Kombucha

If you know me at all, you know I have an affinity  for fermentation and an appetite for ancient food. Though popularized in 19th century Russia Kombucha, a fermented tea touted to be an elixir of health and healing, has been around for over 2000 years. To me it tastes like sparkling cider but not everyone is fond of the taste.

To make Kombucha you will need a scoby. Scoby is an acronym for symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. It is a light colored disk often mistakenly referred to as a mushroom. When placed a jar of sweetened tea the scoby converts the simple sugar, tannins and caffeine into a probiotic, vitamin packed wonder drink.

Some benefits of drinking Kombucha

• Cleanses toxins from the system
• Improves eyesight
• Boosts energy, both in the long and short-term
• Regulates digestion by replenishing intestinal flora
• Improves circulation
• Reduces systemic inflammation
• Heals bladder infections
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Detoxifies the liver
• Helps ease fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
• Clears up skin problems including acne and eczema
• Improves overall feeling of well being
• Much, much more 

To make Kombucha dissolve 1 cup of sugar 3 quarts of boiling water. Remove from heat and add 5 bags of black tea (or 3 green and 2 black). Steep for 15 min., cool to room temperature, add the scoby, ferment at room temperature for a week.

Dry Skin Brushing

Detoxification is the underlying principal behind ancient healing practices. You may not realize it but you skin is an organ designed to aid in detoxification of bodily systems. Did you know 25% of all toxins are released through the skin? Always use a natural bristle brush for dry skin brushing. Both classic and functional natural bristles do not scratch the skin like synthetic bristles. While this type of brush offers gentle deep pore cleansing as a bath brush, brushing wet skin does not offer the same therapeutic effects as dry skin brushing. It is recommended to choose either dry or wet use for the brush. Once the bristles become wet they are no longer suited for the purpose of dry skin brushing. Cleaning a dry brush is recommended at least once a week using rubbing alcohol and a cotton cloth.

Dry Skin Brushing Benefits
Tones and Tightens Skin,

Aides Digestion,

Stimulates Circulation, 

Promotes Cell Renewal,

Cleanses Lymphatic System, 

Removes Dead Skin,

Strengthens Immune System,

Helps with Detoxification,

Diminishes Cellulite,

Allows Body Systems to Perform at Maximum Efficiency

Takes less then 10 minutes a day

Brushing Basics

 Use a series of approximately 7 light, quick, short brush strokes for each area

Brush the sole of the foot from toes to heel and top of foot from toes to ankle

Continue up the leg from ankle to knee and from knee to thigh all around the leg

Bush upward over buttock and hip areas

Brush across front of hip toward groin

REPEAT ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE

Brush the palm of the hand from fingers to wrist, repeat on the back of the hand

Brush from wrist to elbow, front and back

Continue from elbow to shoulder, front and back

Brush down through armpit then across armpit

Brush from shoulder to sternum then brush sternum in a  circular motion

Brush under the breast in a semi-circle toward the sternum

REPEAT ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE

Brush abdomen in a counter clockwise motion

Finish torso and back  with upward strokes 

Activated Charcoal for Healing and Detoxification

I love it when I come across something that has so many uses it transcends to almost every area of my life. Who would have thought activated charcoal could be so important? Since ancient times carbon in the form of activated charcoal has been used for detoxification and healing. For people and animals alike this is a chosen remedy for all manner of ailments.

I first knew I needed to keep activated charcoal on hand in case one of my goats should eat a something poisonous. Charcoal absorbs and binds the toxins. Fortunately I haven't had to use it this way, but you should mix it as a drench with water and be sure to give the goat baking soda and b-complex afterwards to replenish beneficial rumen flora.

It was when I started working with soft mold ripened cheeses which called for ash that I started to get serious about charcoal. These cheeses were originally made with oak charcoal but today many artisans use activated charcoal because it is very pure and readily available. The role of the ash in cheese making is to lower the pH which develops flavor and allows the mold to grow properly. It is also beautiful!

From cheese making the activated charcoal soon found its way into my soap. With its deep black color and detoxifying properties I couldn't resist.

Even though I knew it could be taken internally, It had never crossed my mind to actually use it until my husband was coming down with a stomach flu. All the kids had been sick and he knew he was next. When he asked me if I had something he could take my first thought, burnt toast, brought the charcoal to mind. To my surprise he was willing to gulp down the mysterious black sludge. It worked, that evening he started to feel much better and he never did succumb to the flu. It can also be used for infected wounds, bites or stings topically mixed with just enough water to form a paste.