water systems can’t filter out the chemicals that get flushed down the toilet in one way or another. So the rest of us, whom don’t want to or don’t have to use these meds are ingesting small amounts every time we go to the sink for more water.

     I’ve already made the decision that some time this year, once we have enough money and once I decide which water filtration system is best for the price, that we will become filtered-water-drinking people. I’ve also decided most fruits and veggies we eat will be organic. I buy wild fish, organic humanely raised beef as I can afford. We almost never take pills to ease a cold. All of our old meds – such as expired tylenol – are waiting for me to find the time to take them to a proper disposal place, because as I said, flushing them will only pollute our water.

     I have arguments with myself over what is best for our dog and cat to eat. Should I go completely raw? What is the appropriate amount of protein, carbs and fats for them? Is is a good idea to supplement their diets with a little canned food or dry food as long as it doesn’t contain artificial ingredients? How many vaccinations do they really need? Or do they need them?

     I was reading something a few days ago that mentioned drinking warm lemon water in the morning and before bed will help the colon to expel mucus. Gross sounding I know. However, the colon is incredibly important to health. Dirty colon, dirty body. So I bought a couple of lemons and gave it a try. A few couple of days into this lemon experiment, while I was drinking my lemon ginger tea, I realized that while citrus fruits aren’t among the Top 10 fruits and veggies to eat organically, I was placing the whole lemon slice in the hot water. So what was on the peal was going into my tea, thus into my system. Shoot. Now I’d have to buy organic lemons.

     After realizing my lemons needed to be organic I was feeling discouraged. I’m trying so hard to be healthier and mindful about what is healthy for the environment, but there is always something more. When those negative thoughts sneak in I try to remember this: just reading, learning and trying different things out is a big step forward. So many people don’t try. They don’t care, or believe that what they are ingesting is a “safe” amount. Safe as said by companies that sell them, or by the FDA, USDA, EPA, or CDC, or whatever other three or four letter organization. The thing is, if you dig a little, you will find people within these organizations, doctors, scientists – are thinking more along the realistic big picture. Perhaps it is safe to ingest that tiny amount of whatever synthetic ingredient found in your convenience meal. However, if you eat mostly processed “convenience meals” and less unprocessed whole foods (fruits and veggies etc.) those tiny “safe” amounts accumulate. Is the bigger amount still safe? Probably not. They didn’t test for that. Oh and by the way those chemicals that are supposed to be safe are not getting processed out of your body as fast as they should be, or at all.

     What is a hippy girl to do? Not give up! Keep reading, keep changing, keep pushing forward to find more. I’ll finish using those non-organic lemons. Next time though, I’ll buy organic. Remember the victories. I now buy only organic potatoes, apples, and carrots (among other things). I feel better than ever before. I don’t feel guilty about flushing old meds because I’ve changed. I won’t do that. A cleaner, healthier self is a work in progress, not an over night miracle. So when you start to obsess, or freak out, remember you aren’t alone, and something is better than nothing.

Warning: this post contains girly subjects

     Sounds dramatic doesn’t it? It conjures images of dreadlocked hippy women with upraised fists smelling of rosemary, lavender and patchouli. The dramatic stuff aside I feel like there is so much truth in it. I do research now and again about different things, such as say natural birth (when I catch the baby bug) or naturopathic medicine. Everything I learn further supports my conclusion that we have forgotten how to take care of ourselves – how to listen to ourselves. So many of us rush through life and only stop when we have cramps or a migraine to take a pill or get a shot. It doesn’t occur to many people that the problem is them – they don’t listen to their body, or let it repair itself.

      Part of the reason for my blog is I want more people to feel as empowered as I do. Lacking medical insurance I’m relying on books and magazines, mostly alternative to heal myself. (Disclaimer: Please understand that if I had a serious emergency I would go to the hospital.) Also please understand, I don’t disrespect doctors. But I don’t think I should rely on them all the time. I can learn things on my own. I am woman hear me learn and tell you about what I’ve learned!

     I think period discomforts fall under what is safe for me to experiment with. After a ridiculous amount of reading I no longer feel helpless. I don’t have to take pills to ease the pain in my belly. The name of my game for my period is proactiveness – yes I made up a word. First thing I did was to prioritize the irritations. Cramps are the most irritating for me. Then the horrible tired feeling for about week prior. After that the general shortness of temper.

     It’s fairly easy to remember when I need to be proactive, I can feel a lot more now that I’m not taking the pill. When I feel heavy, bloated or more tired than normal I pull out my raspberry leaf tea. For the last several Moon Times I’ve had at least two cups of raspberry leaf tea a day until cramping stage was almost over. It’s amazing how quickly it works. And how long it lasts. I’ll make myself a cup of tea, just as I’m starting to feel uncomfortable. Then within a few minutes the deep cramp I feel releases. After a couple of cups I’m usually fine for the rest of the day.
I’ve also noticed that my period keeps getting easier. Less pain, less craziness, less general yucky feelings. It’s even strange. I feel alive, like parts of me that never really moved before are doing what they are designed to do.

     Perhaps part of the reason I’m seeing an improvement is because my general attitude has changed. I’ve decided that rather than having a “get through it” attitude, I’ll make it “me time”. I’ll sit and watch a movie, take a hot bath, or sleep in more than normal. Of course there are the times when the cramps start at more inconvenient times such as while I’m working or out with friends. While I’d love to go directly home, I do have to finish my massages or hang out time. When this happens breath work helps a lot. Slow deep diaphragmatic breathing is best. A few calming breathes later and I can momentarily lose myself. Something I learned in massage school is when you are stressed your “fight or flight” nervous system is activated. When this happens things seem to feel more painful. Doing deep breathing will help to activate your “rest and digest” nervous system and allow you to relax, and not fight against the discomfort.

     For those times when I’m not working, I find the best thing to do is to take time away from the world – to let go. Something that our society has lost is the ability to step away from everything and relax, repair, and live in the moment. For me, my period is the perfect opportunity to live in the moment and acknowledge a very important system of my body. And perhaps read a good book.

Ideas for treating the unpleasant things related to Moon Time:

Drink raspberry leaf tea
Use heat on your belly to ease cramps
Stay warm
Take a hot bath or shower
Use essential oils geared for relaxation and hormonal changes such as lavender and geranium rose
Combine the hot shower or bath with an essential oil blend
Turn off your phone
Read a book
Do a relaxing project
Take a nap
Diaphragmatic breathing
Procrastinate! (Yes, I said it. Why make yourself suffer today when you can do it tomorrow or the next day when you feel better?)
Get a massage, acupuncture
Find an herbalist or naturopathic doctor to get some herbs if needed
Say “No” and don’t feel badly about it

     Through every bit of research I’ve done, every book listed under “consumer education”, I’m reminded that pills don’t cure – they only treat symptoms. Lifestyle changes be it food, work, recreation can often give you lasting results without unwanted side effects.
Though I still have cramps at least one day, it’s okay. I’m not polluting my body or the city water system with synthetic hormones. It’s one more guilt free step in the right direction.

     A few months ago I started a hunt on etsy to find someone whom provided safe cosmetics. I read through countless ingredients list, profile pages. I managed to narrow it down to what I was looking for specifically – mineral foundation and eyeshadow. Which really, only narrowed it down a little. I eventually decided to try a sample pack from a little shop called Orglamix. I liked what she said, her ingredients lists, and the pictures were just so fetching!
     I love her stuff! I’ve ordered from her several times in the last few months. My makeup case has been recreated without chemicals. Cheri is my makeup girl!
     In December I ran out of my foundation so I ordered the large size for winter color. And got it, along with a couple of sample eyeshadows. Lovely! (The other time I ordered from her she sent a sample as well. I love samples!)
     Then yesterday, Rick got the mail and brought me yet another package. I wasn’t expecting anything. I already had my handmade shoes delivered a week ago. (Yes, handmade! With vintage fabric! I’m in love with them and will eventually do a post on them in the future.) I opened the package to find two of my foundation color! With the order form from December. I was confused to say the least. Today, I sent her a message and asked what I should do. I offered to pay for them, ship them back, whatever she wanted me to do. She sent me a quick note that it was a mistake, but don’t worry, they were on her! I still feel strange about keeping them. But since I plan on ordering from her indefinitely, she will definitely get more money from me. (I wish there was a way to tip through paypal)
     I wanted to tell everyone whom reads my little blog that Cheri at Orglamix is super awesome! Thank you Cheri for your kindness, and great service!

Soup Planned

     It’s soup season again! Though I prefer summer weather I love fall foods! Squash, corn, and soup are the foods for us in autumn. I’ve enjoyed two new soups made by friends and family in the last two weeks. For the whole summer, four different soups! All wonderful. I will be making my own renditions of the most recent soups over the next couple of days.

     The first soup I’ll be making is a Mediterranean soup with a chicken base, with tomato and clams for a different taste. My mom first made it two weeks ago. It was so good, it may become a favorite.

     The second soup, as made by a good friend, was a vegetarian black bean soup. It was spicy and thick. Rick even said that the way it was made he didn’t feel like he was missing meat. At the moment money is tight. Meat is expensive when compared to veggies or bulk dried items. Money saved is good. Nutrition kept is even better.

New Soup Goals

     Last year, I spent the fall and winter, and even a few summer days perfecting chicken soup. I discovered roast chicken makes the best stock and froze a ton of it. This years plans are to experiment outside the basic chicken soup. I want to add beans, use only stock, try vegetarian (for fun and financial). I want a soup to discover a soup I’ve never had before – or make a soup, I’ve never made before. It will be an exciting soup searching journey! Gluten-free of course!

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     For some strange reason I’m on a menstrual cycle post kick. Rick asked me why. I don’t know, other than there were so many things I didn’t think about. Part of me feels so ignorant, there is so much to be considered with all the chemicals that make our lives convenient – at the same time it seems that they are hurting us and our home.

     A few years ago, during a painful period my mom picked up raspberry leaf tea for me. The box said something about easing cramps etc. I tried brewing it a couple of times, but it tasted horrible. Like drinking brewed evil. So I packed it away for sometime. Eventually I tried it again – when I still didn’t like it I gave it away to my niece.
     Years later here I am again looking for a preventative to cramps. Luckily I’m not in the throws of agony, in fact, if you read Aunt Flow Part 1, you would have discovered that my cycle is not what it was years ago. Nothing is too agonizing, just annoying. That is no reason not to do some research about menstrual aids or tonics – this leads me back to raspberry leaf tea.

     I am now of the opinion that fresh is best. So the freshest raspberry leave tea will not be found in a store, but in my parents back yard. I was out picking raspberries with my parents a couple of days ago and I asked my dad about raspberry leaf tea, if they actually use these “common” leaves for that tea. He said he was pretty sure, he thought it was new growth that they use for the tea, but he wasn’t positive. I did some research on drying and benefits. When I was ready to start plucking he told me which areas were up for grabs.

     “Normal” red raspberry leaves are used in the tea. They are full of vitamins and minerals. One site, The Eclectic Physician , said the leaves are best picked just as the plant begins to flower. There still are flowers on my parents’ bushes, but they are already providing fruit. I didn’t find anything about new growth leaves being used, or the best, but it makes sense that since they are new they would be excellent sources of those vitamins and minerals as well. Also, my dad has a degree in horticulture. He is rarely wrong about things that grow in the ground. In fact I can’t think of a time when he was wrong. Believe me, I try to question everything – he always said ask questions, so I do.

Recipe:

     To make your own fresh tea, pick leaves that you know have not been sprayed. One site recommended drying the leaves first, one used fresh leaves. Crush or mince the leaves. Bring water to a boil, add or pour over leaves and let steep between 5-10 minutes. Strain.
     Because I’m a flavor queen I tried adding a few berries to the mix as well. Nothing wrong with adding more vitamins and a little color to one’s tea. If adding fruit, squish the fruit before adding to the water, or pouring over them – makes sure that all the little sections are broken.
     Rick tried it too and loved it as well!
     *I made the mistake of not mincing the fresh leaves the first time I made tea. It had very little taste and it seems that the leaves were hardly effected. I have made it daily in the last few days, each time slightly differently – Once I simmered the leaves and berries for a few minutes. Then I steeped for a very long time (Forgot about there truthfully). Also, because of the summer heat they are drying out, so I have used varied types of leaves, some wilted, some fresh and some dried.

     What is it about raspberry leaf tea that makes it so good for the ladies?

     It contains vitamins A, E, C and some vitamin B complex. All of which are strengthening to the immune system. Vitamin E promotes circulation and healing. It also contains phosphorus, potassium and calcium. According to Wikipedia larger amounts of calcium is needed to control nerve response in labor. Obviously (at least to me) being calcium, it helps the developing fetus with bone development. In menstruating women that calcium will be used for our bones. Reading about it easing cramps, my guess is the things that make laboring women deal with pain help us deal with our smaller amounts of pain.
From a massage point of view, I know that calcium and potassium are needed for proper muscle function, if you don’t have enough you get cramps. Your lovely, sometimes ambitious, uterus is a muscle that needs those minerals as well. So feed it!
     Most of the annoying problems with pregnancy or a horrible period can be connected to a lack of something, be it calcium or a vitamin.
     The leaves also contain an alkaloid called fragrine which is supposed to tone the muscles in the pelvic region which includes the uterus. The tannins in the red raspberry leaves act as an astringent which soothes inflammation, especially in the digestive tract. Pregnant or menstruating women can have digestive upsets on occasion.

     Hopefully through eating well and supplementing with raspberry leaf tea a menstruating or pregnant woman will be able to better prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort.

My plans:

     After reading all about this magical leaf, I plan on keeping raspberry leaves handy all year round. Now I will probably just use fresh leaves (unless they dry before I use them). However, it would be an excellent idea to dry some leaves to use during the winter, when the garden is sleeping.
     I’m going to pick some new growth leaves and some regular leaves, lay them inside, on the counter or somewhere safe(perhaps in the shade on the deck). I wouldn’t recommend drying them in the sun as it can bake some of the nutrients out. After they are completely dry store them in a glass jar, (one of the many I keep from various store bought delights). It is best to store things away from direct light, so a dark cupboard would work well. Also remember to keep them away from heat, as that will kill some of the nutrients before you turn it into tea. (Yes the raw foodist would argue that once above 160 degrees most of the nutrients are lost, so tea isn’t as good as originally thought.) But teas have shown to be effective, just no reason to give sunlight or heat the chance to leach out the nutrients before being subjected to hot water.
     I will of course take pictures to mark the progression of my tea drying and storing.

     If anyone has dried their own leaves for tea or cooking and have any suggestions, please feel free to share!

     *I have only been drinking this since the first day of my period this time. (It is recommended to start drinking it about a week before to help even more.) I’m feeling pretty good – hardly had any cramps, feel a little less moody, and more awake. I’m convinced to the point where I’m drinking it in 80 degree weather now.

My sources:
http://www.eclecticphysician.com/archive.php?action=Nbr&Nbr=199
http://www.iemily.com/article-468.html
http://konzababy.tripod.com/RRL.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_raspberry_leaf
http://www.localharvest.org/red-raspberry-leaf-tea-C6483

     It’s that time of the month again. Guys beware this is an extra femmy post. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t read further, but do so if you actually want to learn something, not judge.

     Certain actions of the female body are far from pleasant. There are a million things out there to “help” us deal with our “Curse”. Midol, Ibuprofen, chocolate and soft pjs, not all are bad, but some should be questioned; the pills we take. I’m not going to tell you that you should never take anything, because if you are doubled over and crying from pain, do something to fix it. However, I wouldn’t suggest that you rely on ibuprofen alone to remedy your cramps. But after you have taken a couple of pills why not look for an alternative. An acupuncturist I know mentioned that in our western culture, women receive little to no guidance or support in our trips through the different paths of feminine life. In some other cultures it is explained and in some cases celebrated when a girl goes through yet another phase of life whether it’s her first period or her last, she is taught about it. It isn’t a “curse” there.
     If only it was like that here. But if we want information here, we have to search high and low and talk with a million or more people whom may or may not understand. Now, to be fair I didn’t hit puberty without instruction. My mom explained between blushes what happens. She did a good job being tactful and not scaring me. But there were still the emotions she and I felt. Why it what makes us women is is so embarrassing? Part of it I think is based in religion. I’m not going to lecture about religion. However, I will say that back in the day women were considered “unclean” while menstruating. They even had a separate tent they stayed in during this time. (On a side note, a client told me about a book “The Red Tent” that was about that time and that tent and how it wasn’t such a horrible thing and that women looked forward to their week vacation from life each month. I want to read it!) Depending on the religion women are sometimes regarded as lesser or even evil beings. Super lame.

     In this day and age women have been liberated pretty well. There are women CEOs and judges and police officers. No woman president yet, but I think when the right one comes along she’ll do well in that office also. But there is a side of women that is still regarded as annoying or inconveniencing. Our periods.

     I admit, I hate my period. I don’t feel well leading up to it. I don’t like feeling like my uterus is trying to jump out of my body. I don’t like worrying about having a heavy one while I’m working. But I wish it was different. The same acupuncturist expressed that she never felt the way I did about her period. It was just there, she was fine and patient took it in stride. This got me thinking, why shouldn’t I do the same. Why do I have to be perfect and period-less all the time? What if I regard this week or so as a respite and just go with the flow? (Pun accidental but works)

     Four months ago, after having run out of my birth control pills from the last refill I quit taking them. Partly because without insurance I was going to have to pay $60 a month that I didn’t have and partly because of what was going on with Rick’s health. He was very sick. I felt the need to cleanse my body of all unneeded things. I quit taking those, Excedrin (unless I was “dying”) and started to be proactive. There was no desire to get pregnant. There are ways to avoid it without the pill.
     In the first couple of weeks I felt so much better. My headaches decreased a ton. I was warm for the first time in years. And in the femmy area, I felt awake, like things were flowing and moving properly for the first time ever. No longer was I clenching my teeth to keep from screaming at the husband for not taking out the garbage. PMSing meant only that I was a little tired and cramped a little.
     There were some annoying things that happened. I sweat like a pig for about 2.5-3 months and didn’t smell pretty. I tried several types of deodorants, none of which worked well a few days before and after my period. My skin started to produce a ton of oil and my hair was filthy at the end of the day.
     But going into the fourth month I feel settled. I know that a lot of that had to do with my hormones regulating themselves. It can take up to 3 months for your body to re-regulate your body after ceasing the pills. Though, I will admit this month is not the best example, I’m under a lot of stress trying to find an apartment, job, find Rick a job and bills of course. But in general, I’m warm rather than cold. I have headaches only when my neck goes out and that isn’t hormone related. I don’t get headaches with weather pressure changes – still feel them in my body, but not in the same way. Though my skin is oilier, it’s healthier looking. Yes it’s well “lubed” before and during my period, and I break out but it heals well and the blemishes aren’t the same deep, festering bastard zits. They are friendly little zits now. I have actually lost a little bit of weight as well. Have about ten pounds to go until I’m back to my 19 year old weight! I still get grumpy but it isn’t a long or horrible as before. I’m tired but it isn’t unbearable. Sex drive is back. And as far as Aunt Flow is concerned it’s way different, but okay. Some cramps, but if I keep warm and relax it’s okay. Flow is heavier but not unhealthy. It feels more complete with a definite beginning and ending. Bloating I could live without, but I’m not going to take a pill for it.
     Something I learned from the acupuncturist is that a woman’s period shouldn’t be the way they are now with all the cramping and screaming and crying. Acupuncture can help to even one out, treating the imbalances that arise. And I’m happy to say that it works. Due to not having enough time in the day right now I haven’t been able to continue with my treatments, but I will again when things settle down. So the little bit of cramping and uncomfortable things should eventually decrease. I know I don’t have to settle for them or be forced to take a pill or get a shot.

     Now for the bit about the negative attitude everyone has toward menstruating. Almost everyone views it negatively. Parents dread the weeks their daughters are pmsing because they can act crazy. Working women dislike it because it can hamper how they deal with challenges on the job. Will they be too tired? Will they overreact to something difficult? Will their coworkers respect them less for acting differently? Will their job be in jeopardy? At home husbands or wives can dread it because of impending grumpiness or no sex. Kids notice it when mommy cries over burnt toast or stained t-shirts. Something always goes wrong and we stress ourselves out over stupid details and unpreventable biology. This is completely illogical! We know it’s dumb to get mad at a person hard of hearing if they don’t hear what you said when you were in another room. Why doesn’t this common sense transfer to women’s periods?

     Here’s an idea. We all have them unless we have parts removed or shots are given. Why don’t we take it easy and relax for a week a month? I know that things go wrong and seem impossible to complete. How about if we plan dinners and activities that are easy before we are on the wave? Why not ask for help around the house? Why not say “No, I’m sorry, I can’t do that this week,” when someone asks you to commit to yet another after-school activity. Do some squared breathing if your boss gives you a huge responsibility. Go to bed early and require other people to be responsible as well. And maybe it isn’t a good idea to go camping if you know it’s going to be cold and you will be cramping. Drink several cups of hot herbal tea. Get acupuncture. Go see a naturopathic doctor and ask for natural remedies to help. Wear a scarf. Buy or make a rice pack. It’s easy and all you need is access to a microwave. When having a cramp take slow deep breathes, don’t hold your breath or breathe quickly. Lamaze type breathing is a horrible idea; it activates your sympathetic nervous system which will make you more stressed. Take a day off. Sleep with another blanket. Make some gluten-free brownies. Tell your kids “No, no friends over tonight” or “Make your self some dinner tonight. Mommy needs a night off.” Read a book. Cuddle with your lover or child or pet. Try not to give into negative self thoughts. Remember, it’s okay to be human. Humans, whether man or woman, are not perfect, but always improving, evolving beings. Life would be boring if it was perfect.

     This year I’m growing some of my own herbs. In the last year I have spent a fortune on herbs. They make things taste interesting and are beneficial to digestion, so in my opinion they are a must!

     Since there is a good possibility that if I try to start some inside for a kitchen garden Milo, my cat, will eat them, I’m growing them at my parents’ house. They live on about an acre, the “farm” I grew up on. I planted them about a month ago. I have a couple different types of mint, rosemary, sage, oregano, lemon verbena, fennel, basil, and a couple of others I can’t remember. Last weekend I planted three different lettuces between the baby spice plants. They will be gone before it gets too crowded for them. Only one plant died, the original basil plant. They are a little too delicate for our recent crazy weather, probably should have waited to plant it for another month. But the most recent replacement should do okay. I hope.

     Being a crazy-picture-taker, I will be documenting a lot of the gardening at my parents’ house. They have a lot of room and I have a lot of willingness to play in the dirt. Check back for updates from the “farm” weekly or so. I’m trying to get back to blogging more. However, looking for a job and the impending move will take up a lot of time. So please be patient.