Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Have you ever considered the benefits of food growing in your own backyard?  Cayenne Pepper has many health benefits but it can be difficult to consume in larger amounts due to the HEAT.

For concentrated Cayenne, we make and use Organic Cayenne Tincture.  Organic Cayenne Tincture is easy to make and takes 2-3 weeks to "brew"

Cayenne Pepper is a nightshade vegetable.  While adding a little (or a lot) of hot and spicy to any dish, cayenne pepper can also be very therapeutic.  Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which can open up your sinuses, fight inflammation, cardiovascular support, helps with ulcers, boosts immune system and metabolism.
THIS is what got my attention:  "Cayenne pepper's bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 47% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens." source

Cayenne powder

I decided to make this remedy for several reasons.  #1 is that my husband has asthma and allergies so I'd like to give him a healthier alternative than the OTC junk he takes everyday.  #2 is I hate getting sick and since I so rarely get sick I'm a miserable sickie.

My husband says Cayenne Tincture makes a HUGE difference with his allergies!

What is a Tincture? An herbal tincture is simply an herbal extract.  Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat illnesses and ailments without "modern medicine" and pharmaceuticals.  Tinctures are easy to make, home remedies.  If properly prepared and stored, your tincture will last indefinitely.  Source 

To get started you'll need:  A clean jar with a lid, vodka or Everclear, herb(s), measuring cups and/or scale and labels.  
If you purchase a DIY Tincture Kit from Mary's Heirloom Seeds, the herbs, jar with a lid, customizable labels and dropper bottle are all included.  All you need to do is measure out your menstruum and combine!

Let's get started making our Tincture!

DIY Organic Cayenne Pepper Tincture
Ingredients and tools:
1 clean jar with a lid (quart size)
3-4 cups of vodka or everclear
1 ounce of organic Cayenne Powder

Directions:
1.  Start with a cleaned and sterilized glass jar. Place organic Cayenne Powder in your GLASS jar.
2.  Measure out 3-4 cups of vodka or other menstruum and place inside your jar.
*If you choose to use ACV or Vegetable Glycerin, be aware that your Tincture will have a limited shelf life of approx 6 months*
3. Place the lid back on your jar and mix thoroughly.
4. Label your homemade Tincture with the Date and Ingredients.
5. Store in a cool dry place such as a kitchen cabinet
*Shake your brewing tincture regularly.  I prefer to shake my tinctures 2-3 times per week.*

Start straining and consuming Cayenne Tincture after 3-4 weeks.
I take approx 1/8 teaspoon up to 3 times daily for approx 3 weeks.

Disclaimer: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before consuming any product(s). 

There is Nothing Wrong with Being Passionate

I'm not talking about your sex life.  I'm talking about passion for LIFE and passion for a cause.  The Earth has been my passion for a very long time.  I grew up watching my grandmother in her garden.  She taught be about growing flowers.  She tended to her tomatoes with the same tenderness she showed us kids.  

In the past 8 years I have really become an advocate for Earth, the environment and all of the issues we face with the fight to preserve "Real Food."  This has alarmed quite a few people.  I have had my fair share of negative reactions, nastiness and even loss of friendships.

The thing is, I haven't changed.  I will never stand down when I feel that my fight is justified.  There is nothing wrong with being passionate.  I was reminded of all of this today when I learned that a friend had lost her dad to cancer. My heart breaks for her.  The worst part is that she had NO idea that he had cancer and he had kept it a secret because of her feelings and beliefs about the "medical system."  That sucks.

When did it stop being okay for people to be passionate about things that matter.  I'm not talking about video games and tv shows.  Those things truly do not matter at the end of the day.  Fashion, actors and singers are fun things but what to they contribute to LIFE other than just to pass the time?

At the end of the day, making a positive change in the world is the only thing that truly matters.  Sure, that's just my opinion.  IF we as human beings choose to ignore the earth and the war that is going on to survive then there will be no fashion or reality tv to escape to and no sports events to attend.  LIFE as we know it depends on the survival of our precious eco-system.

Our Right to choose what to eat and know what is it we are eating is under attack.  The TPP, Trans Pacific Partnership, is global agreement between over 11 countries.  The TPP is currently on the table for discussion within our government.  But here's the kicker, most of the text is still a secret.  The Wikileaks scandal gave us a sneak peak and what we've seen is disturbing.

Our Food System is a war.  Every day I fight and educate to end the production of GMOs and cancer-causing pesticides.  Yes, pesticides increase our risk of cancer.  You don't have to believe me.  The EPA clearly states on their website all of the facts.  Here's a little-known fact, GMO Corn is a registered Pesticide.  WHY then are we being fed GMO corn?  MONEY and Power!

Earth is at war with those who choose profit over life.  BigAg has ravage entire forests to plant their GMO soy, corn and alfalfa.  With all of the chemicals and pesticide use, they are killing the bees and other pollinators by the millions.They must be stopped or it will be the end of life as we know it.

I share this often because it is the truth!

For those of you reading this that are already active....THANK YOU!!! 
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I appreciate your efforts and applaud your courage to continue to fight!

If you'd like to get more involved but you're not sure where to start, please feel free to ask.  You can send me an email to mary@marysheirloomseeds.com or you can comment here.  PLEASE remember that if you comment here but are a no-reply blogger then I am unable to respond.

We have set up a GoFundMe page for our educational programs.  So far, we have hosted several free workshops and give out hundreds of free seed packs nationwide.

GROW FOOD and Grow it organic.  As owner/operator of Mary's Heirloom Seeds, I would be happy to include a FREE pack of organic seeds if you place an order. 

EDUCATE first yourself, your family and then your community.

SHARE this information.  You never know who's life you might change positively by sharing just the tiniest bit of info.

GET ACTIVE in your community and around the world.  March Against Monsanto is a great start.  Worldwide May 23rd.  But that's only one day.  I choose to stand and fight daily and I have no regrets.

For more information about growing organic, feel free to sign up for our e-newsletter and check us out on facebook.

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All about SWISS CHARD

How did you like All About KALE?  Many of you gardeners have your gardens already put to bed.  If you're in a warmer climate, you might be able to grow year round.  Swiss Chard is an excellent addition to any garden and grows well in warmer and cooler conditions.

I love growing SWISS CHARD in my garden.  Chard is one of the easiest and fastest growing greens in my garden and even grows well in containers!

From WHF, "Chard is a tall leafy green vegetable commonly referred to as Swiss chard and scientifically known as Beta vulgaris. Chard belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and shares a similar taste profile with a flavor that is bitter, pungent, and slightly salty. Swiss chard is truly one of the vegetable valedictorians with its exceptionally impressive list of health-promoting nutrients. Although Swiss chard is available throughout the year, its peak season runs from June through August when it is at its best and in the greatest abundance at your local supermarket" 

Also from WHF,
"As a rule, the phytonutrient antioxidants in chard also act as anti-inflammatory agents. Sometimes they lower risk of chronic, unwanted inflammation by altering the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes"

"With its very good supply of calcium and its excellent supply of magnesium and vitamin K, chard provides standout bone support."

"Multiple studies on animals have shown that chard has unique benefits for blood sugar regulation. In addition, chard may provide special benefits in the diets of individuals diagnosed with diabetes"

"Also unique among the health benefits from this chenopod vegetable has been its ability to help pancreatic cells regenerate."

At Mary's Heirloom Seeds we offer several varieties of Swiss Chard.

5 COLOR SWISS CHARD aka RAINBOW CHARD

 50-60 days. (Beta vulgaris) This chard originated in Australia. A beautiful chard; its colors are brilliant 
(pink, yellow, orange, red and white).  Very mild ornamental. Pretty enough to plant in the flower garden;  so delicious!

FORDHOOK GIANT SWISS CHARD

60 days. Succulent celery-like stalks support large, dark green, very savoyed, fleshy leaves.
Trim outer leaves or cut the entire head.  Great for salads, casseroles or sauteed.


ORIOLE ORANGE SWISS CHARD

 60 days. Named after the beautiful golden Oriole bird, this is a lovely orange chard that will add fantastic color your garden.
Use the young leaves in salads or the mature leaves stir fried or as steamed greens.
This chard is heat and cold tolerance and has a sweet mild taste.

 

 

RUBY RED SWISS CHARD

 60 days. An outstanding chard that has magnificent red stems that extend into bright green leaves forming one of nature's amazing works of art.
This tasty, low in oxalic acid heirloom chard will add color to any dish.  Grows 18-24" tall.  Yields all summer and into the fall.

VULCAN SWISS CHARD

60 days.  Very attractive and uniform red chard. A wonderful, prolific and hardy variety, this chard has great flavor and is perfect for marketing.  Trim outer leaves or cut the entire head.  Great for salads, casseroles or sauteed.

For growing information, read my article Growing Salad Greens from Seed

Thanks for stopping by my little spot on the web...Stay tuned for more organic gardening and health related topics.  If you have questions or suggestions please feel free to ask. 

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All About KALE

I'm growing more KALE in the garden this year.  At the moment, they are tiny seedlings but they are growing! KALE is a Rockstar!

KALE is considered a Superfood.   From WHF,
"Kale's risk-lowering benefits for cancer have recently been extended to at least five different types of cancer. These types include cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) made from glucosinolates in kale play a primary role in achieving these risk-lowering benefits.

Kale is now recognized as providing comprehensive support for the body's detoxification system. New research has shown that the ITCs made from kale's glucosinolates can help regulate detox at a genetic level.

Researchers can now identify over 45 different flavonoids in kale. With kaempferol and quercetin heading the list, kale's flavonoids combine both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits in way that gives kale a leading dietary role with respect to avoidance of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress."

Why is KALE a Rockstar?
"Kale's cancer preventive benefits have been clearly linked to its unusual concentration of two types of antioxidants, namely, carotenoids and flavonoids. Within the carotenoids, lutein and beta-carotene are standout antioxidants in kale. Researchers have actually followed the passage of these two carotenoids in kale from the human digestive tract up into the blood stream, and they have demonstrated the ability of kale to raise blood levels of these carotenoid nutrients. That finding is important because lutein and beta-carotene are key nutrients in the protection of our body from oxidative stress and health problems related to oxidative stress. Increased risk of cataracts, atherosclerosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are three such problems. Also among these chronic health problems is cancer since our overall risk of cells becoming cancerous is partly related to oxidative stress."

We have quite a few varieties of Heirloom Kale seeds at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.

BLUE CURLED SCOTCH KALE

55-60 days. Compact plants yield tender, blue-green, crinkled leaves that are quite delicious, very cold hardy, and rich in vitamin A

DWARF BLUE CURLED KALE

55-60 days. First mentioned in garden text around 1863.
Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch is an early kale that produces tasty greens when used in salads or steamed.
The blue-green leaves are finely curled and very attractive reaching 12-15" in high, and spread to 20-35" in width.

 

 

DWARF SIBERIAN KALE

 50 days. Plants grow 14" tall and are super hardy to the cold.  Dwarf Siberian Kale is not only pleasing in appearance, but tasty as well.
Young leaves are great raw in salads, blanched for a meal, in stir fry or for use as a colorful garnish.

 

LACINATO KALE, aka DINO KALE 

60 days. Also called Nero Di Toscana Cabbage and Dino Kale.  This loose-leafed cabbage dates back to the early 1800’s at least. It has beautiful, deep black-green leaves that can be 24” long.
They are heavily savoyed. This Italian heirloom is popular in Tuscany and central Italy for making fabulous soups and stews. 

 ORNAMENTAL FRINGED KALE

 This lovely mix contains pretty shades of pink, purple, and white. Contrasts nicely with the deep green outer leaves.
Also known as Flowering Kale, the plants look like huge frilly flowers.
The leaves make a superb garnish and are good as cooked greens. Best grown as a fall plant because colors are more intense in cool weather.

RUSSIAN RED "RAGGED JACK" KALE

55-60 days. A tender and mild, a pre-1885 heirloom variety. Oak type leaves have a red tinge, and stems are a purplish-red.  Great flavor.   A hardy plant that fares well in cold weather, often thriving through the winter.

 VATES BLUE CURLED KALE

50-80 days to harvest.   A sturdy, upright, kale with a compact habit (plants grow 12-36 inches high and 18-24 inches wide).  

This hardy Scotch type kale is slow to bolt and readily overwinters.  The finely curled, blue-green, leaves can be harvested all winter down to zone 6.

 

For growing information, read my article Growing Salad Greens from Seed

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Mushrooms for Christmas

I know, funny title right?  Since my husband doesn't usually read my blog I think I'm safe sharing this here.

My husband has been learning so much about growing.  

When I first started Mary's Heirloom Seeds almost 4 years ago,

 he probably figured it was just a hobby.  Something to keep me busy.  And boy has it kept me busy!!!  Growing heirloom veggies in my organic garden, educating people about growing and managing almost every aspect of Mary's Heirloom Seeds has become a FULL time job.

What does any of this have to do with mushrooms?  Well for starters, my hubby isn't really a dig in the dirt and plant stuff kinda guy.  He'll build stuff and haul dirt when I need him to but that's about it.  He's LOVES sciencey stuff.  
Yes, I just said "Sciencey."

I'm thinking about getting him a Mushroom Growing Kit for Christmas.  I think it's something he'd find interesting and doesn't require going out in the yard.

The first kit I'm looking at is very simple and gets rave reviews.

Back To The Roots Mushroom Farm



This kit also gets good reviews and should offer a bigger harvest!

Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit - Premium Edition




Here's a much larger Kit

Seasonal White Button Mushroom Growing Kit



How BEAUTIFUL are these Mushrooms?  They're BLUE!

Blue Oyster Mushroom Growing Plugs ~ Grow your own mushrooms for years!




Another BEAUTIFUL variety of Fungi!

The Reishi Mushroom Garden Patch- Indoor Mushroom Growing Kit - Grow Edible Mushrooms & Fungi. Easy & Fun Mush Room Grow Kits



I have read that Mushrooms can be grown in these kits in as few as 10-14 days.

I'm also considering BOOKS about growing Mushrooms.  The cool thing about growing your own is having FRESH food available.  Mushrooms are grown INDOORS so even for those of you living in cool or cold climates, you can still have fresh mushrooms.













Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links.  If you choose to purchase using these links I might make a very small commission.  Every little bit helps!

Take A Walk

I used to walk every Saturday and Sunday with my friend and walking partner until I started working weekends at the farmers market. 

Picture taken last week

Now that I'm not working the local farmer's market 

and I've opened my own Seed Shop I have started walking again!

Picture taken this morning

Walking the beach early in the morning when the sun is rising is an amazing way to start the day.  There are so many benefits to walking, especially in the morning.  Here are a few:

Reduce your Health Risk.  From Livestrong, "The metabolic syndrome is a constellation of risk factors that increase the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. These include high blood pressure, glucose intolerance, low levels of HDL cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides, and insulin resistance. Andreas Katsiaras, Ph.D., states that even those who engage in as little as three hours a week of aerobic exercise such as walking are 50 percent less likely to be diagnosed with the metabolic syndrome that those who remain sedentary.

Funny sign outside a local establishment

Walking burns calories so if you're looking to lose weight, walking is a great start.

Stress Reduction.  From Good Relaxation, "Morning walks also give you the added time to meditate and reduce stress. Morning is generally quiet and calming and your brain is functioning at a higher level. Better decisions can be made and a start to your working day is enhanced."

Amazing stress-relief

It's Easy.  Walking does not require any extra equipment other than a good pair of shoes.  No membership, weight machines or even "hip" exercise outfits necessary.

It's Free.  I choose to get in my car and drive 4 minutes to the beach and then pay $1-$2 to park.  I like the beach because I get amazing sea air and the beauty of the sand, waves and broadwalk.  I could easily walk around my neighborhood and it would be free.

That's 5 great reasons to get walking.
I'm off to get ready for the day.  What are you up to?

How I Make Ginger Tincture

Making your own herbal home remedies is easy.  Herbal tea is a great start but Tinctures can a much stronger alternative.  The cost to purchase 2 ounces in the store is almost 4 times what it would cost to make your own.  Some are even 7 times more expensive!  Source

You might enjoy reading Fight Viruses with Organic Herbs & Food

What is a Tincture?
An herbal tincture is simply an herbal extract.  Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat illnesses and ailments without "modern medicine" and pharmaceuticals.  Tinctures are easy to make, home remedies.  If properly prepared and stored, your tincture will last indefinitely.  Source 

What are the benefits of Ginger?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has scientific backing as an anti-nausea agent. It may offer other benefits to those stricken with infections diarrhea. Alcohol extracts of ginger are active against bacteria that infect the intestinal tract (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Helicobacter pylori), skin and other soft tissues (Staphylococcus aureus), and respiratory tract (Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae). 
Ginger has antifungal activity against the yeast Candida albicans. It also discourages intestinal worms. Because studies have shown that heat deactivates the antibacterial effect, it may be best to consume ginger raw, or in tincture or capsule form. Source

 
To get started you'll need:  A clean jar with a lid, vodka or everclear, herb(s), measuring cups and/or scale and labels.  
If you purchase a DIY Tincture Kit from Mary's Heirloom Seeds, the herbs, jar with a lid, labels and dropper bottle are all included.  All you need to do is measure out your menstruum and combine!

Let's get started making our Tincture!

DIY Organic Ginger Tincture
Ingredients and tools:
1 clean jar with a lid (quart size)
4-6 cups of vodka or everclear
1 ounce of organic, dried Ginger Root

Directions:
1.  Start with a cleaned and sterilized glass jar. Place organic Ginger root in your jar.
2.  Measure out 3-4 cups of vodka or other menstruum and place inside your jar.
*If you choose to use ACV or Vegetable Glycerin, be aware that your Tincture will have a limited shelf life of approx 6 months*
3. Place the lid back on your jar and mix thoroughly.
4. Label your homemade Tincture with the Date and Ingredients.
4. Store in a cool dry place such as a kitchen cabinet
*Shake your brewing tincture regularly.  I prefer to shake my tinctures 2-3 times per week.*

Start straining and consuming Ginger Tincture after 4-6 weeks.
I take approx 1/2 teaspoon up to 3 times daily as needed.

Disclaimer: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before consuming any product(s).  

Just a few of my Homemade Tinctures!

We've added NEW Organic dried herbs for purchase @ 

Mary's Heirloom Seeds. 

  

Previous Tincture Tutorials:

How I Make Cayenne Tincture
How I Make Thai Holy Basil Tincture 
 

Stay tuned for more DIY Tincture Tutorials.

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