Cinnamon

I love cinnamon.  Cinnamon is one of those everyday spices that not only adds great flavor to your foods, it also has many health benefits:

• it can lower your bad cholesterol 
• it can stabilize blood sugar levels (great for weight loss and diabetics)
• it is anti-fungal and can fight candida
• it is anti-inflammatory and can help with arthritis pain
• it can fight leukemia and cancer cells
• it can help with migraines and headaches
• it helps to preserve foods

Try to add a little cinnamon to your diet every day.  One of the easiest ways to do this is to add a dash of cinnamon to your plain coffee or tea.  Sprinkle it in the bottom of your cup before you pour the coffee or hot water into it.  Stir if necessary to help dissolve it.  Remember, though, that cinnamon is toxic in very large doses so don't go overboard.  A little goes a long way.

Cinnamon also smells heavenly (who doesn't love the smell of cinnamon buns?).  I love to make an inexpensive homemade potpourri that makes my whole house smell delicious.  Simply put some cinnamon sticks, a dash of whole or ground cloves, a dash of nutmeg, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and water into an electric potpourri pot or a small pan.  If using a pan, heat on high until just before it boils then lower to lowest heat setting and let simmer.  For either method be sure to check it frequently, adding water so it doesn't dry out.  Experiment with different spices so you can vary your recipe for different seasons or just for a change of pace.

I buy my cinnamon sticks, extracts, and spices for my potpourris at the dollar store.  The dollar store gives you larger quantities for your money, and since I'm not eating them I don't worry as much about the quality.   This works better and is safe, unlike room sprays and air fresheners that send dangerous aerosolized chemicals into your lungs.

My favorite recipe for homemade natural toothpaste

You'll need:

3 tbsp organic virgin coconut oil
3 tbsp baking soda
25 drops peppermint or other flavorful essential oil
1 packet stevia (optional)
2 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)

Combine coconut oil, baking soda, and peppermint oil to form a paste.  Baking soda is salty, so if you want a sweeter taste to your toothpaste add the packet of stevia and mix well.  If you prefer the smoother texture of commercial toothpastes you can add the vegetable glycerin at this point and stir together.  I don't mind the taste of the baking soda, so I leave out the stevia and the glycerin. 

If you don't use the glycerin, you will need to use a jar or tin that has an opening large enough for you to dip your toothbrush into.  If you make the smoother version with glycerin you can use a squeeze bottle (available just about everywhere).

The toothbrush:

My toothbrush is made by Preserve (www.preserveproducts.com) from recycled yogurt cups.  I got mine at Trader Joe's, but they are also available on Amazon.  It comes in a postage paid mailer that you can return to the company for recycling.  How green is that?

Homemade Natural Deodorant

Homemade Natural Deodorant

 

You'll need:

6-8 tbsp coconut oil (solid state)
1/4 c baking soda
1/4 c cornstarch or arrowroot
a few drops of your favorite essential oil

Mash all ingredients together to make a paste.  The consistence will vary depending on the amount of coconut oil you use and the temperature of the room where you are making this recipe.

Some people report getting a bit "yeasty" after using this deodorant, so using arrowroot instead of cornstarch may solve that problem.  I have super sensitive skin so I had to adjust the recipe after developing a red, itchy rash that caused my skin to rub off (gross, huh?).  I now make mine with just the coconut oil and a small amount of baking soda.  Even with the reduced baking soda I will get the rash after using it a few days in a row, so I keep a second small container with plain coconut oil and use that on alternate days.  I also skip the essential oil since I just adore the smell of coconut and don't want to cover that up.

I suggest making a half or quarter batch unless you are sure you are not sensitive to any of the ingredients.   You can always dilute it with more coconut oil if you have to, but if you aren't able to tolerate one of the ingredients you'll have to toss it.

Lemon, Basil & Olive Oil Vinaigrette

Lemon, Basil and Olive Oil Vinaigrette

This is a recipe I created that was inspired by Uno's Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette.  I love their Walnut Crusted Goat Cheese salad, but I'm not a fan of sweet, fruity salad dressings so I chose the Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette over the Blueberry Pomegranate Vinaigrette.  Since their recipes are closely guarded secrets (I tried to pry it out of them, I really did), I had to create my own version of it.  I'm glad I did because this is absolutely delicious.  I don't use anything else now!

Ingredients:

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 fresh lemon, juiced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or an equal amount of basil paste, which I actually prefer)
1 - 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (or 1 tsp jarred chopped garlic)
1/2 tsp salt
1 - 2 tsp grated Italian seasoning (I use McCormick's Italian Seasoning Grinder)
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Mix everything together and pour into a pretty decanter (I use a mason jar).  Shake to blend ingredients before serving.

You can add or subtract ingredients or amounts according to your own taste.  I prefer more olive oil and less lemon juice, as well as lots of basil paste.  I've also made this with lime juice and cilantro in place of lemon juice and basil and it was yummy.

My favorite quick salad is spring mix with dried cranberries, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.  When I have more time (and energy), I make my own healthier version of Uno's Walnut Crusted Goat Cheese salad.   The great thing about salads is you can put just about anything in or on one to make it as filling as you want.

Coconut Oil and Beeswax Lip Balm

It's getting to be that time of year again when we have to face dry skin and chapped lips.  Here is a super easy and inexpensive recipe for homemade lip balm to help you battle the elements.

Coconut Oil and Beeswax Lip Balm

You'll need:

• 2 tsp. coconut oil
• 1 tsp. grated beeswax
• a few drops of vitamin E oil (optional)
• a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
• a tiny bit of non-toxic crayon for color (optional)

In a glass bowl, mix together all the ingredients.  Microwave for 30 seconds.  Remove and stir.  Repeat, if necessary, until everything has melted.  Pour into small lip balm tins, pots, or sticks.  Alternate method:  place glass bowl or container into a small pan.  Add water until it reaches halfway up the bowl.  Heat on medium/low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted.  Be careful removing the bowl - it will be hot!

Store unused portions in the fridge or decorate the tins with custom labels and give as gifts. CPS Container & Packaging Supply has a huge variety of small containers to choose from.

For the love of coconut oil...

I love coconut oil.

Coconut oil is a saturated fat that is actually good for you.  It's true!  More than 50% of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, a compound that the body converts to monolaurin.  Monolaurin has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties.  Coconut oil is also nature's richest source of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which are digested easily and burned immediately for energy by your liver.  They're also a metabolism booster, burning fat for energy.  Coconut oil also benefits your immune system and aids in healing. 

There are literally dozens of uses for coconut oil.  Aside from the obvious - cooking - coconut oil can be taken as nutritional supplements and is the perfect ingredient for creating any number of body care products such as toothpaste, deodorant, body lotions and butters, and hair conditioners. 

Widely available in stores and online, be sure to choose a good quality organic coconut oil.  The price of coconut oil varies, usually corresponding to the quality, so try to buy the best you can afford.  My personal favorite is Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.  It's cold-pressed and filtered so it has that heavenly coconut smell and taste.  It's also very reasonably priced at around $6 for 16 ounces (depending on where you live).   If you end up using a lot of it, you may want to invest in gallon-sized containers available at Wilderness Family Naturals and Tropical Traditions, both of which are also available on Amazon along with many other brands.

Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter

One of the quickest and easiest recipes to make is Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter. 

You'll need:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance (optional)

Place the coconut oil and optional essential oil into a mixing bowl.  Using an electric mixer, mix on high speed (using a wire whisk attachment if you have one) for 6-7 minutes until light and fluffy.  Spoon into one or more small jars and cover tightly.  May be stored at room temperature unless you live in a hot climate and your house is warm (coconut oil melts at about 76 F).  Decorate the jars with ribbon or twine, small scraps of fabric, or your own homemade labels to give as gifts.  Who doesn't love getting homemade gifts, especially an amazing moisturizer like this?