Saturday, April 11, 2009
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Fruit is nature’s sugar. And dried fruit is nature’s answer to healthy candy. Its chewy texture, concentrated sugars, high nutrition stats and easy portability far outweighs the processed sweetness, chemicals and additives in any bag of licorice or chocolate bar. Plus since any fruit can be dried, the snacking possibilities are endless from ribbons of fragrant dried mangoes to soft and tart apple rings.
But dried fruit can get expensive especially for uncommon fruits like berries, tropical fruits and other seasonal tree fruits. So for those looking to save on their grocery bill but still eat healthy, then making your own dried fruit with a food dehydrator will in the long run, keep money in your pocket and your diet healthy.
Here is what you need to know about drying fruit:
The versatility of dried fruit
While dried pineapple, apples, bananas and raisins are all easy to find at your local grocery store, often they are prepared with added sugars, oils and preservatives like sulfur dioxide. And although most stores carry the same types of dried fruit, most fruit can be dried from blueberries to nectarines and from strawberries to cantaloupe.
Dried fruit is full of fiber, vitamins and minerals and it has an obvious longer shelf life than fresh fruit.
You can add dried fruit to yogurt, granola, cereal, or baking batter, or use as a salad or ice cream topping. Kids love dried fruit because it is so sweet. Since most of the water from the fruit has evaporated, what is left is a very concentrated form of the fruit’s natural sugars.
How is fruit dried?
There are three primary methods for drying fruit: One is to let the fruit bake in your oven on very low heat for several hours. Secondly, you can dry the fruit out in the sun for 8-36 hours depending upon the water content of the fruit and the last option is to use a food dehydrator.
How do I choose a dehydrator?
For those who are looking for an effective and timely way to dry fruit, a quality food dehydrator is an excellent option. Food dehydrators vary in size and price depending upon your needs. While there are many dehydrators you can choose from, you do want to invest in a good one so that fruit is dried consistently and that is enough tray space to produce more than just a handful of dried pineapple chunks.
Good dehydrators can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 and while this price tag may seem a bit much for a kitchen appliance, keep in mind that it is an investment in your health and in quality. Most dehydrators come with numerous racks as well as timers and temperature gauges so that your fruit is dried evenly and efficiently. Also, all dehydrators dry a lot more than just fruit.
You can dry vegetables for chips, meat and fish for jerky, herbs for cooking and petals and flowers for potpourri. The possibilities are just as endless as the variety of fruits you can dry.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
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We're sad to announce that Meadow Stone Farms is packing up their sweet goat soap and moving to New Zealand. This small family farm in rural Connecticut has provided eZoetic with wonderful soaps made from raw, organic, full cream goat milk, generously donated by Elsa and the other happy dairy goats that have been grazing on natural pastures, grasses, and wildflowers.
We're happy, however, to give you one last chance to order from the last of Meadow Stone Farm's soaps! Choose from the Baby Animal soaps, Facial Bar, Shave Bar, Luxury Bath Bar, or the Baby Bar -- only while supplies last.
But HURRY! Orders must be placed by midnight this Sunday, April 5!!
Please note, that we know of no other raw organic goat milk soaps available anywhere in the U.S.A.!
We wish the best health and happiness for everyone in the Meadow Stone Farm family.
Warm wishes,
The eZoetic Team
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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One of the most well known and widely used herbs is Echinacea. This medicinal plant with its prickly scales, cone flower, tall stems and pink or purple petals has been used by Native Americans for almost 500 years to treat everything from tempering a fever to disinfecting a wound. Today, Echinacea is very popular among alternative medicine doctors, naturopaths, holistic healers and even some western medical doctors.
While we tend to equate Echinacea with treating a cold, this powerful herb is actually used for a variety of ailments. Here are three reasons why and how Echinacea is used and what you need to look for when choosing an Echinacea supplement.
1. The Common Cold: Perhaps the most documented and studied use of Echinacea is its effects on colds. While there is still some debate in the medical literature on Echinacea’s effectiveness in either preventing or shortening the symptoms of the common cold, it is one of the most reached-for herbal supplements when the first symptoms of a cold appear.
A review of 16 clinical trials showed that Echinacea might be effective in reducing the incidence and duration of the common cold in adults. But since Echinacea supplements can vary widely and since independent studies have revealed that some Echinacea products are mislabeled, contain trace amounts of the substance or no Echinacea at all, it is very important that you select a potent high grade Echinacea and from a reputable and trusted company.
2. Immune Booster: Echinacea is also believed to stimulate the immune system and fight off infections. Often individuals take it to treat an infection or prevent one from starting. Interestingly, according to Dr. Andrew Weil, Echinacea contains similar active ingredients to other immune-boosting plants like the Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceous. A study in the medical journal, Lancet Infectious Diseases found that patients who took Echinacea decreased their risk of developing a cold by 58 percent as well as decreasing the duration of their cold by over a day and half.
It is believed that the polysaccharides (long sugar chains) present in the herb are responsible for triggering the activity of the immune system. So next time you’re feeling extra run down and concerned about catching something, consider taking a high quality Echinacea supplement to nix an infection before it has time to manifest.
3. Anti-Inflammatory: Echinacea is also widely used to treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. But unlike the internal ingestion of Echinacea to fight off a cold, when used to quell a fiery skin condition, Echinacea is applied topically to the skin usually in the form of a salve. Echinacea’s natural anti-inflammatory properties are believed to quiet the skin’s hyperallergenic reactions and soothe it at the same time.
Make sure that you talk to your health practitioner before using Echinacea since the herb can have interactive effects with other medications and it may cause side effects for those who are allergic to plants belong to the daisy family like ragweed, marigolds and chrysanthemums.
- Heather Ashare, MPH
Monday, March 02, 2009
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Great things come in small packages. Nowhere is this truer than with lavender, the tiny purple-blue flower that produces a powerful aromatic scent. Lavender has been used for thousands of years as a perfume, a cleaning tonic and as a healing remedy. Today, lavender is still being used by complementary and integrative health practitioners like chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists as part of their regular treatment plans. It is also added to scores of cosmetics, aromatherapies and medicines because of its versatility and pleasant aroma.
With so many different uses and so simply to use, lavender is an excellent natural addition to your medicine cabinet. You can purchase lavender in two common forms: dried lavender flowers and lavender essential oil, the extracted form of the fresh flowers of the lavender plant. We recommend using the oil form since it contains lavender’s therapeutic elements in a more absorbable form than the dried flower. But keep in mind that all essential oils are not created equally. When choosing an essential oil, look for an organic and/or therapeutic grade oil. Many inexpensive essential oils have little or no therapeutic benefit. Investing in one bottle of a quality organic essential oil will last you quite some time since you only use a few drops per remedy.
Here are three simple and therapeutic benefits of this soothing and healing essential oil.
Relieve Joint Pain
Did you overextend your seated-twist stretch in yoga class or were you moving and unloading boxes all day? For relief from sore muscles or over-worked joints, swap out your Bengay and instead mix together an easy but effective lavender massage oil. Add 1 – 4 drops of essential lavender oil to one tablespoon of carrier massage oil and rub liberally on the affected areas.
If you are at all worried about smelling like a floral garden, take heart in knowing that soldiers in the World Wars were often treated with lavender oil which was directly applied to wounds or to their achy joints to relieve pain.
Get a Better Night’s Rest
For someone who struggles with falling asleep or staying asleep, consider adding a lavender remedy to your warm raw milk bedcap. From eye pillows to lavender tea, research has shown that lavender’s calming scent can improve insomnia and promote sleep and relaxation.
For a deep night’s slumber add 5-10 drops of essential lavender oil in a warm tub right before you go to bed or mix 2-4 drops of lavender essential oil in with 2-3 cups of boiling water. Inhale the vapors as you breathe deeply and smoothly for 5 minutes or more. You can also apply a few drops of lavender oil to a cotton ball, place the ball in between your pillow and pillow case and drift off to dreamland.
Treat Minor Cuts, Burns and Abrasions
Lavender is a powerful antiseptic containing more than 200 compounds that can be used to attack fungi, viruses and other microscopic invaders. When your little one has a small scrape or when you accidentally glided your arm over the hot tea kettle, apply a lavender oil tincture to your injury. While essential lavender oil is one of the few oils that can applied directly, we recommend diluting 2-4 drops of the oil with 1 tablespoon of olive or almond oil and applying to the affected area.
But just make sure that you don’t not use lavender oil directly on open wounds and keep it away from the eyes, lips and nostrils.
Although side effects with lavender oil use are rare, if you are taking medications or have skin sensitivities, talk to your health practitioner before testing out any of these therapeutic suggestions.
- Heather Ashare, MPH
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
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Nothing expresses romance more than a beautifully lit candle. With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, why not surprise your sweet with all natural candles made from 100% pure organic beeswax?
Chocolate is delicious, and flowers perk up any room, but candles exude warmth, comfort and intimacy. However, not all candles are created equal. Since we ultimately breathe the candle’s ingredients, it is important to select candles that are chemical-free and natural.
With so many different fragrances, kinds, shapes and burning times to choose from, it’s tough to decide. So we’ve done your wellness homework for you and listed our favorite picks for natural candles that will cast a warm and soft glow on your Valentine’s Day celebration.
Northern Light Lampe Pillar Candle
Northern Light candles pride themselves on taking the craft of candle making and turning it into an art form. And nowhere is this more evident in their Lampe Pillar candle. This elegant classically shaped candle is made from pure 100% organic Australian beeswax. Its slow-burn rate makes it perfect for a long evening and its subtle sweet fragrance is just enough to add a mild scent to a room without overpowering your senses.
Not only is the Lampe Pillar beeswax candle made without causing any harm to bees but to the environment as well with its eco-friendly packaging.
The Cathedral
This candle may be the candle of all candles. Poured with 100% organic beeswax, the Cathedral’s weight and burning time make this an illumination that will last for hours. Plus, since it also contains macadamia nut oil, it gives off a light nutty fragrance that enhances the sensuality of this truly supreme candle.
Goldbag Tealights
If you prefer the look of many small tealights flickering in the dark, then Northern Light’s Goldbag Tealight candles will decorate your home with a small sea of illuminations. The Goldbag includes 25 tealight candles and two reusable Australian tin holders in an eco-friendly drawstring bag. Made from organic beeswax that will burn for 7-8 hours, this set of all natural tealights is affordable, sustainable and lovely.
You can trust Northern Light’s candles for their purity and beauty as they safely and gracefully illumine your Valentine’s Day or any other special celebration.
- Heather Ashare, MPH
Sunday, February 08, 2009
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There is nothing more pure than baby’s skin with its creamy and smooth texture, its soft touch and its sweet smell. As a parent, you know how important it is to make sure that every piece of food that passes your child’s lips and every drop of soap that falls on their skin is free of toxins and other substances that may cause irritation. Today in our economically-fragile and environmentally-friendly times, so many of us are willing to roll the clocks back and our sleeves up and create natural everyday household items. Not only does this save us money but it allows us to control what kinds of ingredients we use on our bodies and in our homes.
While many store-bought cleansers contain potentially harmful substances, they are still easy and convenient to use. But if you are intrigued by the idea of making your own baby products yet are a bit intimidated over how much work it will entail, the Eco-Me Baby Kit is the perfect combination of your DIY-savvy and professional expertise. It allows you to make three chemical-free and safe cleaning products for your young ones so that they stay clean and natural.
How it Works
The three products included in each kit are a diaper pail deodorizer, baby room spray and baby wipes. Your conscious friends at Eco-Me supply you with a baby blend essential oil mix, reusable and recyclable containers and an organic cotton hoodie towel and wipes. You add a bit of baking soda and vinegar. After following a few simple directions, in a few minutes you will have whipped up a batch of clean and natural baby products that you can feel happy about using. Not only are they safe for your child and the environment but they are light on your wallet too.
In fact, the directions are so easy to follow and the ingredients are so safe to use, if you have a young toddler who is willing to lend a hand, they can help you mix and measure too. Best of all, you’ll be making cleaners out of them in no time as they will be excited to test out the cleaning products they helped make.
The Ingredients
All three products are paraben, preservative and chemical free and the entire kit comes in a handy burlap sack with a soft cushy cotton towel. The essential oil kit that gets mixed with each three products is a blend of lavender, mandarin orange, clementine, calendula and petitgrain pure essential oils. Just a few drops of this oil blend gives the sprays, cloths and powder a clean and calming scent that quickly refreshes a dirty diaper pail naturally.
If you are having your little one assist you with mixing your kit, you probably want to be in charge of adding the essential oil blend since a little goes a long way.
Mom’s Take
I had the fun privilege of creating the Eco-Me baby kit with my 3-year old daughter. She had a blast helping me mix and measure the water, vinegar and baking soda. She even helped me test out the room spray in her bedroom which I figured was an ingenious way to get her excited about cleaning (Thanks Eco-Me!).
Since the essential oil mix is a pure blend of oils, only use a few drops per product. Even if you find that you love the scent, careful adding to many drops to the wipes as essential oils can actually irritate a baby’s skin if they aren’t diluted enough. Your end result will be products with a slight fragrance, nothing too overpowering.
We used the wipes to dust her room and bathroom even though they are gentle enough to be used on baby’s skin. I happen to love the soothing smell of lavender as does my daughter. Her room is painted lavender because she loves this fragrant flowering herb so much. But if your child has hyper sensitive skin, talk to your doctor before using this product.
As a working mother myself, making these products took just a few minutes and the room for messes was kept to a minimum because of the enclosed containers and limited number of ingredients used. I give this product a thumb’s up for its cost, effectiveness, usefulness and eco and baby-friendliness.
If you’re also interested in creating your own natural household cleaning products to get the job done safely and effectively there’s a kit for that too. And if you’re child is old enough, you can still encourage them to grab their favorite color of a washcloth and help you dust off their doll house or train set.
Happy Cleaning!
- Heather Ashare, MPH
Friday, January 23, 2009
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We love winter because it marks a time of nesting and hibernation. But months spent indoors exposed to dry and artificial heat in combination with the cold outside air takes its toll on us, mentally and physically. All you have to do is to look closely at your skin to see how winter affects you.
During these cold winter months, no part of our body is affected more than our skin. From dry hands to chapped lips and elbows, keeping your skin nourished and moisturized is a winter essential.
But rather than having one cream for your body, another for your hands and yet another for your feet, why not simplify your beauty routine and rely on one product that can be used on your whole body? Pure unrefined shea butter is a complete beauty product in itself. Its versatility makes it a necessary staple for anyone who is exposed to the dry and frigid winter temperatures.
Shea Butter 101
Unrefined shea butter is one of the best antidotes for dry skin. Shea nuts are full of nutrients and oils that penetrate deeply into the skin leaving it moisturized and hydrated. Shea butter is used for many ailments. It softens dry skin, smoothes parched hair, balances out skin discolorations, and helps to heal scrapes and scratches. Even when winter is over, you will still be reaching for your shea butter as a health and beauty remedy.
Smooth Your Skin
While shea butter is used in scores of beauty and health products, pure unscented shea butter contains no other artificial ingredients or fragrances. One particular product is African Alaffia shea butter. This fair-trade shea butter has been handcrafted from wild harvested shea nuts by the woman of Togo, Africa using indigenous techniques that have been used for generations. Even though it’s unscented, it still retains a very mild nutty scent from the shea nuts that were used to make this creamy salve. Spread it on your legs, rub it into your heels, and even smooth it over your hair. The uses are endless.
Protect Your Lips
If you feel that you’re constantly applying chapstick and lip gloss to your chapped lips, you can even find shea butter in a lip balm. Containing the same 100% pure and unrefined shea butter, this African lip balm comes in two kinds: cocoa butter and red palm. Sweet almond oil, virgin coconut oil, and cocoa butter are also added to leave your lips feeling healed, moisturized and smooth. Plus the red palm is flavored with tangerine and clove oils that provide a subtle orange tint to your lips.
Preserving Your Shea Butter
Remember that a little dime-sized amount of shea butter goes a long way. Store your shea butter in a cool, dry and dark place so that it retains its qualities and freshness.
Here is an informative article to learn more about Alaffia, the fair-trade cooperative in Togo, Africa who makes shea butter skin care products with earth-friendly practices that are steeped in tradition.
- Heather Ashare, MPH
Friday, January 16, 2009
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Why Reduce Plastic Use?
As more research is done on how our footprint is affecting the earth and our health, more evidence points to our over consumption of plastics as a main culprit. Look around your house and within a few minutes you may count 10 to 20 items in one room alone that contains plastic.
Rather than overhauling your entire lifestyle, you can gradually start to incorporate non-plastic items into your daily routine. Here are five simple baby steps that will make a difference.
1.) BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag. Whether you’re shopping at your local farmer’s market or at Target, bring your own bag. Plastic bags are dolefully given out whenever we make any kind of a purchase. Each year, 500 billion plastic bags are used, 100 billion of them used in the US alone. Do your part and reuse your plastic bags or purchase a stylish fabric tote bag and leave it in your car so that you’ll never have to worry about forgetting it.
2.) Pack Fruit and Veggies Smartly: This time, we’re talking about a different kind of plastic bag – the small ones you use to hold fruit and veggies at the grocery store. You can either continue to reuse your small produce bags or simply toss fruit or veggies into your basket sans a bag. If you’re worried that the items may get damaged or bruised, bring your own small plastic bags or purchase a few small cloth bags that will protect your food and the earth. When you take your items up to the check-out line to be weighed, simply take the produce out of the bag so that you won’t be charged for any of the bag’s weight.
3.) Hydrate Wisely: Next to plastic bags, plastic water and soda bottles take up some serious space in landfills. You can still stay hydrated and be eco-friendly by drinking out of glass or stainless steel containers (glass is preferable but not always practical). Plastic water and baby bottles that are imprinted with the #7 on the bottom of them can be harmful to your health because they leach out chemicals and carcinogens. Alternatives like glass and steel are BPA free, one of the chemicals used in plastic bottles. With so many different companies designing fun styles of bottles these days, you’re bound to find one or five that you love!
4.) Play with Wood: While most children’s toys are made with plastic, there are many companies who have had a long tradition of making green toys with wood and non-toxic paints. These toys last just as long as their plastic counterparts due and they are endearingly beautiful to look and play with. You may just find yourself playing a little longer with your daughter’s wooden train set or doll house.
5.) Recycle Product Containers: Many product lines from make-up to lotions and shampoos allow you to bring your original containers into their store and fill them up with a new supply of your beloved cleanser or tonic. Also, product lines might reward you for turning in an empty container which they’ll recycle and provide you with a new product and a discounted price. Check with your favorite product manufacturers to see if they have any programs in place and if they don’t, request that they start one.
Reducing your plastic use does not take tons of time or money. It just takes a little thought and a lot of care. And aren’t you and this beautiful earth worth it?
- Heather Ashare, MPH