2 SUPER Exciting Announcements!!!

I didn't forget about sharing my super exciting news and I didn't mean to leave you in suspense.  Promise!  However,  almost a week has gone by and now I have 2 super cool announcements.

Genovese Basil

1.  I just finished my August seed announcement for Mary's Heirloom Seeds so I can finally share the news!   
ALL  Herb Seeds are on SALE!!!  And if that wasn't enough, all orders of Seed Pack Combos will include 10 FREE Peat Pellets and an EXTRA free seed pack!

Lavender

So whether you're starting a garden for the first time or adding to your current garden, now is the time to start planting!  For more info on growing veggies and herbs from seed,  look above for Growing from Seed.




On to the second announcement!  Well, this one has two parts so I'm still leaving a bit of suspense.  I have decided to host a giveaway on August 15th.  I cannot give you too many details yet but as soon as I am able, you will be the first to know.  Promise!

Russian Tarragon

Thanks again for stopping by!  Tune in tomorrow for Sprouting Fenugreek Day 2.

Borage

Sprouting Fenugreek: Day 1

We learned about the Health Benefits of Fenugreek here so now we're going to get sprouting!

Fenugreek is known more as a spice but it's also pretty easy to sprout.  Fenugreek is actually great for general breast health, so it's not just about vanity.  Fenugreek seeds have a shelf life of 4-5 years if kept in a cool but dry, dark place.  From seed to sprout is 2-6 days depending on your preference and can be kept refrigerated for up to 4 week.  The typical seed to sprout ratio is 5 to 1 but I’ve seen up to 7 to 1.

I decided to sprout ¼ cup of seeds so you can really see the growth of Fenugreek seeds.  It's best to start with about 3 tablespoons your first time around.

You'll need:

A Sprout Jar with screen and Fenugreek seeds.

Directions:

Add the seeds to your sprouting jar then add 2-3 times as much cool (60°-70°) water.  Mix seeds up to assure even water contact for all.  Allow seeds to soak for 6-12 hours.
Drain off the soak water.  You may water plants or use it in stock if you like - it has nutrients in it.

Rinse thoroughly with cool water.  Drain thoroughly!  Set your Sprout Jar anywhere out of direct sunlight and at room temperature between rinses.

 

The entire cycle goes like this:

Soak for 6-12 hours.

Rinse thoroughly.

Air dry seeds or tip your sprouting jar on it's side for 6-12 hours.

Repeat for 2-6 days.

When I eat them, they generally don't even have leaves because I stop as on day 3 or 4. I also taste my crop at EVERY rinse – you can find out for yourself when you like them best!  If you minimize the surface moisture of our sprouts they store much better in refrigeration, so we let them sit for 8-12 hours before refrigeration.

With just the first soak cycle the Fenugreek seeds DOUBLED in size!  They smell like maple syrup. Delicious!

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Health Benefits of Fenugreek

I was a bit slow in starting my Fenugreek seeds this week so I'll let you in on a little secret.  Sprouts are healthy AND delicious.  
You can find Fenugreek at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.

You already knew that?  Fine!  Did you know that Fenugreek can be used in tea, supplements, on salads or as sprouts?  
Maybe you'll learn something new today smarty pants!

Fenugreek Seeds can be sprouted

According to Organicfacts.net (love this website), the health benefits of Fenugreek are:

Good for breast feeding mothers: India’s traditional ayurvedic physicians prescribe fenugreek to nursing mothers. This benefit is attributed to the presence of diosgenin in fenugreek.

Reduce menstrual discomfort: Fenugreek is considered as a potent menstruation ease promoter.

Minimize symptoms of menopause: Fenugreek contains the chemicals diosgenin and estrogenic isoflavones, which are similar to the female sex hormone, estrogen. Loss of estrogen causes menopausal symptoms. So, eating fenugreek helps to reduce menopausal symptoms.

Reduce cholesterol: Studies and researches show that Fenugreek consumption helps to reduce cholesterol level. Fenugreek helps to reduce the level of low density Lipoprotein (LDL) significantly.

Reduces cardiovascular risk: Fenugreek seed contains 25 percent galactomannan. This is a type of natural soluble fiber. This reduces cardiovascular diseases.

Control diabetes: Fenugreek helps to alleviate type II diabetes. According to one study, it may also help people with Type I diabetes. Study done by Indian researchers revealed that Fenugreek added to type I diabetic patient’s diet, helps drop urinary sugar level by 54 percent. Because of the presence of the natural fiber galactomannan, fenugreek slows down the rate at which sugar is absorbed into blood. The amino acid (4-hydroxyisoleucine) in Fenugreek induces the production of insulin and therefore, 15-20 grams of fenugreek daily is recommended for controlling blood sugar.

Sprouted Fenugreek Seeds

Relief for sore throat: Fenugreek’s soothing mucilage helps to relieve sore throat pain and cough.

Relieve constipation: Fenugreek adds bulk to the stool. So, it is helpful to treat constipation and diarrhea and also relieves minor indigestion.

Good for kidney troubles: Traditional Chinese medicine advises fenugreek for kidney patients.

Prevent colon cancer: Fenugreek possesses anticarcinogenic potential. The steroid diosgenin in Fenugreek is colon cancer preventive.

Good appetite suppressant: The natural soluble fibre galactomannan can swell in the stomach and thus, suppresses appetite.

*I am not a doctor (my hubby is)*This information is not meant to diagnose or cure symptoms of diseases*

Ground Fenugreek for recipe or remedy

Now that we have the disclaimer out of the way, did you learn something new?  I use Organicfacts.net quite often for questions about foods and herbs.  We always try natural remedies first in our house and most of the time they are successful.

If you're looking to sprout for the first time, check out Mary's Sprouting Kit and Mary's Sprout Sampler.  I'm still offering 2 free ounces (extra) with each sprouting kit.  That's a total of 4 ounces!

Frozen Yogurt, Suspense and a Few Tidbits!

Good Morning!  I'm up to my eyeballs in projects this week so I'll make it quick and get to the good stuff. 

I found an awesome recipe for Homemade Frozen Yogurt at The Do It Yourself Mom.  Please stop by her blog, check out all of her delicious DIY recipes and follow her!  She has so many neat recipes.

Next, I have a SUPER fun and Exciting announcement...But you'll have to wait until Saturday or Sunday!  The suspense is getting to me and I have a seriously hard time keeping a secret.  Right Mom?  Send me an email  to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com  if you'd like to get the announcement before it's officially posted.

Thank you everyone who stopped by and linked up with Sweet Saturday and Healthy Mommy, Healthy Baby.  I had a blast checking out all of the yummy food and fun projects.  I'm super excited to have so many new followers.  If I forgot to follow you back please feel free to let me know.  It's been a bit hectic around here.

Lastly, I'm still sprouting!  I've decided to go with Fenugreek and Broccoli sprouts this time around.  You know how I mentioned that the sprouts can last up to 6 weeks in the fridge?  Well we ate all of ours in 4 days!  Stay tuned!

And now for the recipe!

Homemade Caramel Pear Frozen Yogurt

1 large or 2 small pears finely diced

1/2 cup sugar (divided)

3 cups plain yogurt (homemade works great!)

After you finely diced the pears, put them in a small saucepan with 1/4 cup of sugar. Saute over low heat to caramelize the sugar. It may take a while to cook out the excess liquid from the pear to allow the sugar to thicken and caramelize.

Remove from heat, and allow the caramelized pear to cool.

Stir 1/4 cup of sugar into the yogurt.

Add the cooled pear pieces and stir to distribute evenly.

Freeze in an ice cream freezer, or follow these instructions to freeze in your regular freezer.

This recipe make about 1 quart or liter of frozen yogurt.

Happy Weekend! Sprouting at Home: Day 5

It's finally the weekend!  This week felt like the longest week ever.  Maybe it was the heat or maybe I just couldn't wait til Saturday.

Mung Bean Sprouts on Day 5!

Today is the day that I finally get to eat my sprouts!  Once I finish the final soak, rinse and drain cycle, all of these lovely sprouts will go into an airtight container in the fridge.  Well, whatever I don't eat first!  Here's a recap of my week of sprouting. 

You’ll Need:

A sprout jar with a screen or a large bowl 

(a jar is MUCH easier)
Sprout seeds: Mung Bean, Alfalfa, Broccoli, etc.
Water

I'm using Mung Beans so these instructions are specific to this variety.  I'll get into other sprouts later.

Mung Bean seeds have a shelf life of 3-5 years if kept in a cool, dark place such as a closet but not a hot garage.  Mung beans will usually produce twice the amount of sprouts as seeds.  Mung bean sprouts can last up to 6 weeks in the refrigerator if properly stored.  As with anything in the fridge, if it smells funky in a bad way, don't eat it!

Directions:  

Put 1/3 cup beans into your sprout jar. Add 2 cups of water.  Allow seeds to soak for 8-12 hours.  Empty the seeds into your Sprout Jar.  Drain off the soak water.  You may use it to water plants.  Rinse thoroughly with cool (60-70°) water.  Drain thoroughly.

Once I emptied out the water I set the jar upside down in a bowl to drain completely.

If you want to grow short, sweet Mung Beans - with 1/8 - 1/2 inch roots:

Rinse and drain every 8-12 hours  for 2 - 3 days.

If you want to grow big, thick Mung Bean - with 1 - 3 inch roots:
Rinse and Drain every 8-12 hours  for 4 - 6 days.

Just to be clear:
Soak for 8-10 hours. Rinse and drain.  Leave the jar in a cool place with no direct sunlight for the next 8-10 hours (dry).  Repeat.  It is VERY important that you rinse and drain thoroughly.

The great thing about my Sprout Jar is that it's self-contained.  I can soak, drain, rinse and let them sit all in one container.

Your sprouts are done 8-10 hours after the final rinse.   Be sure to drain your sprouts as thoroughly as possible after the final rinse.  Remove any left over hulls.  Transfer your sprouts to a plastic bag or sealed container and put them in the refrigerator.

These are the hulls.  Remove these and use in your compost or throw away.

If this is your first time sprouting, Please read "To Sprout or Not to Sprout" 
Don't forget, I'm giving away 2 FREE ounces with each purchase of Mary's Sprouting Kit and 1 FREE ounce with each sprout seed purchase.  If you scroll down to the bottom of the sprout page you'll find sprouting screens!  You can make your own kit with any wide-mouth jar, sprouts and a screen but the Sprouting Kit has it ALL! (I am offering this again through the month of October)

Sprouting at Home saves money!  I used 1/3 cup of beans (seeds) and they produced almost 3 cups of sprouts.  If I were to buy that much sprouts at the store I would probably spend about $8.  Worse, who knows what type of cancer-causing, nasty chemicals would be used to grow those $8 sprouts?

Join me Monday at Mary's Kitchen for Meatless on Monday #2 and a Sprout recipes!

Next week, I'm sprouting Fenugreek seeds!  Maybe Broccoli?  Or both!

Featured at: Farmer's Daughter

Linking up at Windcrafting Wednesday and The Creative HomeAcre Hop

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Sprouting at Home: Day 4

Sorry for the late post!  This will be short and sweet.  My Mung Bean sprouts will be ready tomorrow and I'll have so much more to share.  If you've missed the last few days, click the picture for each post.  For basic instructions check out Day 1.

Please stop by Mary's Kitchen when you have a moment.  I will be guest hosting the Sweet Saturday link party from Healthy Mommy, Healthy Baby on Friday.

For now, enjoy the pictures!

Day 1:  Just a jar and seeds

After the first soak/rinse cycle

Sprouts day 2

Day 3 and counting!

And a drumroll please....

Mung Bean Sprouts Day 4!

Tomorrow will be the final day of sprouting so my post will be late but full to the brim with fresh sprouts and growing instructions.

Sprouting at Home: Day 3

Thank you everyone for your positive comments yesterday on my 300th post.  Yeah!  Now on to the Sprouting!  If you need to catch up, check out Day 1 and Day 2.  Not convinced?  Check out the health benefits of Sprouts!

Mung Bean seeds have a shelf life of 3-5 years if kept in a cool, dark place such as a closet but not a hot garage.  Mung beans will usually produce twice the amount of sprouts as seeds.  I used 1/3 cup of seeds so they should yield about 2/3 cup of sprouts or more.  Growing from seed to sprout takes 2-5 days depending on your preference of taste and apearance.  Once you have completed the sprout cycle your sprouts should be kept dry and refrigerated.  Mung bean sprouts can last up to 6 weeks in the refrigerator if properly stored.  As with anything in the fridge, if it smells funky in a bad way, don't eat it!

Day 2 1/2 in the soak cycle

It's Day 3 and the little sprout tails are growing much longer.  I could eat them now but I'd like to grow them a bit longer.  These sprouts will be eaten on sandwiches, salad and maybe even Pad Thai by the end of the week.

Day 3 in the rinse and drain cycle

The green bits are the hull of the beans.  You can throw them away or you gardeners can add them to your compose pile.

Don't forget, I'm giving away 2 FREE ounces with each purchase of Mary's Sprouting Kit and 1 FREE ounce with each sprout seed purchase.  If you scroll down to the bottom of the sprout page you'll find sprouting screens!  You can make your own kit with any wide-mouth jar, sprouts and a screen but the Sprouting Kit has it ALL!

I'll have to re-cap all of this delicious information at the end of the week since it's been scattered over three posts so far.  Stay tuned!

Mung Bean Sprouts!

Happy Sprouting!

Sprouting at Home: Day 2 ... And my 300th POST!!!

WOOHOO!!  Today is my 300th post.  In the 3 years I've been blogging I've fallen off the face of the blogger planet twice.  For the past year I've been more regular about posting and I plan on keeping up this time.  I'm excited to present Sprouting at Home Day 2.  Thanks for joining me!

Did you miss Day1?  I'm sprouting Mung Beans!   
Not sure what they are?  Here's a clue:

courtesy of Recipes Wiki

Mung Bean sprouts according to Livestrong:

Mung bean sprouts have a low calorie density, or energy density, with only 31 calories per 104 g serving. Low energy-dense foods can help you lose weight or prevent weight gain because they are relatively low in calories compared to their serving size, so you can fill up on them without eating too many calories, according to MayoClinic.com. Low energy-dense foods tend to be low in fat and high in dietary fiber, and mung bean sprouts have almost no fat and nearly 2 g dietary fiber per serving.

A benefit of mung bean sprouts is that more than 90 percent of their weight is water, and you can use them, like other vegetables, to help you stay hydrated, according to the University of Michigan. Mung bean sprouts are a cholesterol-free food, and their dietary fiber can lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol in your blood.

Mary's Sprouting Kit with Mung Beans

If you missed Day 1 I'll recap the directions for you.

If you want to grow short, sweet Mung Beans - with 1/8 - 1/2 inch roots:

Rinse and drain every 8-12 hours  for 2 - 3 days.

If you want to grow big, thick Mung Bean - with 1 - 3 inch roots:
Rinse and Drain every 8-12 hours  for 4 - 6 days.
(Like you see in Thai food)

Just to be clear:
Soak for 8-10 hours. Rinse and drain.  Leave the jar in a cool place with no direct sunlight for the next 8-10 hours (dry).  Repeat.

Mung Beans Day 2

I have been diligent about soaking, rinsing and draining every 8-10 hours.  I plan the cycle between my work schedule and everything is going smoothly.  You can see the beans are turning white and they have little sprout tails.  It is VERY important that you rinse and drain thoroughly.


The great thing about my Sprout Jar is that it's self-contained.  I can soak, drain, rinse and let them sit all in one container.

Today I announced at Mary's Kitchen that Meatless on Monday #2 (next Monday) will include homegrown sprouts.  We love sprouts!

Mary's Sprouting Kits are still available!
Mention Back to the Basics or Mary's Kitchen and receive 2 ounces of seed FREE with each purchase of sprouting kits.  Purchase just the seeds and receive an extra ounce.

Sprouting at Home: Day 1

Have you ever bought Mung Bean sprouts at the grocery store?  They are expensive when you consider how cheap the beans are and how easy it is to sprout.  At Mary's Kitchen I'm working on a No-Bake Recipe series and this week one of the recipes calls for sprouts.  I figure now would be a great time to get sprouting!

Sprouts are delicious and nutrient dense.  Read To Sprout or not to Sprout for more information. You'll need:

Sprout Jar and beans

A sprout jar or a large bowl.  (a jar is MUCH easier)
Sprout seeds: Mung Bean, Alfalfa, Broccoli, etc.
Water

I'm using Mung Beans so these instructions are specific to this variety.  I'll get into other sprouts later.

If you want delicious greens with or without the garden, Sprout!

Directions:  

Put 1/3 cup beans into your sprout jar. Add 2 cups of water.  Allow seeds to soak for 8-12 hours.  Empty the seeds into your Sprout Jar.  Drain off the soak water.  You may use it to water plants.  Rinse thoroughly with cool (60-70°) water.  Drain thoroughly.

Once I emptied out the water I set the jar upside down in a bowl to drain completely.

Set your Sprout Jar anywhere out of direct sunlight and at room temperature (70° is optimal) between Rinses.  This is where your sprouts do their growing. I use a counter top - in the corner of the kitchen.

Mung Bean Sprouts Day 1

If you want to grow short, sweet Mung Beans - with 1/8 - 1/2 inch roots:

Rinse and drain every 8-12 hours  for 2 - 3 days.

If you want to grow big, thick Mung Bean - with 1 - 3 inch roots:
Rinse and Drain every 8-12 hours  for 4 - 6 days.

Your sprouts are done 8-10 hours after the final rinse.   Be sure to drain your sprouts as thoroughly as possible after the final rinse.  Transfer your sprouts to a plastic bag or sealed container and put them in the refrigerator.

Mary's Sprout Sampler + Protein Power Mix

If you would like to Sprout along with me, check out the selection of Sprouts and Supplies at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  They are all organic varieties and shipping is FREE.  

Mary's Sprouting Kit Includes: glass Ball jar (1 quart size),  lid with screen, 2 oz.  Organic sprout seeds and sprouting instructions. The best deal is on 2 Sprouting Kits (Save $6) or 4 Sprouting Kits (Save $13)!
When you checkout, let me know you found me at Back to the Basics (or the newsletter) and I'll include an EXTRA 2 ounces of sprouts.  If you decide to purchase only sprout seeds I'll include an extra ounce of sprouts.

Happy Sprouting! 

Check out Day 2 and Day 3.

Homemade Deodorant Recipes

I'm on a mission!  This is part 3 of "What's Lurking in your Deodorant?"  
Catch up with part 1 and part 2.

This mission, should you choose to accept it will be adventurous and maybe a bit stinky.  I will attempt to make a few different recipes for homemade deodorant to see which one will work for me.  I workout in the gym, help my hubby in the Chiropractic office and am a member of my local Women's Club.  Somewhere in the middle of all of that I find time to garden, volunteer and be crafty.  Here goes!

Soothing Classic Deodorant Recipe

photo from Crunchy Betty

from Crunchy Betty

3 Tbsp dried chamomile

2 Tbsp dried calendula

5 Tbsp coconut oil

3 Tbsp sunflower oil (or other oil, like avocado, sweet almond, or apricot kernel)

1/4 c. + 2 Tbsp baking soda

1/4 c. + 2 Tbsp arrowroot powder

Essential oils of your choosing (lavender and tea tree are my favorite antibacterials)

In a small, sterilized jar, add the flowers and the oils (making sure your coconut oil is liquified first). Shake well. Store in a dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking occasionally.

After 2-3 weeks of infusion, strain the oil from the flowers (again, heating up the oil slightly if it’s in a solid-ish state). In another sterilized jar, combine the infused oil with the dry ingredients and stir well. Add your essential oils drop-by-drop, stirring constantly. Store in your bathroom. This should keep for 3-4 months.

 

Homemade Deodorant

From Homestead Revival
(Makes one small canning jar - just over  1/2 cup)

1/4 C. baking soda
1/4 C. cornstarch or arrowroot
5 - 6 T. coconut oil
Tea Tree Oil (optional)

Combine the baking soda and cornstarch, then work in the coconut oil. I used my mixer to incorporate the two until well combined. 

If desired, add tea tree oil (anywhere from 5 - 20 drops) which has natural antibacterial qualities. I tried adding some lavender essential oil, but the coconut oil seemed to overpower the scent a bit. Just think of this deodorant as having a tropical scent and leave it at that. 

You can adjust the amount of coconut oil if necessary. I liked mine a bit dryer, but if you want, increase the oil up to 8 T. Also, if your room is warm, the oil might liquify at around 76 degrees, so move it to the refrigerator if necessary or a cooler room. I popped mine in the fridge so that it would firm up a bit after using the mixer.

To use: Rub a small amount on underarms. 

Many of the recipes I found online were very similar.  I found one that added Lavender Oil instead of Tea Tree Oil.  I'll stick to these three variations first and let you know how it turns out.

While you wait to find out what happens next and stay tuned for Sprouting at Home!

Mary's Sprouting Kit

Aloha Blog Hop@Back to the Basics!

The weekend is here!

I have 2 projects going right now.  Well, more like 20 projects but I'll stick to talking about 2 for now.  At Mary's Kitchen I just started a No-Bake recipe series.  I'm not sure how long it lasts but I'm tired of firing up the oven and heating up the house when my AC is already working overtime.  Here at Back to the Basics I'm working on  "What's Lurking in your Deodorant?" 

If that wasn't enough, I'm trying something new today. 
I've joins the Aloha Blog Hop!  Here Goes!

What's neat about our Blog Hop:

• Put the same linky list code on your blog and you'll have the exact same list!
• Your blog visitors can add their blog to your list and it will show up on Everyones lists!
• By adding your blog YOU MAY BE RANDOMLY CHOSEN FOR OUR BLOG SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK!!!

Trying "Natural" Deodorant

This is Part 2 of "What's Lurking in your Deodorant?"  Part 3 will include DIY recipes.

I first started on this journey when the deodorant I was using was creating a bit of a problem for me.  I used Secret for sensitive skin...With aluminum!  For this experiment I tried 2 different "natural" deodorants over the last 2 weeks. I have very sensitive skin so I've been very cautious about trying new things.  

#1 JASON Fragrance Free Deodorant.  It contains no aluminum, propylene glycol or parabens.  The first time I tried Jason I had just gotten out of the shower after shaving...BAD idea!  It burned, but then again my "regular" deodorant burned after a fresh shave.  Day 2 was a bit more pleasant but it was sticky.  After 2 hours it still felt sticky and I didn't feel fresh.  I need no reminder that this was NOT an antiperspirant. I continued to use the product throughout the week but I was not satisfied.  This product might work for some people but not for me.


#2 Tom's of Maine Naturally Dry.  It contains no aluminum but the ingredients list propylene glycol.  According to Tom's website 

"What is it?

Propylene glycol is a derivative of natural gas. It is commonly used in a variety of consumer products and food products, including deodorants, pharmaceuticals, moisturizing lotions, and fat-free ice cream and sour cream products.

What does it do?

Propylene glycol helps form the base for our deodorants. Sodium stearate (soap) is the ingredient that causes these products to “gel” or take on a form that is more viscous or solid. Once suspended in a gel, the other ingredients in these products can be properly applied in the manner consumers expect."

I liked the feel of this deodorant and I was left feeling clean.  I would continue to use this deodorant but I'm looking for a more natural alternative.  Just because the FDA says it's safe does not mean I'll use it.  Seriously, the FDA approves of pink slime!  Needless to say, I don't trust them!

This weekend I'll be making my own deodorant to share with you.  I've had my eye on a few DIY projects but those will have to wait for another day.  Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

*This is my opinion and I have not been paid to review these items.*

What's Lurking in Your Deodorant?

Did you know that Aluminum is common in deodorants and Antiperspirant?  I'm not talking about some of the more natural brands.  I won't name names but you know who you are!

From Natural News,   "The use of antiperspirant deodorant formulas has been subject to a lot of controversy due to the aluminum base and parabens (chemicals used as preservatives) - among other harsh and toxic substances such as solvents and some fragrances - that are used in many commercial products. Aluminum compounds - particularly aluminum chlorohydrate - are easily absorbed through the skin and have, in the only reported trial to date, already been linked with higher risks of Alzheimer's.
- Toxic Overload: A Doctor's Plan for Combating the Illnesses Caused by Chemicals in Our Foods, Our Homes, and Our Medicine Cabinets by Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton"


From Global Healing, "Recent research from a growing number of international scientists has indicated that the use of common antiperspirant may be linked to benign breast lumps, a condition which may make women more likely to develop breast cancer in the future.

A study from the Journal of Applied Toxicology conducted research on antiperspirant with high levels of aluminum. The addition of aluminum, a chemical which enters the body through the sensitive underarm tissue works to block our sweat ducts, thus reducing the amount of sweat that the body produces. But is this lack of perspiration and neutralization of body odor worth the constant daily intake of high levels of aluminum?

Similarly, a recent study from Reading University found that cancerous tumors are most likely to appear in the parts of the female breast which is closest to where antiperspirants are applied. Of the women studied, it was found that cysts in the armpit area of the breast had 25x more aluminum than the common amount found in blood.

Furthermore, aluminum acts with an estrogenic effect on the body, known to increase the incidence of breast cancer tumors when in excess. Sadly, this and other studies, show that aluminum exposure is not only related to increased chances of developing breast cancer, but also other diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Studies on the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease found that their brain tissue often held high amounts of the aluminum toxins."

So what other chemicals can be found in regular deodorant or antiperspirant?

"Propylene glycol is as a humectant, which means it keeps substances from drying out, and it was originally developed as an anti-freeze. Today it's used in paint, dog food, floor wax, and you guessed it, many deodorants. Propylene glycol is neurotoxin known to cause contact dermatitis, kidney damage, and liver damage. In the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for propylene glycol, the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety warns workers to avoid skin contact with the toxic chemical, and yet millions of people apply it under their arms everyday. From the MSDS: "May cause eye irritation, skin irritation. Chronic exposure can cause gastro-intestinal disturbances, nausea, headache, vomiting, and central nervous depression." from AchooAllergy.

And last but certainly not least: food coloring, natural and not-so-natural perfume additives!  Not only are many of these ingredients harmful to your health, they are also harmful to the environment.  Between the chemical process to make the ingredient, the pollutants to produce the products and then there's the plastic packaging material.  It is important to reduce our dependence on petroleum-based products and yes, plastic is petroleum-based!

Not to worry...There is still hope!  You can still smell good and be green!  Stay tuned for DIY deodorant recipes and store-bought natural brand reviews.

Health Benefits of Lemon and Basil

I love Basil!  It grows like a weed and you can trim a little or hack off a bunch when you need it.  Did you know that Basil is great for people with inflammation or asthma?

From The Herb Companion:

Purple Opal Basil

"One of the primary medicinal uses for basil is for its anti-inflammatory properties. This effect stems from eugenol, a volatile oil in basil that blocks enzymes in the body that cause swelling, making basil an ideal treatment for people with arthritis.

Basil, especially as an extract or oil, is known to have exceptionally powerful antioxidant properties that can protect the body from premature aging, common skin issues, age-related problems and even some types of cancer. The herb also contains the flavonoids orientin and vicenin, which are plant pigments that shield your cell structures from oxygen and radiation damage.

Both fresh basil and basil oil have strong antibacterial capabilities. In fact, basil has been shown to stop the growth of many bacteria, even some that had grown resistant to other antibiotics. Basil can be applied to wounds to help prevent bacterial infections. Also, by adding basil oil to your salad dressings, you can help ensure your vegetables are safe to eat.

Basil oil can be used to treat constipation, stomach cramps and indigestion as well as the cold, flu, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis and sinus infections. It is also a great source of magnesium, an essential mineral that helps the body’s blood vessels relax, which can improve blood flow."

Fine Verde Basil

As for Lemons, where do I begin?

From Organicfacts.net:

"Health benefits of lemon include treatment of throat infections, indigestion, constipation, dental problems, fever, hair care, skin care, internal bleeding, rheumatism, burns, overweight, respiratory disorders, cholera and high blood pressure. Known for its therapeutic properties for generations, lemon helps to strengthen your immune system and cleanses your stomach. It is not only a blood purifier but also enables body to fight diseases. Lemon juice, especially, has several health benefits associated with it. Useful for treating kidney stones, curing heart strokes and reducing the body temperature, lemonade helps you to stay calm and cool."

Are you asking yourself,  "Where is this Going?"  
This past week I made Basil Lemonade using fresh basil from my garden.  It was spectacular!  The recipe is available at Mary's Kitchen.  You may also enjoy Basil Infused Olive Oil.  

Thanks for stopping by!

The Liebster Blog Award

SUPER Exciting news people!  Karri at My Life’s a Treasure has nominated me for The Liebster Blog Award!

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers with less the 200 followers. Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome. I am so honored that Karri thought of me and my blog for this award.

Since I'm nominated (doing the happy dance) I get to share 5 random facts about myself.  Luckily it’s only 5 or we might be here all day!

1.  I love the library and books.  Yes, ebooks are so convenient but I really like books!

2.  When I was 3 (or so), my mom lost me at the fair.  When she finally found me I was on a ride!  Apparently I wasn't all that upset!

3.  My Gran used to talk to her tomato plants when she worked in the garden and sometimes I find myself doing the same thing.

4.  I can be terrible clumsy!  I can't tell you how many times a day I say "ouch."

5.  Last but certainly not least, the fifth random fact.  I receive chiropractic adjustments on almost a weekly basis.  Partly due to #4, I feel that regular adjustments help me stay focused and are the ONLY treatment that has kept me from having migraines for 4 years.  You read that right...4 years!!!

Now it's my turn to nominate 5 blogs for the Liebster Award.
Here are the rules for the blogs I have chosen.

1. Post about your win on your blog

2. Link back to the blogger who presented you with the award and follow their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award button to your blog (you can right-click on the Liebster label from my page, save it to your computer, then save to your blog.)

4. Present The Liebster Award to 5 blogs that have fewer than 200 followers that you think deserves to be recognized.

5. Let them know by leaving them a comment on their blog.

6. Please share 5 random facts about yourself.

The Blogs I Nominate are: (In no particular order)

1. Carrie at In the Sweet Sunshine

2. Sall's Country Life 

3. Jessica at Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby

4. Maple Hill 101

5. Nicole at The Old Fashioned Housewife

Thank you for joining me today!

Stop by tomorrow for the Health Benefits of Lemon and Basil!

Planning your Fall Garden

I know...Fall already?  Summer just started!  Each month I put together a gardening newsletter for Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  If you'd like to get on the list you can send me an email at mari_backtonature(AT)yahoo.com or you can use the Contact Page at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.

The newsletter for July is about planning your Fall Garden so I thought I'd share all of the info here as well.

Happy Planting!

While it may be just the beginning of summer, now is the time to start thinking about your Fall Garden.

If you don't start thinking about it now, the time to plant those seeds for a fall crop will have passed.  Because climate zones can be different in each region, it is important to know what and when to plant each seed variety.

Below are a few suggestions on what to plant during August and September from Mother Earth News.  For more details just ask! 

Peat Pellets

Central Midwest

Arugula,  Beets

Carrots,  Chard

Lettuce,  Radish

Spinach  and  Turnips

Gulf Coast Region  (includes all of Florida)
Beans,  Cabbage

Corn,  Eggplant

Leeks,  Peppers

Pumpkins,  Winter Squash

and Tomatoes

Small Sugar Pumpkin

Mid-Atlantic  (East Coast)

Beets,  Carrots

Cilantro,  Lettuce

Radishes,  Spinach

and Turnips

Pacific Northwest 

Arugula, Beets, Carrots, Lettuce,
Radishes, Spinach and Turnips 

Extra Dwarf Pak Choy Cabbage

Southwest  (West Coast)
Beets,  Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage,  Carrots

Cauliflower,  Chard

Corn,  Cucumber

Leeks,  Lettuce

Radishes,  Spinach

Summer Squash and Turnips

Bulgarian Giant Leeks

Southern Interior  
(Central Texas to the East Coast)

 Beans, Beets, Broccoli,

Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots,

Cauliflower, Chard, Cucumber,  

Lettuce, Radishes, Spinach,

Summer Squash and Turnips

North Central and Rockies

Arugula, Beets, Lettuce, 
Radishes, Spinach and Turnips

Several of the seed varieties list above will be on sale until July 26th at midnight.  Select seed varieties have been marked down 15-25% off.   If you have further gardening questions feel free to ask or stop by Back to the Basics!

Sincerely,                                                                

Mary
Mary's Heirloom Seeds 

Photo from Mother Earth News

Check me out at Deborah Jean's Dandelion House 
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