Wednesday, October 30, 2013

What is Eleuthero Root?

Eleuthero is a woodland plant native to southeastern Siberia and the Korean peninsula, and adapted to the damp forests of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California. A relative of the more famous red ginseng, eleuthero has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine since about 190 AD. 
Dried Eleuthero Root
Eleuthero root is also known as Siberian ginseng but should not be confused with American or Panax ginseng. "The U.S. banned the use of the name Siberian ginseng when with the passage of the Ginseng Labeling Act of 2002. This law was an attempt to reduce confusion between panax ginseng and eleuthero root." source

What are the Health Benefits?

Eleuthero Tincture Kit
Eleuthero is commonly used to enhance physical and mental well-being, and to treat fatigue, weakness, declining mental performance, and mild depression. It is a supplement that improves general energy and vitality, especially during times of stress or fatigue.
Eleuthero has been used to improve:
  • Alertness
  • Relaxation
  • Vitality
  • Mood
  • Appetite
  • Sleep and conditions of insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Resistance to colds
  • Blood pressure
  • Energy

Eleuthero has also been used for it's Anti-Inflammatory properties as well as Coagulation and for Osteoporosis.

I have read articles that state that the Eleuthero root extract has been shown fight against scavanging on DPPH free radicals.  In a study, a special preperation of the Eleuthero root extract exhibited high anti0lipi peroxidative activities, and against seven human cancer cells.   source

May cause insomnia if taken too close to bedtime. Not recommended for persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Disclaimer: Not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.


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Sharing HERE and Wildcrafting Wednesday.

What is Brahmi?

Brahmi, or Bacopa, is one of the herbs I use in my DIY Herbal Remedies

It's botanical name is Bacopa monnieri.  Brahmi is also known as water hyssop, Indian pennywart, coastal waterhyssop, and thyme-leafed gratiola. In addition to India, the herb is grown in the marshy areas of China, Nepal, Central America, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Florida.

Brahmi has long history in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It is widely used for its effect in blood circulation that promotes efficient function of the liver, lungs and the kidneys.

What are the Health Benefits?
 From Wisegeek:
"In traditional Indian Ayurveda medicine, water hyssop, as it is also called, is used for ailments such as asthma, skin problems, joint pain, anxiety, inflammation, fevers, and epilepsy. A nootropic, the herb, brahmi has the capabilities of increasing mental abilities. Newborn babies are often consecrated with the herb in India to make them more intelligent. Motor learning abilities and intellectual activity may also be intensified through use of the plant.

Mary’s Heirloom Seeds
 
From MedicalHealthGuides:
Brahmi is traditionally used to treat skin problems including psoriasis, eczema, abscess and ulceration. Brahmi is used to stimulate skin cell regeneration and growth.

Traditional medicinal uses of Brahmi

  • memory enhancer
  • mental and physical fatigue
  • insomnia
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • increase sex drive
  • impotence
  • bronchitis
  • coughs and hoarseness
  • arthritis
  • rheumatism
  • inflammatory conditions
  • high cholesterol levels

Brahmi standardized fluid extract at ratio of 1:2 should be taken in 4-12 ml for adults and 2-4 ml for children within 6 to 12 year of age, per day.

Interactions:

  • Do not use Brahmi if taking estrogen replacement therapy
  • Do not use Brahmi if taking birth control pills
  • Do not use Brahmi if taking phenothiazine. 

Disclaimer: Not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Make your own Tincture using Mary's DIY Tincture Kit

DIY Tincture kits include:
1 - 32 ounce Glass Jar with lid, 1 - 2 ounce Amber Bottle with dropper top,  2 customizable labels, 1 ounce of Organic Herbs (additional herbs available)
and Detailed Instructions


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Sharing HERE and Wildcrafting Wednesday

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Tuesdays with a Twist #30

Welcome to Another beautiful Tuesday Morning!
Back to the Basics

Today is the BIG day!!  I'm hosting another workshop in the office this evening.  Grow Your Own and DIY Herbal Remedies

I kinda mentally exploded this weekend...Read Random Stuff and "Organic" News So nasty I want to SPIT!  Definitely good reading!
In case you missed it, I also shared  5 Tips to Increase Garden Yield and  

Are you ready to party?
We're your hosts 
Joyce @ It's Your Life!  and Mary @ Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen
And our Wonderful Co-Hosts
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Angie @ God's Growing Garden 

Features!
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured. Be sure to check all of our blogs to see if you were featured!
 
My Features this Week are:
Halloween Stairs from SimpleJoys

Organic Citrus Honey from Organic 4 GreenLivings


4 Natural Sore Throat Recipes from Dreams of a Farm


If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

Back to the Basics

Please hop around and show some love!
The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 
Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

Monday, October 28, 2013

"Organic" News so Nasty I Want to SPIT!

Did you read my "frustrated" post yesterday?  I will admit, We do not eat all organic and non-gmo.  However, I make a conscience effort to reduce the amount of commercially processed foods that we eat in our house.  I NEVER use harsh chemicals or pesticides in the garden EVER.

I think it is important for all of us to be more aware of what we are eating.  But wait...It's not just what we are eating but also WHO we are supporting.  If you buy organic this is a very important topic.  If you are trying to be more conscious of what you eat this is also very important.

I'm going to share a graph of Organic industry Acquisitions.  What you see might surprise you.

I first shared a similar graphic in So You think You're Buying Organic.  I'm sad to say that this has only gotten worse!

Even I was shocked to see that an "organic" seed company is owned by M&M Mars!!!  And according to this chart Stoneyfield Farms (my favorite yogurt) is owned by Dannon which also offers yogurt with milk from cows fed hormones and anti-biotics.  Lovely!

You might be asking yourself.  Why is this a big deal?

The same companies that use GMO junk and nasty chemicals in their products on one hand, sells "clean" and "healthy" products from their other hand. 

I'll give you an example: One of the ingredients in Campbell's Soup in Monosodium Glutamate; MSG. From MayoClinic:
MSG has been used as a food additive for decades. Over the years, the FDA has received many anecdotal reports of adverse reactions to foods containing MSG. These reactions — known as MSG symptom complex — include:
  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Sweating
  • Facial pressure or tightness
  • Numbness, tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas
  • Rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations)
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Weakness

Now back to Campbells...They also own Plum Organics (baby food).  Do you think they would use such a harmful chemical in their Baby Food products?  I hope not...But you never know!

According to this chart Snyder's-Lance owns a majority share in Late July as of 2007!!!  According to Late July, they are an independent, family owned company dedicated to making delicious organic, NON-GMO snacks! It’s our mission to ensure that future generations of families always have access to delicious food free from GMOs, toxic persistent pesticides and antibiotics. Founded in 2003 by Nicole Bernard Dawes & her late father Steve Bernard.

So how do you know what to believe?  Research!

Here's the Question of the day...The one I ask myself...The Billion Dollar question (literally):
WHY sell chemical-laden, high-fructose corn syrup, GMO junk and then turn around and sell "Healthy and Organic" foods?

The only answer I have found so far is MONEY! 

This week I plan on compiling a list of truly independent companies that sell healthier options.  In the mean time I'll be re-evaluating the foods we eat on a regular basis.  Changes are coming people! 

Keep Calm and Do your Own Research!


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Random stuff at the Market AKA Dealing with People

Before I get the week started I would like to share a quote from someone I spoke with at the market this weekends.  A couple stopped by my booth and I stated that all of the seed varieties I offer @ Mary's Heirloom Seeds are "Non-GMO, Open Pollinated, Heirloom seeds.  And ALL varieties are un-treated so you don't have any nasty chemicals or pesticides."
The "man" as we'll call him says "I don't care what kind of chemicals are used, as long as I get my tomatoes."

WTF!?!?  And I seriously try to stay away from foul language on this blog but you  have NO idea what kind of nastiness that popped into my little (big) head.  My calm, cool and collected response was:
"that might be fine for you, but what about the next generation?  Like my nieces and nephew...And what about their children?  It is our responsibility to grow without chemicals or they don't have a chance.  Have you SEEN Soylent Green?"
My little "side yard" on a good day!

I seriously just about freaked out.  But I'm okay for the moment.

PLEASE...If you don't know about heirloom, non-GMO seeds just ASK!!!  I would be happy to provide growing info.

I give FREE SEEDS with all of my orders and I try to educate people about the dangers of GMOs.  IT IS IMPORTANT!!!  Don't just think of yourself...Think about the health of your family and FUTURE GENERATIONS of your family!!!!

Stay tuned for Part 2...

Co-Hosting The Creative Home & Garden Hop #15

Good Morning and Happy Sunday!
 It's been another busy week over here. We're getting ready for our next
2 Workshops.  I'm also preparing the website for NEW items.
Did you see Create A Salsa Garden with Recipe?  
We LOVE homemade salsa!
Mary's Kitchen hosts Real Food Fridays every Thursday @ 7pm EST and this week we've extended the party.  This is a party for REAL food.

And now for the Party?
Welcome to the New and Improved Blog Hop!

The Creative Home & Garden Hop hosts:

Alison from Mumtopia
Kathy from Creative Home Expressions
Mary from Back to the Basics and Mary’s Kitchen
and Lisa from Little Homestead on the Hill and The Self Sufficient HomeAcre

Featured Posts

Each host will share her own features each week. This means you have an even better chance of being picked! Be sure to visit all of our hosts to see if your post was featured!
My Features this week are: 


Making Apple Butter from the (Mis) Adventures of a Born Again Farm Girl

Growing Your Own Garlic from Wildwood Country Acres

I LOVE garlic and intend to offer Organic Garlic varieties at
 Mary's Heirloom Seeds next year.

If you were featured, feel free to grab the button and share it on your blog!


The Little Homestead on the Hill
<div align="center"><a href="http://littlehomesteadonthehill.blogspot.com/" title="The Little Homestead on the Hill"><img src="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/featured-e1374073492382.jpg" alt="The Little Homestead on the Hill" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Now, on to your latest creations!
  • Share up to 3 of your Creative Home and Garden posts. Etsy sellers are welcome to share here too. :)
  • Please link back to the hop in your post. If you don’t take a couple of seconds to do this, you won’t be featured. You can grab our cute button or use a text link in your post. Thanks for sharing the hop with others!
  • Pretty please, with cherries on top, go visit as many of the other bloggers posting as you can! The whole point of a hop is to build a community of like minded bloggers who share and support each other. :) We all love to hear from our visitors, so please leave thoughtful and kind comments when you visit!
  • Link your posts once. Please do not link the same post you linked last week! Let’s keep it fresh and fun!
  • By linking your posts here you are assuring us that all images and contents are your own, or you have permission to share them. You are also agreeing to let us share your post and images on social media and our blogs.
  • Happy hopping!

Little Homestead on the Hill
<div align="center"><a href="http://littlehomesteadonthehill.blogspot.com/" title="Little Homestead on the Hill"><img src="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/IMG_7782-001-e1374069167884.jpg" alt="Little Homestead on the Hill" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Friday, October 25, 2013

Working on my Website

When my husband and I first opened Mary's Heirloom Seeds online almost 3 years ago I had no "website building" experience.  Well, except for when I started my blog.  To be honest, I hadn't really done anything fun with my blog at that point.

Thank goodness for Fatcow!  This is not a sponsored post...I love this web hosting AND the ease of building my own website.  They offer video tutorials explain the system very simply.  The drop-and-drag system made creating my own website almost too easy.  Another bonus to using Fatcow is the 24/7 online or phone support/chat.  Want a "green" hosting company?  Fatcow is 100% wind-powered!

It took me 3 hours from start to finish to complete my website (when I only offered about 20 heirloom seed varieties).  Fatcow told me it might take up to 24 hours for my website to be live but it was up within 3 hours.  Start to finish...6 hours!  If you choose to use Fatcow to host you next website or business site please consider mentioning that Mary's Heirloom Seeds sent you.  They have a cool referral program!
I created this header for my SPROUTS Page

So why am I talking about my website?  I like to "update" my site monthly.  I started with about 20 heirloom Seed varieties back in 2011 and now I offer over 90!!!  In fact, I added a new page last night but have not published yet because I'm just not sure if I want to make this "jump."

Do you "update" your blog and/or website on a regular basis?  Is it just me being weird?

NEW Fall Header
Last month I added an About Us page.  I also added an e-newsletter sign up option on the page.  I continue to share information about the health risks of GMOs, the benefits of planting Heirloom Seeds as well as organic growing tips.

At the Yellow Green Farmer's Market, customers come to my booth and ask how I got started with heirloom seeds and where I find all of the info on GMOs.  My answer is simple:

About 6 years ago I made a decision to live healthier and that meant learning more about the food I was eating, the chemicals that were used in conventional farming as well as processed foods.  That lead me to GMOs and their disastrous effects on the human body AND our environment.  My husband and I created Mary's Heirloom Seeds to offer a trusted source for non-GMO, heirloom seeds as well as detailed growing information.  I wouldn't sell anything I wouldn't grow in my own garden. We recently started offering Workshops to help people grow their own and avoid harmful chemicals in their garden.


Thanks for listening!  

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Create a Salsa Garden AKA The Perfect Christmas Gift!

Who doesn't like Salsa?  There are so many variations of Salsa, mild to hot, mango to jalapeno and even green tomato salsa.  Creating a Salsa Garden is easy!

My first suggestion, Peat Pellets!  I don't care where you get them from but they make seed-starting "oh so easy."  Before you just go crazy and start planting all of the seeds it's important to decide which varieties you would like to include and how long each will take to mature.
Onions:
Not everyone likes onions in their salsa.  I do!  I prefer a red onion.  The Red Burgundy onion matures in approximately 100 days.  If you decide to grow this onion it should be planted first.  If you choose a bunching onion or a "green onion" you can wait on planting.  Bunching onion varieties take about 40 days to mature.

Tomatoes:
I prefer to use a smaller tomato for salsa like the Ace 55 or Roma.  Both varieties take approx 75-80 days to mature so they should be started one month after the onion (if you chose the red).  A larger option is a BeefsteakFor fancy salsa, try Emerald Green or Amana's Orange tomatoes.

Peppers:
For a mild salsa you can use Anaheim instead.  For a hot (or hotter) salsa I use Jalapenos.  For the crazy, burn your mouth for a week salsa, use Serrano Peppers or Habanero!  These pepper varieties also take 70-80 days to mature and should be planted at the same time as the tomatoes.

Cilantro planting should be staggered throughout the year.  By planting multiple cilantro plants it will allow you to harvest as you need it instead of all at once.  Plant Cilantro at least 30 days before the rest of the Salsa Garden plants mature.  I recommend succession planting Cilantro for a plentiful harvest.
I love growing Cilantro
Recap-
Onions: 100 or 40 days
Tomatoes: 75-80 days
Peppers: 70-80 days
Cilantro: 30 days

Fresh Salsa

Ingredients
5 large tomatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tomatillo, diced (optional)
salt to taste
1 jalapeno pepper, minced

Directions
In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, tomatillo, and salt to taste. Mix well. Add 1/2 of the jalapeno pepper, and taste. If you desire your salsa with more of a kick, add the remaining 1/2 jalapeno. If you are satisfied with the salsa's heat, do not add the remaining jalapeno pepper. Cover the salsa, and chill until ready to serve. 

Mary's Salsa Pack is available @ Mary's Heirloom Seeds for only $18.
(Gift Wrap included if you ask)

Make wonderful homemade salsa fresh from the garden!
 One packet of each.  Includes:
   -Ace 55 Tomato
   -Jalapeno Pepper
   -Anaheim Pepper
   -Red Burgundy Onion
   -Cilantro


A great addition to Mary's Salsa Pack is the natural and Organic Soil Amendments.
I use Supreme Growers on my own veggies and I love it!  The difference in plant growth, flowering and crops has been fantastic.
4 varieties of Soil Amendments

Happy Planting! 

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Tuesdays with a Twist #29

Welcome to Another beautiful Tuesday Morning!
Back to the Basics

We've got LOADS of stuff going on around here!  I announced just yesterday a HUGE $2 heirloom Seeds Special that ENDS 10/23/13.
(2 days only while supplies last)
In case you missed it, I also shared  5 Tips to Increase Garden Yield and  

Are you ready to party?
We're your co-hosts 
Joyce @ It's Your Life!  
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Angie @ God's Growing Garden 
And me...Mary @ Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen

Features!
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured. Be sure to check all of our blogs to see if you were featured!
 
My Features this Week are:

8 Words that Changed My Life from  The Coconut Head's Cancer Survival Guide


Quinoa Brownie Truffles from Ragdoll Kitchen


If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

Back to the Basics

Please hop around and show some love!
The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 
Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

Monday, October 21, 2013

2-Day Heirloom Seeds Sale ENDS 10/23/13



 
My announcement on facebook yesterday sparked several conversations about additional seed varieties that might go on sale in the future.  I've been Inspired...Now there are MORE varieties on sale but only for 2 days! This will be our last sale of 2013!

ALL varieties below are only $2 per pack and only while supplies last!!!
**2 Day Seed SALE** Ends 10/23
80 days. (Brassica oleracea) Cauliflower grows best at 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Too-high temperature can prevent head formation.  Self-blanching cauliflower varieties need cool temperatures.  

80 days. (Solanum melongena)  Also know as "Imperial Black Beauty". Black Beauty has large, jet-black fruits that are egg-shaped.  Between 4-6 inches. Fruits set freely and quickly, so that the entire crop can be gathered before the frost. 


80-110 days.  Long-day onion.  Small, flat, Italian cipollini variety.
Very sweet and mild, used in Italy for pickling, grilling, and in salads. 

100-110 days. Connecticut field pumpkins usually grow to around 20lbs.
They reach around 12 inches in diameter and have a thick flesh. A great pumpkin for baking pies or carving Jack-o-Lanterns.

Introduced prior to 1700.

75-80 days. Delicious mildly hot flavor, excellent for roasting or frying; good yields of very large chili peppers. 

Grows to 6-10 inches.

70 days.  An excellent green bell pepper of nice size and very good yield. Upright 2 ft tall plants bear prolific fruits that are 4-5" long and almost the same width across. 

A long growing season, high-quality fruit, and sweet flavor have resulted in California Wonder Bell Pepper becoming one of the most popular open-pollinated bell peppers for both home and market growers. 

85 days.  Vigorous vines produce large bunches of huge pink tomatoes in the shape of an oxheart.  Tomatoes are very meaty and flavorful.
Popular with old timers, a good all-purpose variety.  Great for processing or sliced for a sandwich.


70-80 days.  Determinate. 
Famous pear shaped fruits that bring to life any Italian dish. 
Roma are noted for the juicy paste and few seeds that come from this time tested tomato. 

Minimum order for **2 Day Seed SALE** is $10.  Shipping is FREE! 
Heirloom Seed orders of $35 or more will be upgraded to Priority Mail free of charge.

If you questions regarding the seed specials or planting info please feel free to ask!
 
Sincerely,                                                                     Like us on Facebook
 
Mary
Upcoming Events!

Workshop: Grow Your Own and
DIY Herbal Remedies

Workshop:  10 Ways to Avoid
Chemicals in the Garden

Join Our Mailing List!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

The Creative Home & Garden Hop #14

Good Morning and Happy Sunday!
 It's been another busy week over here.  After  long weekend at the farmer's market last weekend I lost my voice.  However, I made myself a Detox Shot and my voice was back in 24 hours and I felt much better.
In case you missed it, I shared 5 Tips to Increase Garden Yield and
 Upcoming Workshops in South Florida.

Also, don't forget to check out Mary's Heirloom Seeds!
We've have a nice Fall Makeover!

And now for the Party?
Welcome to the New and Improved Blog Hop!

The Creative Home & Garden Hop hosts:

Alison from Mumtopia
Kathy from Creative Home Expressions
Mary from Back to the Basics and Mary’s Kitchen
and Lisa from Little Homestead on the Hill and The Self Sufficient HomeAcre

Featured Posts

Each host will share her own features each week. This means you have an even better chance of being picked! Be sure to visit all of our hosts to see if your post was featured!
My Features this week are: 

(AWESOME!  Especially since we sell Tarragon @ Mary's Heirloom Seeds!)

More Green for Less Green Pt 5 from Living in the Green


If you were featured, feel free to grab the button and share it on your blog!


The Little Homestead on the Hill
<div align="center"><a href="http://littlehomesteadonthehill.blogspot.com/" title="The Little Homestead on the Hill"><img src="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/featured-e1374073492382.jpg" alt="The Little Homestead on the Hill" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Now, on to your latest creations!
  • Share up to 3 of your Creative Home and Garden posts. Etsy sellers are welcome to share here too. :)
  • Please link back to the hop in your post. If you don’t take a couple of seconds to do this, you won’t be featured. You can grab our cute button or use a text link in your post. Thanks for sharing the hop with others!
  • Pretty please, with cherries on top, go visit as many of the other bloggers posting as you can! The whole point of a hop is to build a community of like minded bloggers who share and support each other. :) We all love to hear from our visitors, so please leave thoughtful and kind comments when you visit!
  • Link your posts once. Please do not link the same post you linked last week! Let’s keep it fresh and fun!
  • By linking your posts here you are assuring us that all images and contents are your own, or you have permission to share them. You are also agreeing to let us share your post and images on social media and our blogs.
  • Happy hopping!

Little Homestead on the Hill
<div align="center"><a href="http://littlehomesteadonthehill.blogspot.com/" title="Little Homestead on the Hill"><img src="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/IMG_7782-001-e1374069167884.jpg" alt="Little Homestead on the Hill" style="border:none;" /></a></div>