Elderberry Cold, Cough and Flu Syrup

It was so much fun picking elderberries with my kids.  We made jars of this for winter and some elderberry desserts too.  Totally worth it! (You can also eat this on pancakes, put in herbal tea, add to warm milk or stir into yogurt if desired.)

Elderberry Cold, Cough and Flu Syrup
2 cups elderberries, washed de-stemmed
1 inch fresh ginger
3 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup of water
Bring all the above to a slight boil and simmer for 30 minutes to reduce.  Strain through a fine strainer into a glass jar.  Add 1 part juice to 1 part raw local honey and stir to dissolve.  1/2 to 1 tsp for children and 1/2 to 1 TBS for adults.  Take as needed.

Home Remedies for a Burn

There must be a reason I went through this tonight. It could be to  make me I realize I haven't posted about home remedies for a burn yet.  I thought I was being Super Woman by wild crafting chokecherry and elderberry syrups tonight.  Really, I was just being Super Messy Woman. I picked up my on-the-stove-juicer and dropped the bottom part that holds boiling water all over my foot.  My left foot and little toe got the brunt of it, because I couldn't get my sock off fast enough.  Again, you have to use your best judgement. See a doctor if need be, and don't sue me if things go south.  I'm not an MD, just a mommy bear.

What I did

Cool water for 10-15 minutes (5 if a small superficial burn). Mine was the whole top of my left foot, especially the little piggy that goes wee wee wee all the way home.

Frankincense essential oil (I told you I use it in emergencies)

Raw Honey -Yes, raw honey.  I read this article in the New York Times. Here's the Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/health/19real.html?_r=0)

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Coconut Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil-This was the kicker! I haven't used peppermint very often before, but boy, it sure took the pain away and quick. I was very relieved. It still feels nice.

And for extra credit: Some aloe gel fresh from my plant.

I then put gauze over the whole sticky mess (It smelled so good I almost wanted to lick my toes,...almost I said....I didn't lick my toes.) and wrapped it with an ace bandage, because I want all this to stay on overnight.  Shockingly, it doesn't hurt thanks to the peppermint oil thus inspiring to make a special post.  Good night.

Pregnancy and Essential Oils

I've had this question come up twice in the last week, so I figured it would be good to make a post.  I love Rose, Frankincense, Lavender, and Balance essential oils to pamper expectant mommies while Foot Zoning. These oils are my go to oils in general because they are powerful, so multipurpose it is crazy, pregnant woman can tolerate the smells and like them, and I haven't seen contraindications with these oils. 
I also used Geranium on my friend once a week for few weeks before she gave birth to help with post-partum depression.  The cool thing was, she was planning on taking Geranium with her to the hospital since her other two children were born with jaundice. Geranium is recommended for the liver. That baby boy born without jaundice. She never even had to use it on him.  We were both thrilled!
Don't freak out if you have done any of my no no list.  Pregnancy already has so many worries.  Just try to take what I say and apply it going forward if you feel that it is the right thing for you.  Please do use common sense, caution and talk to a doctor.  Don't sue me, if things go south. I'm not an MD, I'm just a mommy bear.
Rose-Smells nice! Pregnancy can make you not like certain things.  Used for: Depression, PMS, hormone balancing, skin issues (itchy belly and stretch marks), burns, antiseptic, as a beauty product,  is antibacterial, and is an all around good oil for woman's issues.  I haven't seen any contraindications with Rose, and it can be used neat.  It is powerful, but calming like lavender.
Balance-I have many people muscle test for Balance.  It is good for people with seizures (I know first hand from a friend who has seizures and this is what she uses for Foot Zoning), it smells earthy like pine trees (so most woman can handle it during pregnancy), and it helps to just bring sanity to a insane time.
Frankincense-again a powerful oil, but can be used neat.  It is the most miraculous oil I have the pleasure to own. Oft times I use frankincense and Pose together. When in doubt or I have a question about anything, I go to frankincense, even in emergencies.  It is good for skin, bug bites, and antiseptic, burns, stings, brain trauma, pain, cancer,  beauty purposes, colds, flu, AMAZING FOR EXPECTANT AND NEW MOMMIES for many reasons I don't even understand yet, and the musky earth tones are well tolerated by pregnant woman. 
Geranium-Good for bleeding, hormones, the liver (thus my jaundice story), skin rashes, is a mild antiseptic, depression, post partum depression, and as a skin beauty product (stretch marks, itchy belly, etc.). 
Uplift , Serenity, and other calming blends with chamomile are also OK. 
Oils to use caution with during pregnancy (You will hear many things from others, this is just what I have learned):
Clary Sage-This is the oil I would use to induce labor as well as using reflexology points on a woman who is ready to give birth. It is ok for PMS, but be careful with pregnancy.
Peppermint essential oil-Again, you will hear different things. The essential oil is very concentrated.  What I do know, is my good friends who own an oil company and know I Foot Zone, cautioned me that it can induce labor and dry up a mommy's milk supply. So, I just don't even go there. Be careful when diffusing especially. I would use lemon instead for nausea and lavender.
Any Blend with Blue Tansy-That would be Deep Blue.  Blue Tansy is not recommended to be used on small children because it is poisonous when digested.  I would use the other oils above to give a message to a pregnant lady with stiff muscles and joints like the ones listed above.
Wintergreen-It is just too controversial to use on pregnant ladies.  It is also in Deep Blue I believe.
Lemongrass-Especially diffused. I have seen so many women (including myself) that have had a reaction to lemongrass. Oddly enough, I call it a hot oil now.  Where I used it got bright red (even with a ton of coconut oil), and had a rash for three days. It burned immediately when I put it on.  I had a neighbor use it, and everywhere she put it did the same thing. She showed me her elbows and arms.  Another friend had the same reaction on her hip.  Anything that burns me and that many people I know should not be diffused, in my opinion, or used on sensitive individuals like pregnant ladies. I know it is often used on people with yeast infections and for pain, but I would wait to address those issues a different way.  Lemongrass has it's place, but boy, that was a lot of reactions coming form a lot of people.  I only know one person who can tolerate lemongrass and I tell her all the time she is the only person I know who can do it.
Oregano-Use caution with this hot oil in general. You can refer to my other posts. If you already have heartburn issues, it can really be bad to take it internally as it will come up on you.
CONGRATS!  Hope this helps.

My Blog, My Soap Boxes and Diffused Oils

Thanks to those who have been following my recipe blog!  I hear questions and comments now and then about the recipes.  I hope you are still enjoying them! I am having a different spin for a few posts.  I don't post very often any more (life is just that way), but I do possibly have some things to offer about the health and the usage of oils. Most of you know about my Foot Zoning hobby (Reflexology).  In the last couple of years, my family and I have benefited for the usage of essential oils.  I am dedicating a few posts to this topic and other health stuff I find useful in my home.

Yes, I do have some soap boxes like my dislike for MLM companies.  We can be friends, and you can belong to an MLM that is just fine, but I consider you a solicitor when you come to my car in Costco and hand me business cards out of the blue. If I want to buy something I will go a store or ask you.  Please don't pressure me. No, you making money is not a crime, and I don't begrudge you that.  And, I will absolutely stink as your bubble/triangle/networking person. I promise!  It's best to just get that out there. 

And, I do have health soap boxes, like I am absolutely committed to my kids not eating things they are allergic to. It's too risky....stabbing an  epipen into my kids does not sound pretty.  I want them to heal and they are best served by not eating the things they are allergic to so they can heal their guts. 

 I also have been in so many nutrition classes from my doctor's office I am on the sugar  hell isn't good for anyone soap box. To quote a friend, "Why do we teach young girls that when a group of women get together, they eat junk food?"  I would say why do we teach our kids when a group of people get together they eat junk food?......Yes, my blog, my soap boxes.  

Ok.  Moving along. 

I am a mommy bear, not an MD so don't sue me if things go south. Use your own common sense and see a doctor for pity sake if you need to.

I like using my essential oil diffuser.  I use it when my kids get sick. I put it in their rooms at night.  I also like to diffuse oils like Uplift in the winter, or Christmas around Christmas-time like an air freshener.  I don't use it all the time though.  I handle essential oils all the time, and diffusing them can be overwhelming to me now. It's also easy to over dose kids on oils with a diffuser. Yes, an oil overdose is possible.  And I have seen, only once,  a child have an allergic reaction to lavender. It was on his skin, and I'm glad it wasn't being diffused.  So, use caution with kids and watch them. That being said my kids, who are allergic to the planet, have never had an allergic reaction to an oil. 

My friends who own an oil business (no not an MLM), told me they have the same experience.  They said if you diffuse the same oils over and over, you can start developing headaches and other reactions. They said that the best thing to do, if you are going to diffuse oils, is to find a couple of oils you like for whatever you need them for and alternate the days you use them.  

For example diffusing for winter use: Protection (On Guard) one day, frankincense another, and bring purify, lemon, and lavender in the mix for other days.  Only diffuse one oil up to twice a day. Try not to exceed the twice a day thing. This is advice from the oil companies themselves, as well as other seasoned veteran oil users.

For croup and nose colds: I diffuse breathe at night.

For disinfecting rooms: I diffuse lavender, lemon or purify.

For calming: I diffuse lavender.

For winter blues and holiday stress: I diffuse uplift or Christmas.

For strep or something really nasty: I diffuse thyme oil with caution.  Thyme can be a hot oil to some.  It is sort of a medium hot oil to me. Some people could react to it by breathing it in.  I just keep it in the corner of the room, and I know my family is fine with it.  I want the nasties to go away quickly, so it is worth it.

I personally would say to not diffuse the following oils: Wintergreen, Peppermint, Eucalyptus strait (unless in a blend like breathe), Oregano or Lemongrass. 

If you want to use oils everyday, another route is to use coconut oil and apply the oil on the bottom of the feet. So, for instance, put protection on your kids' feet every morning in the winter.

I use balance, rose or frankincense as a body lotion with coconut oil every day. That is fun for everyday oil usage.

If you don't want to diffuse, you can also put a couple (one to two drops) of oil in a bath for someone. I do this for my hubby when he is sick. It is also good for rashes to cover the whole body with oil and cool water.

Go essential oils!

Some Home Remedies for Common Ails (Dr. Mom)

I haven't posted for awhile, but due to the fact that the FDA has shut down the website www.everythingessential.me for the time being, I had some questions arise.  This way they will be answered in writing to refer to as needed. This is just brief and basic.  They are  handy dandy tricks to file away in the brain.  Questions? Let me know. I will address diffusing oils another day. I am not an MD, just a mom, so don't sue me if things go south for any reason LOL.  Good luck!

Ear Aches-Basil essential oil rubbed around the ear and down the Eustachian tube on the neck. You may carefully (double and triple check the oil you have in your bottle to make sure you are getting the right oil) put one drop on a cotton ball and insert into the ear. A friend of mine swears by lavender, it's never worked for me where basil has, but your kids may be different.  Do not ever put any oil directly in the ear canal.  Ever.  No matter what anyone tells you.  I have used ASAP silver solution in the ear after an ear drum rupture on the advice of my MD.  Take one tsp ASAP silver solution twice a day internally for overall infection help.  Onion juice.  There may come a day when we can't use essential oils or don't have access to them.  Grate the onion and use the juice drops.  My friend who is an herbalist used this on all of her 8 kids every time they had an ear infection.  She amazed her Pediatrician when her son became antibiotic resistant by fixing his ear infection quickly with just onion juice. I've heard other stories from moms in our Co-op that onion juice works awesome on their screaming kids in the middle of the night.

Coughs-Raw honey and coconut oil.  I use about 1 tsp of each.  Works like magic when my kids wake up coughing and can't get back to sleep.  Raw honey is what is now commonly used for kids over one since we are not to use cough syrup on young kids anymore. (do not feed honey to kids under one). Honey is antibacterial and the enzymes are still intact if you keep it raw.  Coconut oil is antiviral, anti-fugal and antibacterial.  Also, put Breathe on the bottom of the foot or Vick's Vapor Rub.  It is the menthol and eucalyptus that works. Magic! Especially when we can get back to sleep quickly for some shut-eye.
During the day-Healing Tea: Herbal Tea make as directed (chamomile, peppermint, whatever), 1 TBS-2TBS raw apple cider vinegar (yes, use the raw kind), 1 lemon slice, 1-2 tsp honey.  Drink as needed (I use this for PMS days, bad days, sick days, low energy days, etc.  It's a great comfort thing and a energy pick me up). Melissa Chappelle is to thank for this beautiful gift of an all purpose elixir.

Croup-Go outside NOW! Get to the coldest spot you can find. Get in the car and drive with the windows down. If it is summer, open your freezer and stick your head in. Sleep with the windows open, especially in winter.  Croup is laryngitis in kids, that's why the throat doesn't usually hurt. Their trachea's are smaller, about the diameter of a straw, and the swelling of the larynx  adds more pressure. Some kids get it a lot, some kids not at all.  It is not bronchitis. Bronchitis is RSV in kids and that is different and is even more dangerous.  Follow protocol below for the throat area for croup. Some say steamy showers.  Heat is not good, and you will have a long night just sitting in a hot room with steam.  Really, the cold is what is THE most effective and a cool steam humidifier. If your kids are blue and or there is mucous too, get to the ER.  They may need an inhaler. However, I drove to the ER one terrifying night, just to have the doctor tell me that 95% of the time the kid's oxygen levels are fine (even if they seem to be struggling), and if I have the windows down and heater off most likely the event will end itself before I even make it to the ER next time.  He seemed bored with me.  I always treat it at home now even if that means a drive up the canyon, sleeping with windows open in the dead of winter, or spending a half hour on my porch looking at the stars with a blanket and coats on (unless there is mucous or blue lips, but we've never had that.  And yes, I do have one friend who's son was so bad he did have low oxygen levels...so use your best judgement. I also make my kids stick one drop of Tea Tree oil on their tongues 3 times a day. Mean, uh huh, but it also works for my friend's sister who has 6 kids.  I always resort to the Tea Tree about day 3 of croup, get results, and always regret not just starting with it on day one.  Then drink homemade lemonade made with real lemons and honey.

Sore Throat-1 Tsp ASAP silver solution twice a day.  It is antibacterial, antiviral and tasteless.   This brand leaves the body quickly and is awesome. Do not be scared by blue people you see on the internet drinking gallons of homemade silver solutions a day. If it seems like the wicked strep throat: I also do one drop of Protection (on Guard from DoTerra) or Tea Tree Oil on the tongue then give my kids one TBS coconut oil. They hate it, but we've never had to use an antibiotic.  I also (please use caution with this) do: 3 drops Protection (OnGuard), two drops Oregano, and two drops Thyme oil in a gelatin capsule with liquid coconut oil taken internally for my husband and myself. Do the healing tea for coughs. A friend who is an herbalist uses cayenne powder too in her healing teas. The only thing I buy from DoTerra is sometimes the OnGuard cough drops.  I don't normally do it because of all the sugar in them, but sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do for a stubborn certain somebody.

Fever-Simple rain drop therapy.  Have the sick person lay on the floor on a towel.  Put lots of coconut oil on the spine from the base of the neck down.  Put one drop of each "hot oil" (Fighting infections and viruses are what the hot oils are for, so please use the technique, but be careful) on the base of the neck then make small figure eights up and down the spine with your fingers between the vertebrae down to the tail bone. I use the following oils (making the small figure eights in between each different kind of oil before using another oil): Oregano, Thyme, Protection, Tea Tree, Frankincense, Basil, Lemon, and Lavender.  My kids ask me to do this for them now.  And yes, you do smell like an Italian restaurant after. Stay hydrated with coconut water. Drink regular water too.  For the day when we don't have essential oils: make yarrow tea and be as aggressive with the treatment as the fever is with you.

Stinging Nettle, bug bites and stings: Frankincense.  I cannot speak highly enough about frankincense and rose oil.  I have tried other oil like purify on my kids.  Nope....nada.  Frankincense is fast and effective.  Even faster than benadryl cream.  You can apply frankincense neat, no carrier oil needed.  Apply it before you see a reaction.  Just do it.  Also, mud or Redmond Clay.  Takes the stinger out and brings the swelling down.  Apply and leave on until it dries. Ice helps.  For the days when we don't have essential oils, or even when you do, get to know what plantain looks like in your yard.  Grab some, chew it up, plop it on, grab some mud and plop it on. Then, when you can get to your blender blend plantain with water to make a poultice and leave on until it dries or just use you mouth as your blender if you  don't have electricity. Wash stinging nettle off with COLD water (as in in the river or ditch ASAP).  Nettle is not as mean as poison ivy and most times just washing it off good with COLD water will make it stop reacting. Then apply frankincense or rose essential oil with coconut oil.

Rashes-Oatmeal baths with lavender.  1 cup oatmeal in a cool bath with a couple of drops of lavender (and or Rose oil).  Coconut oil after the bath or real lard from the grocery store. And really, get to the root of the rash. If you or your kids have chronic eczema, you probably most likely have food allergies or environmental allergies. Find out what they are and just stop eating those foods and using those detergents and cosmetic items.  Life is too short to be so miserable in your own skin.

Pink Eye-My daughter went to school less than 24 hours after waking up with a rip roaring case of pink eye just using ASAP silver solution.  I just used a dropper and put 2 drops in each eye 3 times a day.  It doesn't hurt.  I was floored, but not surprised because silver solution is already in eye drops you get for pink eye from the doctor.  Silver solution is also in prepackaged bandaging materials used for MRSA patients from the doctor.  Just food for thought.  Also, for babies, breast milk works!  If you are nursing just rub it in their eye.  Breast milk works for newborn rash too.  I know from experience.  It's free and miraculous.

Teething-Clove oil with coconut oil.  Rub on gums as needed.  I also put an amber necklace on my babies.  I do not suggest using wintergreen oil. It is just too controversial for babies. Also, freeze a wet rag and let them gnaw away.  It is a complete old wives tale that teething causes fevers.  This is even coming from someone who WANTS to believe in old wives tales. If your baby has a fever, find the cause or treat like a fever and or infection.  It is almost always a low grade ear infection or a viral tummy issue.

Tummy Issues-1 tsp baking soda in water. DoTerra has Digest Zen, I've rarely used it.  I've heard mixed reviews about it.  If it is viral or food poisoning: stay hydrated with coconut water (the sugars in Gatorade and power drinks make it worse), use a drop of peppermint oil (unless pregnant or nursing) on the tongue, and drink water like a spazz. Real ginger ale works great.  I buy the Zevia brand without sugar at the health food store.  I also make real ginger plant. I have the micro-organism that makes real ginger ale from Ireland. It's kinda like the good pro-biotics in yogurt, but even better for your body.  Love that stuff!!! It's delicious!!! Avocados, bananas and toast when you can start eating. one drop of peppermint on the tongue.

Diarrhea-1 tsp psyllium powder. It can be found in the bulk section at the health food store.  Mix up and drink quickly. It is made from corn husks and will gel like jello quickly.  Do this up to 3 times a day.  Then follow the dehydration info above.  And, really, if this is a chronic issue, get to the root of it. Many modern medications cause this issue.  Also, food allergies often manifest with this symptom especially dairy and wheat.

Warts-I got rid of one huge ginormous wart on my foot when I was pregnant and one huge ginormous plantar wart on my youngest son using Protection oil (DoTerra OnGuard), Oregano oil and coconut oil. I put it on twice a day for about a month.  To be honest, I wasn't even religious about the twice a day thing, and even at the end forgot quite a few days and they still went away.  It was truly truly amazing, and gross, and fascinating at the same time.

Constipation-Applesauce. This should NEVER be a chronic issue.  Eat lots of fruits, veggies, and real foods, drink enough water and exercise. See a Chiropractor, seriously.  An adjustment can get things moving along nicely if you have some adjustment issues in your lower spinal area (if you are eating well and healthy and have this issue). Even when you are pregnant, a Chiropractor can help with this issue.  I know this first hand.  Chronic problems with diet can lead to really painful things like diverticulitis and colon paralyses.  I've never had those problems, but I've heard it's miserable from someone who has. Again, just address it with your diet.  Life is too short to be told over and over by your doctor to just eat healthy. Just do it already.  And, finding a good Chiropractor you love can be life changing. On many many levels for many many reasons.

For Sinus Infections-Tea Tree Oil (Melalueca) rubbed over the sinus area. I can actually feel it tingling and taking the pressure and pain away.  Don't get it in your eyes!

For headaches: Lavender and Peppermint.  Use lots of coconut oil and don't get it in your eyes!

Over all Stay Well Things: I have an AWESOME doctor's office and Chiropractor too that tells me every well child visit, "Keep your kids away from sugar!" and they drill it into my kids (ONE of the consequences of sugar hell is sick kids), homemade goat milk kefir (Kefir has more probiotics than yogurt.  Store bought brands of  yogurt and kefir can have lots of sugar in them), make enough sleep a priority for your kids and regular bedtimes, EAT TO STAY HEALTHY it's amazing just how often food can be the prescription: lots of greens, veggies, green smoothies with greens and a few berries, whole grains, and cultured veggies (my kids love to eat these and make them),  find out the root of you main health problems and address the real causes, find out food and environmental triggers for asthma and skin problems and avoid those things,  cow milk is for baby cows, exercise and fresh air even in the winter, get enough vitamin D, and Protection (OnGuard) or frankincense (or Purify, but that makes me achy) on the feet everyday with coconut oil.  Look up: www.greensmoothiegirl.com Robyn Openshaw is s wealth of knowledge. She is an amazing person to be around and walks the walk.

THE REALLY REALLY NASTY THINGS:
MRSA and cellulitis-Oregano oil and ASAP silver solution and Protection (OnGuard) essential oils.  Use them topically with coconut oil AND take internally up to 3 or 4 times a day.  I heard a first hand account of it saving a leg when the doctors had given up on all antibiotics. The guy was in the hospital and a close friend of mine who is an herbalist helped him.  She was grateful.

Allergy Friendly Substitutions for Cooking & Baking

Source: Living Without Pantry Substitutions Oct/Nov 2010
I wish I had had this list with my kids's allergies were first diagnosed.  I copied this, put it in a plastic page protector, and taped it on the inside of my cupboard so I can easily reference it when baking and using a non modified recipe.  You are welcome!
Milk: Replace 1 cup of cow's milk with one of the following:
1 cup soy milk (plain)
1 cup rice milk
1 cup fruit juice
1 cup water
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup goat's milk
1 cup hemp milk

Buttermilk Replace 1 cup buttermilk with one of the following:
1 cup soy milk + 1 TBS lemon juice or 1 TBS white vinegar
1 cup coconut milk
7/8 cup rice milk
7/8 cup fruit juice
7/8 cup water

Yogurt: Replace 1 cup of yogurt with the following:
1 cup soy yogurt or coconut yogurt
1 cup soy sour cream
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup fruit puree
1 cup goat milk kefir
1 cup goat yogurt
1 cup almond milk yogurt

Butter: Replace 8 TBS (1 stick) butter with one of the following:
8 TS Fleischmann's unsalted margarine
8 TBS Earth's Balance (Non Dairy) buttery spread
8 TBS Spectrum Organic Shortening
8 TB vegetable or olive oil
For reduced fat
6 TBS unsweetened applesauce + 2 TBS fat of choice

Eggs:  Replace 1 large egg with one of the following:
3 TBS unsweetened applesauce (or other fruit puree) + 1 TBS baking powder
* THIS IS ONE I USE THE MOST 1 TBS flax meal (ground flax seeds) or salba seed (chia seeds) + 3 TBS hot water. (Let stand, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes or until thick.  Use without straining)
Egg re-placer, according to the package directions
4 TBS pureed silken tofu + 1 tsp baking powder
Replacing more than two eggs will change the integrity of a recipe.  For recipes that call for a lot of eggs, like a quiche, use pureed silken tofu.  Because egg substitutions add moisture, you may have to increase baking times slightly.
Note: to replace one egg white, dissolve 1 TBS plain agar powder into 1 TBS water.  Beat, chill for 15 minutes and beat again.

Nuts: Replace tree nuts or peanuts with an equal amount of the following:
Toasted coconut
Sunflower seeds
Toasted sesame seeds (only 2 to 3 TBS)
Crushed corn flakes
Crushed rice crispy cereal
Crushed potato chips
Pumpkin seeds
Hazelnuts
Pecans
Almonds

Peanut butter: Replace peanut butter with:
Almond butter
Hazelnut butter
Cashew butter
Sunflower butter
Apple butter (see my recipe)
Pumpkin butter (I will post a yummy recipe soon!)

Substitute 1TBS baking powder (because baking powder has cornstarch) with
1/4 tsp non aluminum baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Chocolate chips that have soy and or milk: Enjoy Life brand chocolate chips (found at Maceys, Walmart, on vitacost.com and at Good Earth)

Gluten Free Flour Substitutions
To make flour blend, thoroughly combine all ingredients. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator until used.  You can double or triple these recipes to make as much flour mix as you need.  ALSO SEE THE NOTE BELOW ABOUT THE KEY TO USING GUAR GUM and or XANTHAM GUM.  It is very important for gluten free cooking.
All Purpose Flour Blend
Use this in all your gluten-free baking.
1/2 cup rice flour (found in bulk section at health food store on on vitacost.com)
1/4 cup tapioca starch/flour (found same place as above)
1/2 cup corn starch or potato starch (potato starch also found as above)

High Fiber Flour Blend
This high fiber flour blend works for breads, pancakes, snack bars and cookies that contain chocolate, warm spices, raisins, or other fruits.  It is not suited to delicately flavored recipes, such as sugar cookies, crepes, cream puffs, birthday cakes or cupcakes. (Look for all ingredients in the bulk section at Good Earth, at vitacost.com, or at azure standard co-op, and I think you can even find most at Maceys in the gluten free section).
1 cup brown rice flour or sorghum flour
1/2 cup teff flour
1/2 cup millet flour or Montina flour
2/3 cup tapioca starch/flour
1/3 cup cornstarch or potato flour

High Protein Flour Blend
This nutritious blend works best in baked goods that require elasticity, such as wraps and pie crusts.  (Look for all ingredients in the bulk section at Good Earth, at vitacost.com, or at azure standard co-op, and I think you can even find most at Maceys in the gluten free section).
1 1/4 cups bean flour (your choice), chickpea flour or soy flour
1 cup arrowroot starch, cornstarch, or potato starch
1 cup tapioca starch/flour
1 cup white or brown rice flour

Self Rising Flour Blend
Use this blend for muffins, scones, cakes, cupcakes or any recipe using leavening. (Look for all ingredients in the bulk section at Good Earth, at vitacost.com, or at azure standard co-op, and I think you can even find most at Maceys in the gluten free section).
1 1/4 cups white sorghum flour
1 1/4 cups white rice flour
1/2 cup tapioca starch/flour
2 tsp xanthan or guar gum
4 tsp baking powder (see above substitute)
1/2 tsp salt

General Guidelines for Using Xanthan or Guar Gum
Gum (xanthan or guar) is the KEY to successful gluten free baking.  It provides the binding needed to give the baked product proper elasticity, keeping it from crumbling.
Add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum or guar gum per cup of flour blend to keep cakes, cookies, bars, muffins and other quick breads.
Add 1 tsp per cup of flour blend to make yeast bread, pizza dough or other baked items that call for yeast.
Note: If you purchase a commercial flour blend, read the ingredient list carefully.  Some blends contain salt and xanthan or guar gum.  If so, there is no need to add more.

All Things Kefir

Why make your own kefir?  It has more probiotics than yogurt, it is easy to make, it is yummy and fizzy and fun, you can control the ingredients and choose your own type of milk (I use goat), it is cheaper to make, it has tons of enzymes, it improves you immune system, it aids digestion, you can use the kefir and whey for cooking,  and it is good for food storage and self reliance.  I give a small amount of plain to our puppy every morning to help him with his digestion too.  He can eat the extra grains!  If you live close to me, I'd be happy to give you some of my real kefir grains!

Add 2 TBS kefir grains to 2 cups milk (you can put milk in glass jar in warm water and soak to room temp if desired).  Let the little kefir grain babies work their magic for about 24 hours. Strain out grains from milk.  Repeat!  Easy!

To find real kefir grains:  http://www.yemoos.com/
You can also find them at Good Earth in the refrigerator section by the eggs.
If you want to go all crazy with kefir, check out this crazy-cool Aussie's website: Dom's kefir making site

http://users.chariot.net.au/~dna/Makekefir.html#rinsing

Kefir Breakfast Drink
1/4 to 1/2 cup frozen berries, peaches or 1 ripe banana
stevia and raw honey to taste
Blend and enjoy the good feeling.
What we don't drink, I use to wash my face in the mornings.  The berry seeds exfoliate my face, the naturally occurring acids in the whey remove impurities, the raw honey is good for your skin, the goat milk is high in minerals, and the berries add antioxidants and vitamins. My face has not felt softer than this week.  I also add it to my bath. I feel more pampered than the Queen of England since I started doing this week!  I also freeze this for popsicles and "ice cream" to get the kids to eat it!

A Resource I Love!

You can go to Robyn Openshaw's blog and find lots and lots of free yummy healthy recipes.  Don't underestimate her classic green smoothies!  I also like her products, most advice, some books, many blog posts, and did I mention FREE RECIPES.?  I also buy things from her co-op like real raw almonds.  Sign up for her emails and you will be notified when she does her group purchases.
www.greensmoothiegirl.com

Sour Dough Starter Care, Resources, and Recipes

Everyone who knows me know how much I LOVE my sourdough!  Here is a wonderful resource.  I miss Alaska.  I still make sourdough for John and myself even though the kids can't have it.  It's our treat :).  I love breadtopia's customer service, products, videos and information on how to care for your sourdough starter.  If you want a starter (my friends and close neighbors I do not have to ship to) let me know.
http://www.breadtopia.com/