It seems that those old and basic commonsense therapies that mothers and grandmothers have recommended for generations around the globe can sometimes do the trick*, says Dr. Mary L. Hardy, a folk medicine expert who is medical director for the Simms/Mann–UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology. 

Here are some of the tried-and-true folk remedies for people in general good health to try:

1. Water. Soak in a tub of cool, though not cold water to keep a fever in check. Add a dash of salt to warm water to gargle away a sore throat. Boil water or use a thoroughly cleaned humidifier to create steam and clear congestion. Rehydrating is important, says Hardy. “The first defense system in the body consists of the mucous membranes lining the upper respiratory tract. And those work better when they’re moist.”

2. Chicken soup. It has healing qualities because of the heat, the liquid, and the antibiotic activity of garlic, a common ingredient in chicken soup that can ease symptoms and support the immune system.

3. Wild cherry bark tea or tincture. It’s no accident that many cough drops have a wild cherry flavor. In days gone by, most cough syrups were extracted from the bark of wild cherry trees.

4. Garlic, ginger, and goldenseal. They have antiseptic, antiviral, and antibiotic actions. Because cooking reduces its potency, garlic is most effective when eaten raw. Ginger and goldenseal are available in capsules and teas.

5. Eucalyptus. Use eucalyptus or camphor rubs to loosen the congestion of a chest cold and to open sinuses.

6. Honey and lemon. An occasional spoonful can relieve a scratchy, tickling, or raw throat. (Honey should never be given to babies, however, because of the risk of infant botulism.)

7. Fruit juices. Drinking orange juice is a good source of vitamin C. Add water to the juice to reduce its sugar content. (Too much sugar can hinder your immune response.)

8. Thyme. This herb has antibacterial properties that can aid in treating upper respiratory infections.

9. Fenugreek and fennel. If you’re stuffed up, the mucous-thinning action of these spices can help unblock your upper respiratory tract.

10. Cayenne, horseradish, and ginger. Add these to your diet to clear clogged sinuses.

*Note: Because even natural remedies can interfere with medications and your body’s normal metabolism, use extra caution if you have other medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, some products should not be given to children.

“The first caution I give people is to get a good diagnosis,” says Hardy. “If your cold is not acting like a normal cold or if it has lasted more than a short period of time, go see your doctor to be sure you don’t have a more serious condition, such as pneumonia.”

Dr. Mary L. Hardy: Simms/Mann–UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology http://www.ccim.med.ucla.edu/member/hardy.html

Listen to Dr. Hardy discuss Menopause-Beyond Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapry

  Someone asked in another forum about Business Blogs. The question was “Should every business have a blog? Do they really establish you as an expert in your field?”

My response generated a little buzz, but I stand by it. My response:  “A blog is excellent if you are consistent in posting and adding relevant information to the blog. Having a blog does not establish you as an expert in any field if you are a sporadic poster; no post for 3 months, then a flurry of back-to-back posts the fourth.

I think if you are going use a blog to show your expertise, you must be consistent in (1) posting and (2) offering real information. People seeking professional advice, don’t really care how your day went or that little Johnnie was a terror last week, so you could not deliver an updated blog. If you think you cannot be consistent for whatever reason, think twice before starting a blog.  A weekly blog can be difficult, if you are determined to have a biz Blog try a monthly one which can serve as your newsletter.”

Having said that, I am very honest with myself and do not have a Blog for my business because of the reasons above. I don’t believe my numerous commitments would allow time for a good business Blog. I do love blogging here at DW because I tend to share whatever comes to mind or across my desk.

   Baked apples are healthy and delicious. These can probably be made in the microwave but you will miss the wonderful smell of baking apples and cinnamon in your kitchen.

Ingredients

8 apples with core removed
3/4 cups Brown sugar
1 Heaping tblspn Watkins Organic Cinnamon
8 Slim pats of butter
 
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Place cored apples in shallow pan large to hold 8 apples, but small enough to keep them standing upright. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together and place evenly in apples. Stuff butter pats into each apple with back of spoon. Bake in oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender and carmelized. Let apples cool down a bit before serving, the brown sugar mixture will be very hot.
Find Watkins herbs and spices at http://www.watkinsonline.com/ryanes

 Top 5 New Year’s resolutions for pets. Does your pet need to make one?

5. I will not suddenly stand straight up when I’m lying under the coffee table.

4. I will no longer be beholden to the sound of the can opener.

3. I resolve to get a bite in on that freak who gives me a shot every year.

2. I will break into the pantry and decide for MYSELF how much food is “too” much. and the Number 1 New Year’s Resolution made by pets . . . drum roll please.

1. I will NOT chase the stick until I see it leave the hand!

  This recipe comes from Vegetarian Times Magazine. They have excellent recipes. I am not a vegetarian nor am I diabetic, but I love getting recipes from both sources. I figure it they keep me just a bit healthier than I would I have been if I did not do the healthy thing once in a while. The write up said “Crunchy and slightly sweet, these pecans make a great dessert treat.”  But how about crumbling these goodies over ice cream adding them to a store-bought butterscotch topping and spooning over plain sliced poundcake?

Ingredients

1 Tbs. butter or peanut oil
2 Tbs. dark corn syrup
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. Watkins Organic Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Watkins Organic Cayenne pepper
2 1/2 cups pecan halves
 
Directions

Preheat oven to 250F. Line rimmed baking tray with aluminum foil.
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in corn syrup, 1 tablespoon water, salt, cinnamon and cayenne. Remove from heat, add nuts and toss to coat. Spread nuts in one layer on tray.
Bake 15 minutes. Stir nuts, and continue baking, stirring and reversing trays every 15 minutes until nuts are crisp, 35 to 40 minutes total. Transfer nuts to large platter to cool. Will keep in airtight container up to 7 days.

Makes 2 1/2 cups

Find Watkins herbs and spices at http://www.watkinsonline.com/ryanes

Botanical Paperworks is absolutely one of my very best finds. You can actually encourage your friends to toss these cards in their back yard. In return the earth and Mother Nature will give them flowers.  Isn’t that nice? :) 

All of the letterhead, greeting and business cards, all types of invitations, birth announces, etc. from this company have wildflower seeds embedded in them.  Plus the the paper that is used is produced from consumer waste paper.  That’s going green full circle. For more information visit  http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/

This recipe uses Watkins Organic Nutmeg.

Ingredients

1 cup/250 mL all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp/.06 mL salt
1/2 cup/125 mL butter
8 ounce/225 g cream cheese
1/2 cup/125 mL apricot preserves
1/2 tsp/2 mL Watkins Organic Nutmeg
1 egg
1 tbsp/15 mL water

Directions

In medium bowl stir together flour and salt. Cut in butter and cream cheese. Stir together to form soft dough. Refrigerate 1 hour. On lightly floured surface roll out dough to 1/8-inch/3 mm thickness; cut out with 2–1/2 inch/6.5 cm round cutter. Stir together preserves and nutmeg. Spoon about 1 tsp preserves on center of each round. Fold in half and seal with fork. Whisk together egg and water. Brush egg mixture on turnover. Bake at 400 Fº/200º C for 12 to 15 minutes. Garnish with dried apricot pieces, or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes 2 dozen.

Buy Watkins organic herbs and spices at http://www.watkinsonline.com/ryanes . I am a long-time Watkins user and independent associate. I did not have to be pursuaded to join Watkins and become business because my mom used Watkins.

Freebies, cheapies and helpful advice

Some fun for your little ones. Would you like free audio stories and fairytales for your child? Stop by Story Nory to see their list of stories and more. For more information visit http://storynory.com/  

If you are a scrapper, you will enjoy making digital scrapbook pages. It does not matter if you are to digi scrapping, this site has a tutorial guide. Learn how at http://yourpix.com/createphotos/scrapbookideas.jsp

Get a free bottle of Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce for poultry, fish, beef and pork. You will have to sign up for a free newsletter to get the coupon. But if you are enjoy reading recipes, etc. it’s a win-win offer. For more information visit. http://countrybobs.com/

If you are looking for ways to be more frugal check out Mary Ann Romans blog at Families.com http://frugal.families.com/blog/

As with any offer, always read the fine print before you hit the send key.

   I first had cranberry and orange relish when a co-worker brought it in to share. Her mother had made it, I make it every year now. I think this recipe is also on the Ocean Spray cranberries bag. Very chunky and very good.

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package Ocean Spray cranberries
1 unpeeled orange, cut into pieces and seeds removed
3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar

Directions

Place cranberries and orange pieces in food processor and process until mixture is evenly chopped. Depending on the size of your processor, you may have to divide ingredients and repeat process.

Put chopped mixture in a bowl and add sugar, stir until sugar is well blended. Store in fridge. Really Good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Makes about 2-3/4 cups.

Have you ever met someone who cannot resist flaunting their knowledge. They interupt what you and anyone else is saying. They give you odd facts that do not belong in the conversation. They even help you finish your own sentence. Oh my!.  Is this annoying person you? No–of course not. But, let’s face it: It can be difficutl to be a good listener.

We have all drifted off into our own thoughts when we are supposed to be paying attention to what someone else is saying. Maybe it’s because the subject matter is boring or the person is speaking in a monotone; maybe we’re distracted by some personal matter that worries us. Or sometimes it is because we are busy thinking of our response. Whatever it is, you can learn to be a better listener. Try these listening tips:

• Listen more than you talk.
• Stay focused on what the other person is saying—not on what you’re going to say next. Don’t plan a story you want to tell while the person is still talking.
• Do not another person’s sentence.
• Resist the urge to dominate the conversation. (see first tip)
• Don’t interrupt, but do give appropriate feedback.
• Mirror back short summations of what the other person is saying to keep your mind from moving on to other subjects and to assure the other person that you’ve understood what he or she has been saying. 

And finally…just listen.