Preparing Your Own Tea Bags

If you are a hot tea drinker, how many times have you gone to a restaurant, ordered your tea and the waiter/waitress either brings you some weak, weird chamomile or an off-brand black tea that makes your heart nearly race out of your chest? Either way, it's NOT what you thought you were getting.

Wouldn't it be great if you could have the wonderful herb or medicinal teas you make at home anytime, anywhere you want? Well, guess what?! YOU CAN!

You can buy empty, fill-your-own tea bags at most health food stores and tea shops or you can order them from Frontier. They are SO easy to use . . . 

1) open the unsealed end so that it is wide enough to fill with your herbs

2) If you need some ideas, click HERE for some of my medicinal tea blends

3) use any single herb or herb mix that your heart desires and fill your tea bags

4) with a hot curling iron, press the end that had been opened, count to 10 and . . . VOILA . . . custom made tea bags!

5) depending upon how many you make, you can store them in an air tight tea canister or canning jar until you are ready to use them OR carry them in your purse, like I do, in an old mint tin or even use a simple resealable sandwich bag.

Now ~ whether it's for medicinal use OR you just want what YOU want while away from home ~ you can enjoy your favorite tea anywhere, anytime you want.  Just ask your waiter or waitress for hot water and a cup.

This is also a great option if you do not like using tea balls or infusers.

Let me know how much you like this :-) 

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#122~ A Lesson Worth Repeating

"In the morning, O LORD, You hear my 

voice;

in the morning I lay my requests

before You

and wait in expectation."

~Psalms 5:3

Today, I was reviewing my short list of devotion topics I am considering ~ none of them struck me as what needed to be posted today. So, to get a little inspiration, I started looking and praying over passages I had underlined in the Book of Psalms. I was tweaked by one of my favorite passages (above) and had thought that I had once written something that corresponded to that verse, as I don't like to repeat myself if I can help it, I wanted to make sure it wasn't already done.

Well, as I was reading a post from August of 2011, it rang SO true with me today, that I thought someone else might need to read it, too. 

So, as I VERY RARELY DO ~ I'm reposting an old post in hopes that if it spoke so dearly to me today, that it might speak dearly to you. YOU may be the reason that it is reposted.

Please enjoy reading: The Difference.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Multipurpose Oils

We all know that there are different types of cooking oils, and that there are different types of body and skin oils. I happen to be of the opinion ~ and practice ~ that you DO NOT need BOTH.

I use food-grade oils for BOTH cooking AND body care. Mind you, I sell some top quality body and carrier oils in the health and beauty department of the health food store I work in, but given the opportunity to advise, I will ALWAYS guide the customer over to the food isles and recommend that they buy the food-grade oil. By nature, a top quality food-grade oil is good for BOTH cooking and skin care. Why waste your money on another product ~ especially one that is often cut with jojoba oil as most health and beauty carrier oil are? 

Here are some of my favorite dual purpose oils ~ 

COCONUT OIL

Probably what could be called a miracle oil, if any of them could (besides olive oil). As a food product, you can cook with coconut oil at all heat levels. Do you still pop popcorn the old fashioned way? Use coconut oil and you will NEVER use any other. It's what the movie theaters used to use until the food nazis came in and told them it was terrible for your health! . . . and then . . . and few years later . . . that had to detract that statement, with their tails between their legs, because it is one of the healthiest oils in existence. 

Coconut oil has been proven to be an AMAZING help with brain function, particularly with Alzheimer's patients. I wish I had found out about this when my mom was first diagnosed, however, Dr. Newport's amazing Youtube videos on the trials she conducted on her own husband didn't come out until just after her passing. Because of this near miraculous study, I take a TB per day ~ whether in a hot cereal, in my protein shake or just from a spoon. I try to be pro-active when I can.

It also has the ability to raise good HDL cholesterol levels. This goes along with brain health, in that we NEED GOOD FATS for our brains. Starve the brain of GOOD fats and you will effectively give yourself Alzheimer's. I happen to agree with the owner of our store that Dr's OFTEN put people on meds that reduce their cholesterol TOO MUCH and they develop Alzheimer's or dementia. As a sort of experiment of my own, if someone comes in and wants something for memory or for their parent or spouse who is showing signs of poor brain health, I ask them if they are on cholesterol drugs ~ I have YET to have someone say "no." Scary stuff.

Another reason to eat about 1 TB a day ~ it cuts your appetite and breaks up fat! Woohoo! Most especially the dangerous belly fat that forms around your vital organs. 

For the skin, coconut oil is a tremendous moisturizer. Coconut oil comes in a semi-hard state, it will immediately start to liquefy at 72 degrees F, which allows it to start doing it's work as soon as it touches your skin. I use it in my homemade solid deodorant, best deodorant I've ever used. No one has complained yet ;-) Another little-known fact is that coconut oil is also a great sunscreen ~ it blocks 20%-25% of UV rays. Dry hair? Before your shower, work some coconut oil through your hair from the nape of your neck, down. Wait 10-15 minutes and then comb out as much as possible (you don't want to clog your drain) and then shampoo out what's left. Result? Soft, shiny hair. Coconut oil is my #1 oil for most of my balms and salves.

**NOTE** NEVER . . . EVER . . . keep coconut oil in the refrigerator. Store in a cool place. If it's hot and humid where you are and it starts to liquefy, don't worry, that's not a problem and it will harden again below about 72 degrees F. 

ALMOND OIL

Almond oil is very popular because of it's slightly sweet fragrance and taste. A medium-light cooking oil, many use it for stir-fries over medium-to-low heat, baking sweets and salad oils. 

Once again, this is an oil that has benefits for brain health and reducing cholesterol. It's a very good source of vitamins A, D, E and a source of magnesium and calcium.

It has it's own benefits for the skin care, too. It's a very popular carrier oil for essential oils ~ even though it has a slightly sweet odor, it doesn't over-power the fragrance or potency of your essential oils. Almond oil is a great oil to use immediately after a shower; a little goes a long way as it soaks into your skin. It is a great message oil because it warms to your touch (or your masseuse's), soaks deep into your skin and relaxes your tense muscles and reduces inflammation. 

If you like to make your own balms and salves, almond oil is good to the drier skin types. 

Avocado Oil

Mmmm . . . as much as I'd like to talk about guacamole, here, I'm going to force myself to limit this to the oil! lol. 

As a food oil, Avocado oil is recommended to anyone with poor eye health. It is rich in lutein and beta-carotene/vitamin A. Make THIS your salad oil, every time. This oil is also known to increase the health of your circulatory system, blood pressure and heart. Avocado oil is also known as an anti-inflammatory and is good for the health of your cartilage. If you are already taking hyalauronic acid/MSM/Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements, make sure you add avocado oil to your regime. It's also a great source of B12, to boost your energy without making your heart palpitate or making you jittery and nervous.

For your skin, since it is a great source of B12, it also helps with skin rashes and psoriasis. Mix just a little with a few drops of Vitamin E oil OR cream and use on skin irritations or on your dry face or body skin. A LITTLE BIT goes a long way. For use ONLY on your body if you have an oily face.

GRAPESEED OIL

I have to say, whether for baking or stove-top cooking (if I'm not using olive oil), THIS is my favorite. Grapeseed oil is a VERY clean, light oil. 

As a food, grapeseed oil makes a lovely, light weight salad oil and will not detract from the flavor of the fruit, herbs or spices that you use. Anytime a recipe calls for vegetable oil, I go for the grapeseed oil.

Taken as a supplement or using the oil in your food, grapeseed oil is very well known for brain heath, heart health, circulation, inflammation, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol. Another benefit, which I think is directly related to the above conditions, is that it is good for eye health ~ night vision, in particular.**DO NOT use if you are already on blood thinners.**

If you have recently been in an accident or have had surgery and it has caused you to have edema, take grapeseed oil supplements, and gently message some of the food-grade oil on the swollen area and use the oil in your cooking/baking. You will be amazed at the improvements you will see. 

Many also use grapeseed oil to be proactive against cancer. Since is works as sort of a system cleanser, it may work to force out toxins.

For the skin, grapeseed oil is the most versatile of oils. It is so clean and light and even oily/acne-prone skin-types can use it! This food-grade oil can be used directly on the skin ~ especially right after you dry off after a shower or bath ~ as it absorbs right in. As with ALL oils, a LITTLE BIT goes a long way. Use this oil as a carrier oil for essential oils and as a filler oil if you make your own herbal capsules. In my humble opinion, anything you want in a skin oil, you can get from using grapeseed oil.  This is another excellent oil for medicinal oils.

I know that there are many more oils, but these are the "best selling" food-grade oils that can double as skin care that I recommend at the health food store. It would have been fun to tell you these thing in person, but I know you can't all come to the store ;-D 

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

**This is NOT meant to be medical advice. Please see the obligatory disclaimer at the bottom of this page**

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#121~ How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us,
 (1 John 3:1) 
How vast beyond all measure
(2 Cor. 9:15)
That He should give His only Son
(John 3:16-17)
To make a wretch His treasure
(Deut. 7:6)

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
(Matt. 27:46)
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
(Is. 53:5)
Bring many sons to glory
(Rev. 21:2-4)

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
(1 John 2:2)
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
(Luke 23:35-36)

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
(Col. 2:14)
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
(John 19:30)

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
(Prov. 21:30)
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
(Gal. 6:14)

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
(Job 13:15)
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(1 Cor. 15:10; 1 Tim. 1:15-17)
{Lyrics by Stewart Townend} 

Think of these things.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Adrenal Recovery Tea

When I first realized that I was going through peri-menopause/menopause symptoms, I started looking into remedies that would help me. I had begun to notice that I wasn't handling stress as well as I used to, that I was having trouble with sleep and I feared I might slip back into the insomnia that I suffered with a few years earlier; I noticed that I would dwell on the negative of almost any situation ~ or person :-( ~ that I was exhausted all . . . the . . . time. I started having sugar and carb cravings; I was slowly gaining weight and the skin on my arms and legs became rough and itchy. My eyes started looking tired and baggy, my skin was sagging. Ick. This was also around the time that we discovered my mom had Alzheimer's and there were other emotional issues that kept coming up with another close family member. 

Well, no wonder I wanted to pull my hair out!

In my research, I discovered that our adrenal glands are sort of a forgotten hormone-producing gland that often is completely neglected. At the health food store, when a customer comes to me with some of these symptoms, especially a woman 40+ years old, I will ask them if they have thought about adrenal stress. Nearly without fail, they will say "no." It is simply a forgotten gland. 

The first product that I started using was a fantastic product by Gaia Herbs, their Adrenal Health capsules. Gaia Herbs' capsules are filled with LIQUID herbs, liquids ALWAYS get into your system quickly, so when the capsule dissolves, the liquid herbs get into your system lickety-split. I will forever be grateful for this product.

Now, you know me . . . I am a big medicinal tea user. :-D So, I had to figure out THE combination of tea herbs to sip in a nice, relaxing, hot cup of tea . . . and I did. This is one of my favorite blends when I'm stressed or have that I'm-so-tired-I-can't-sleep feeling. This is such a wonderful blend ~ I really can't tell you how much I enjoy it and how much it helps me. I enjoy it so much ~ instead of blending it each time I make a mug ~ I make up about 1 cup of the blend and keep it in a canning jar, ready to scoop out into my tea ball. I often make up a thermos of this and take it to work to sip on all day.

You will need:

~1/4 c. holy basil
~1/8 c. schisandra berries**
~1/8 c. ashwaganda**
~1/8-1/4 c. licorice root
~1/8 c. chamomile
~tea ball/infuser 
~glass jar, tea tin or other air-tight container
~small mixing bowl
~whisk
**Optional, but preferred 
**If I especially want this to be a "sleep well" blend, I add:
~1 heaping TB cloves
~1 ts organic dried orange peel

Directions:

1) in a small mixing bowl, gently whisk all ingredients to blend; carefully pour into your air-tight container.
2) fill your tea ball/infuser with 1-1/2 ts of herbs for a mug-sized serving
3) pour hot water over the herb-filled tea ball/infuser and let steep for 10 minutes
4) take out tea ball/infuser, throw away used herbs and enjoy. You probably won't even want to "spoil" this comforting tea with honey.
5) keep what's left in you air-tight container handy for your next cup. 

Let me know how much you LOVE this tea!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 

9/11 ~ Where Were You?

This is from my DD#2's Facebook post for today. I couldn't have expressed the feelings of the day any better than she did . . . 

"Where were you? It is one of the most popular questions asked every year on 9/11. Where were you? It is amazing how God created the mind; when a tragedy happens we remember it like it was yesterday. I was young when the towers fell; but still remember my day that day. I remember it being the most beautiful clear and sunny sky. I remember worrying about being late for band rehearsal and rolling my eyes at my mom because she said "just one more minute" before we could leave the house . I remember coming down my stairs and seeing my sister and my mom in the living room, sitting there very quietly and starring at the tv with stunned looks on there faces; and I looked at the screen, seeing one of the towers on fire. I ask what happened and they said a plane flew into one of the towers in New York. About 15 minutes later, as we are watching the first building still on fire, my mom was telling us girls that those buildings are so high that airplanes can fly right next to them. And then, we saw a second plane approaching the towers and within two seconds of seeing the plane, it disappeared and a huge ball of fire and smoke was coming out of the second tower. We were shocked and stunned at what we had just witnessed; I remember even the reporter on the tv was at a loss for words and after a few minutes to get over his shock, he said, " The United States is under attack!" For a little girl seeing this first hand, it sticks with you; watching people killing themselves by jumping out of the towers, seeing people bleeding and covered in dust, people trying to contact their loved ones, people finding out that their loved ones didn't make it, brave firefighters and police officers running into a building that they knew would collapse on top of them, yet they didn't care. If I have these kinds of memories by just watching on a screen, I can't even imagine what it's like for the families of these heroes, of the ones that worked in the building or just innocent bystanders to have to relive this every year. When the buildings collapsed, I just remember thinking. "may God have mercy on these people". It was one of those moments where you're just at a loss for words. 

As time has gone on we have forgotten about this day. We don't respect it, some people even tend to forget about it. I know we all have busy lives but is it really to much to ask that you take a moment out of your day for those who are grieving right now? Just say a quick prayer for them; they need it. I love my country, I love the men and women that fight for my freedom everyday, I love patriots and what they stand for. I have not forgotten. And I will not forget. Pray for the families of the ones that risked and gave their lives for this, because they are true heroes. God Bless ya'll and may God Bless The USA. Psalm 34:18"

Never forget.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#120~ You Just Won't Believe Your Eyes!

"Look at the nations and watch ~

and be utterly amazed.

For I [GOD] am going to do something 

in your days

that you would not believe,

even if you were told."

~Habakkuk 1:5

 
"We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." ~1 Thessalonians 4:14-18

Something must be in the air. Do you feel it? 

Something is going on with God's people. 

I see two things happening ~ 1) the enemy is at work trying, with possibly his last desperate efforts before the Lord comes back, to put division between God's people and get our eyes off of our purpose. 2) I think the Lord is preparing us for His return ~ of which we DO NOT KNOW when that will be (1 Thess. 5:1-5) ~ but it must be soon. 

Last week, I said a little about the 1st issue, but this week, I feel so sure of the 2nd issue because it seems that this theme is everywhere, lately . . . 

We recently left a church we were attending, but before we did, a precious pastor was teaching our Sunday School on the end times. Just THRILLING stuff. And SO timely ~ so many things ~ good AND bad ~ seem to be falling right into place. Then, at the new church we've been attending, the pastor is preaching on . . . the end times! It is amazing. 

Did you pay attention to the Scriptures that I posted, above? God is about to do AMAZING things. Wow. If GOD SAYS they're amazing . . . we had better hold on to our hats! 

I think the 2nd Scripture that I posted talks about those amazing things that we just might live to see in our lifetime ~ JESUS HIMSELF SAID that He will come again when the trumpet sounds and at the voice of the archangel. Are your ears itching to hear those sweet and mighty sounds? Do you strain to listen to the rustlings, do you feel a stirring in the air? 

And when that happens, Christians who have passed away before us will rise to meet Him in the air! Can you imagine?! Do you know why all the graves in Christian cemeteries are positioned with the bodies' feet to the east? Because Jesus will return from the east and the dead will rise to face Him [Matt. 24:27]. Incredible.

And then . . . after those precious souls have joined Him, WE will meet Jesus in the sky. O Glorious Day! Doesn't that excite you? We will be with Him forever! 

And the Word tells us to "encourage each other with these words." Oh, I hope you are encouraged. 

So, when you watch or read the news, when you have been mistreated or persecuted, when the skies turn dark and the rain pelts in the night ~ think on these things. Pray for yourself and other believers, that we will not be one of those who are losing our way and hindering the Lord's purpose and pray for persecuted believers and for fruitful harvest everywhere. There will be darkness before the dawn of Christ's return, but He will never leave nor forsake us. 

Wonderful things are ahead . . . you just won't believe your eyes!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Shepherd's Purse Herb

I often think it's amazing that what most people think of as a weed, God has actually put there for our good. Plants that most people use chemicals to erase them from their yards ~ Dandelion, Plantain and Shepherd's Purse, to name a few.

Shepherd's Purse is most likely to be found in weedy areas in the UK, Europe and even in the US. It's a pretty little plant with dainty little while flowers and heart-shaped pods that look like a little shepherd's pouch.

Shepherd's Purse is best known for slowing down and/or stopping blood flow. My information tells me that during WWI, Shepherd's Purse was used to stop bleeding of the wounded when the military medics ran out of their usual remedies. 

This little plant can help stop and/or slow bleeding due to menstrual periods, uterine fibroid tumors and post-partum bleeding. Used topically, just as the soldiers learned, it can stop bleeding from lacerations and scratches.

Shepherd's Purse can be used several different ways . . . 

Capsules ~

Using a "0" or "00" size capsule, fill each capsule with approximately 1/8 ts of the dried herb. Take 1 capsule with a meal 2-3 times per day.

Tea ~

Fill a tea ball with 1ts of the dried herb per cup OR 1-1/2 ts per mug, let steep for 5-10 minutes in boiling water. Drink as needed.

Tincture ~

Use 1-2 dropper-fulls of your homemade tincture in a cup of cold water 3-4 times per day. If you have heavy periods, start drinking the tea OR taking the tincture 1 or 2 days before you are scheduled to start and continue during your heaviest days. 

If you don't want to make your own tincture you can find very good ones at your local health food stores. With Herb Pharm tinctures, you can take the same dosage as the homemade, above. 

Topically ~

Bring 1 heaping ts of the dried herb to boil in 1 cup of water. Let steep for 20 minutes. Strain into a container and use a saturated cotton ball to apply it to any laceration, cut or scratch to stop the bleeding and clean the wound with it's astringent properties. Swipe across the wound to apply and clean, and you may also secure a dampened cotton ball on the wound with a band-aid or surgical tape.

All that from a little "weed." God is so good to us.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

***Please read the obligatory disclaimer at bottom of blog page***

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#119~ In as Much as it Depends on You...

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." ~Romans 12:18

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law . . . And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." ~Romans 13:8, 11

I don't even know how to begin this devotion. 

It seems that the Church of God is warring with itself and it. is. ugly. 

I see churches that, evidently, have long-standing, generational sin within it's walls that has never been dealt with and it eats at the congregation like a cancer ~ a sin cancer ~ until it is dealt with, with fasting and prayer. Does anyone care enough to DO that anymore? To recognize that there is something that has been within the walls that has lingered and festered and grown because it has never been dealt with? Are you too proud, or afraid, to get down on your knees to repent and pray?  "But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (Matt. 18:21)

I see walking wounded leaving long-loved church bodies because of rumor, accusation and, again, sin not being dealt with. I see precious Christian brothers and sisters giving up and leaving churches they have happily ministered at for years, because they have lovingly TRIED to address wrong they have seen, pride from certain cliques, and they have been made "the bad guys" by those who don't know, or don't WANT to know, the whole story . . . or who are guilty.

I see brothers and sisters trying to fit into new churches but "the old guard" pats them on the head and basically tells them to, "just sit down, pay your tithe and enjoy the show. We'll take care of everything. There's really no place for new people, all our niches are filled, we're happy as we are."

I see churches whose numbers are dwindling ~ where there's so much grey hair in the pews that the 40-something's would be considered the Youth Group. Why? Maybe it's those 7 last words of a dying church: "We've never done it that way before!" And in their rigidness, they wonder why young families do not stay; and each death of one of their members is another step closer to closing their doors forever. 

I see the 80-20 ratio (20% of the people do 80% of the work) turning into 90-10 and it is wearing out those who work so hard at our churches without a break. Is everyone too proud to help? Is it beneath you to empty the trash cans, sweep a floor, pick up left-over bulletins, welcome a new visitor? 

I know we hate looking so deeply at ourselves, and I HATE writing this, but LISTEN CHURCH . . . TIME IS RUNNING OUT! STOP back-biting your brothers and sisters in Christ. Bind up the wounds within and then look to the fields outside your walls. The harvest is ripe (Luke 10:2) ~ we are ruining the attractiveness of God and His people to the outside world. (Titus 2:10[b]) The outside world looks at us and says that they "don't need Jesus if THAT is what His people are like." We are falling right into the hands of the enemy with so much in-fighting and laziness. 

As much as it grieves my heart to see this going on in various churches, think how much it grieves the Holy Spirit. 

Lord, please have mercy, have mercy, have mercy on us. Please forgive us for where we have failed You in our pride. We repent of our back-biting, untruths, uninclusiveness and laziness. Help us to live in peace with each other. Make us bold in the preaching and living out of Your Word ~ not in our pride ~ and let us shine our light for You. In Jesus' precious Name, Amen.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><