Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide

23 Thursday May 2013

Posted by in Cosmetic, Household, Medicinal

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Hydrogen Peroxide is a weak, nearly colorless acid that was discovered by Louis Jacques Thénard in 1818 (Wikipedia.com). It’s basically made up of water and oxygen. Manufacturers have used this acid to bleach paper products, produce rocket fuel and propel submarines through the water. Hydrogen Peroxide is so versatile that it can also be used for many tasks in your home. (The strength you’ll use at home is the 3% grade.) Here are 10 awesome uses for Hydrogen Peroxide:1. Whiten Your White Laundry
Pour in a cup of hydrogen peroxide into a washer load of white laundry instead of chlorine bleach and it will whiten your clothes. Don’t pour it directly on your clothes. It can fade out the color just like bleach does!2. Sanitize Your Kitchen Surfaces
Mix up a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and tap water and pour it into a spray bottle. Use it to sanitize your kitchen counter tops, clean appliances and help keep your kitchen germ-free.

Note: Mix up only as much as you’ll use at one time. If you don’t store hydrogen peroxide in its brown bottle, light will break down its chemical makeup.

3. Sanitize Public Drinking Fountains
Did you know you can get contagious diseases like Trenchmouth from using public drinking fountains? Carry a small container of hydrogen peroxide with you so you can sanitize fountains before you drink from them. Just splash some peroxide on the spout and let it set for several seconds. Then turn the water on and let it run to the count of five before you drink from it.

4. Kill Fingernail and Toenail Fungus
Soak your fingernails or toenails in a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide every day and it will kill harmful fungus.

5. Make a Homemade Tooth Whitener
Swish a teaspoon full of 3% strength hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for five to ten minutes every day. It will kill harmful germs and bacteria. It will also act as a homemade tooth whitener!

6. Help Houseplants Grow Healthier
Mix up an ounce of hydrogen peroxide into a cup of water and spray your houseplants with this solution. It will help your houseplants grow greener and more lush.

7. Remove Harmful Pesticides From Fruits and Veggies
Pour a fourth of a cup of hydrogen peroxide into a sink of cold tap water. Place your fruits and veggies in the solution and wash them off well. Then, rinse each piece off with tap water and dry.

8. Clear Up Skin Acne
Use a clean cotton ball to generously dab straight hydrogen peroxide onto skin acne two or three time a day. The peroxide will dry the problem up in no time at all!

9. Remove Waxy Build Up From Your Ears
Tilt your head and use an eye dropper to put three or four drops of hydrogen peroxide into the ear that has the waxy build up. Let it set for several minutes. Then, use a syringe and flush your ear out carefully with warm water. Dry your ear with a soft, clean cloth.

10. Kill Germs in Your Bathroom
Mix together equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and tap water and pour it into a spray bottle. Use this solution to kill germs in your bathroom and keep it smelling clean!

Journal Entry: May 22, 2013

23 Thursday May 2013

Posted by in Journal, Juice Feast/Fast 2013

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Good morning?  I can’t complain too much about the morning. 

Last night I came home and went to sleep after dinner.  I woke up around 10:30pm and took my evening medication.  Problem: I had an upset stomach and was unable to fall back to sleep for many hours.  So, I am a little sluggish this morning.

My child is the issue today.  He has been super crabby the last two mornings and I do not understand why.  Today he was just down right nasty.  I can’t blame lack of sleep because he went to bed early last night.

My kid is 16 and usually doesn’t want anything to do with me.  It is like pulling teeth to get him to even leave the house with me.  When we are at home he is usually with his girlfriend or friend, but normally he is at work or the gym.  So, why does he say to me that I hibernate in my room?  Last night I went to bed early.  The night before they were hogging the from room with their friends, and the day before that I was outdoors in my garden.

Whenever I am watching television in the living room, they either change the channel on me or go downstairs.  It isn’t like they want to hang out with me.  The only time they really speak to me is when they are being playful, want something, or if there is something really bothering them.  They know if they have anything they need to discuss with me, all they have to do is come and speak to me.

In honesty, his words this morning hurt me.  I had an anxiety attack on my way to work.  I have a slight weight on my chest and am not as perky as I have been lately.  Feels like the energy was zapped from me.  I am even getting the twinge in the back of my head which normally turns into a migraine….  I am going to put my headphones on and see if I can snap out of this mode.  Wish me luck.

Well, I knew it would happen eventually.  I just receied an informal warning due to tardiness/attendance policy.  My children made me late one too many times for work.  For now on, if they are not ready to walk out the door at 8am, then they will need to find another way to get to school. We live outside the school district since our move, so they have to get a ride to school.  I refuse to put my job in jeopardy because they can’t wake up and be ready on time.  If they can’t take responsibility, then they will need to go to the school in our district and catch the bus.  Neither will be happy about it, but it isn’t my problem. 

Of course three or more of those lates were due to weather and traffic conditions at the beginning of the year, but it doesn’t seem to matter.  The policy doesn’t care if I live 18 miles from work and need to deal with snow/traffic.  It is my choice to live that distance from my place of employment and not their problem.

Putting my headphones on, focusing on what I need to do.

Juicing Experience Day 17

My son has stolen my energy today.  So, I didn’t juice - again.  I was really looking forward to making the following for breakfast today; craving it.

  • 3 oranges
  • 4 carrots
  • Handful of spinach

I didn’t have an afternoon one planned, normally wing it.  Actually I always start off with Kale and spinach, then go from there.  The green juices tend to be healthier.

I wasn’t “hungry” because of my mood so the Starbucks mocha was enough for me this morning.  Yes, I drank water as well.  Just in case I develop a little appetite, I grabbed a Green Machine.  Playing it by ear today; or should I say stomach? :)

Today is “snack” day at work.  We have a sign up sheet whereby we bring in snacks on Wednesdays.  Someone brough in some healthy veggies with spinach dip and oranges.  Yeah, I am glad someone thought healthy.  Since I have not been having much luck with eating solids, I grabbed a small celery stick and loaded it with the spinach dip.  Not only did it fill me up, but my stomach is kind of protesting the weight of the food. 

This staying on liquids isn’t hard at all because my stomach is already accustomed to the change.  Not to get my mind together to realize that I do not need solids at the moment.  I can honestly say that I do not even crave chicken or beef at the moment.  May even become a vegetarian when the fast is over….

Finishing off the day with chicken broth.  

  • 1/8 Carrot grated
  • 1 Celery stalk; finely sliced
  • 1/8 Onion; finely sliced
  • 1/8 tsp Ginger
  • Pinch of pepper

Stomach is full and happy.

Benefits of Beets

22 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by in Food Facts

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Beets definitely deserve a place at your dinner table. Red, golden and white varieties of these root vegetables provide a number of nutrients that support a healthy body and may protect against disease. Beets impart an earthy flavor to purees, salads, hummus, soups and side dishes.
 

Vitamins and Minerals

Beets provide 18 vitamins and minerals. In ½ cup boiled, sliced beets, you get 3.1 mg of vitamin C — to promote immunity and tissue repair. Beets also provide 68 mcg of folate per 1/2 cup. Folate promotes red blood cell function and is particularly important to pregnant women because it helps prevent certain types of birth defects. Beets offer 259 mg of potassium, which helps regulate your mineral and fluid balance, leading to healthy energy levels, muscle function and blood pressure. Beets are also a source of magnesium, providing 19.6 mg of this bone-building mineral.

Cholesterol and Cancer

Regularly consuming beets can help reduce cholesterol and deter the development of colon cancer. In the journal “Die Nahrung,” researchers from the Slovak Republic published a study in 2000 with the findings that rats that consumed beet fiber for 26 weeks experienced a decrease in cholesterol and reduction of precancerous lesions in the colon. A ½-cup serving of sliced, boiled beets contains 2 g of fiber. Red beets, in particular, may be valuable protectors against cancer, according to an animal study published in a November 2002 issue of the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.” Researchers from the University of Wisconsin at Madison found that the pigment in red beets helps scavenge cancer-causing free radicals in the body.

Weight Control

Beets contain just 37 calories per cooked ½ cup. Beets are also free of fat. Including beets and other vegetables in your diet instead of higher calorie options can help you avoid weight gain. Add them to a spinach salad with ½ oz. of walnuts or serve beets as a side dish roasted with olive oil and chives.

Antioxidants

Beets are a source of certain antioxidants that can help purge your body of free radicals that may contribute to disease and the signs of aging. The phytonutrients in beets, primarily betanin and vulgaxanthin, can help ease inflammation and promote detoxification.

Considerations

Because red beets can stain your fingers and nails, wear thin latex gloves when peeling and slicing fresh versions. Beets lose their nutrients the longer they are cooked. Boil until just tender to the bite, not soft. When you purchase beets, find ones with the greens included. Just 1 cup of cooked beet greens provides more than 100 percent of the daily value of vitamins A and K, and significant amounts of vitamin C, potassium and manganese. Cook beet greens as you would kale or Swiss chard, with minced garlic, olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/414549-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-beets/#ixzz2QCN3tDKC

 

Deadly Antidepressants

21 Tuesday May 2013

Posted by in Medicinal

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I thought I would share this article I read today.  It hits really close to home as I have been on several of these medications and am currently taking Citalopram which is on this list.  The past few days I have had abnormal heart palipitations.  I think we need to re-evaluate at the next medication check.

 

List of dangerous antidepressants that cause sudden death is rapidly expanding

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/040433_antidepressants_sudden_death_drug_list.html#ixzz2TwX1FIPN

Tuesday, May 21, 2013 by: J. D. Heyes

(NaturalNews) The list of antidepressants that can cause sudden death is growing exponentially, with citalopram – under the brand names Celexa and Cipramil – the latest such drug to be added, according to a new study.

The research, published recently in the British Medical Journal, revealed that the drug tends to cause a lengthening of the Q-T interval, a part of the cycle of heart beat measured by an electrocardiogram, or what is more commonly known as an EKG or ECG. Indeed, a number of drugs are known for creating this phenomenon, the most notable among them being methadone, which has been documented as causing sudden death in some patients, especially when dosages are increased too rapidly.

“There are no symptoms indicating a risk. A perfectly normal person will literally drop dead,” writes Heidi Stevenson at GaiaHealth.com.

A silent killer

The heartbeat is regulated by a series of electrical pulses, and key points of the pattern printed on an EKG are labeled P, Q, R, S, T. If the time between the Q and T waves is lengthened, it is referred to as “Q-T elongation,” or a prolonged Q-T segment; the only way to know if it is occurring; however, is with an EKG.

“There are generally no external clues, so outside of testing, you would have no way of knowing that you’ve been affected,” Stevenson writes.

Researchers, in their report, were specific about the risk of sudden death associated with Celexa; the larger the dose, the greater the risk. Also, they noted that the Food and Drug Administration has said, “Citalopram causes dose-dependent QT interval prolongation. Citalopram should no longer be prescribed at doses greater than 40 mg per day.”

That claim is supported in Medscape’s drug reference for citalopram. “Doses above 40 mg/day are not recommended because of risk for QT prolongation without additional benefit for treating depression,” says the reference.

In performing their study, researchers examined 38,397 adults who were either taking an antidepressant or methadone at some time between February 1990 and August 2011, a period of more than two decades. Antidepressants taken during that period by the patients involved in the study include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), amitriptyline, bupropion (Zyban), duloxetine (Cymbalta), mirtazapine (Remeron), nortriptyline, and venlafaxine (Effexor).

Each participant received an EKG 14-90 days after they had taken their prescribed medication. Researchers found that all antidepressants affect the A-T interval in some manner, though methadone affected it more significantly by a great amount.

In one drug, however – bupropion (Zyban) – had the opposite effect. The Q-T interval was shortened. But a shorter Q-T interval, by comparison, can also cause heart arrhythmias and fainting, conditions which can also lead to sudden death.

Earlier research found a similar connection

The worst antidepressants – those which lengthened the Q-T interval the most, on average – were citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), and amitriptyline, researchers said. Overall, one in five subjects taking these drugs experienced abnormal EKGs, and specifically longer Q-T intervals. Researchers said the clinical significance of these findings; however, is as yet unknown.

Writes Stevenson:

We do know that an extended QT interval can result in sudden death. In reality, this doesn’t happen often – though no one can quantify the frequency of death. So, it seems that the only ethical approach is to inform people of the potential risk of sudden death by taking these drugs.

But we already know that genuine informed consent almost never happens. People are routinely told that the risk is minimal and the specifics are not stated. Ultimately, though, the only one who lives the results are the person inside your own skin.

Earlier research also found that antidepressants caused a lengthening of the Q-T interval. In 2004, Dr. Dan M. Roden, of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, writing in The New England Journal of Medicine, said that, in the previous decade, “the single most common cause of the withdrawal or restriction of the use of drugs that have already been marketed has been the prolongation of the QT interval,” which can be “fatal.”

Sources:

http://gaia-health.com

http://reference.medscape.com/drug/celexa-citalopram-342958

http://www.courses.ahc.umn.edu

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/040433_antidepressants_sudden_death_drug_list.html

Benefits of Ginger Tea

18 Saturday May 2013

Posted by in Food Facts

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Ginger is an herbal supplement derived from the root of the Zingiber officinale plant. In addition to its culinary uses, ginger has a variety of medicinal effects that may be helpful for certain health conditions. It is often brewed into a tea and consumed for its health benefits, which include improved circulation, reduced nausea and relief of inflammation and pain. You can make tea using either whole or powdered ginger, which are equivalent in potency.

Pain and Inflammation

Ginger tea is a remedy for inflammatory pain. It contains gingerols, which inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes that trigger production of inflammation-causing chemicals called prostaglandins. According to the National Institutes of Health, ginger has an advantage over anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen in that it also prevents activation of genes involved in the inflammatory process, such as chemokines and cytokines. This distinction may explain why ginger tea is less likely than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to cause side effects like stomach irritation and kidney damage.
Ginger tea may be useful for treating pain associated with osteoarthritis, headache, lower back pain and minor injuries, including muscle strains and sprains. However, using ginger with NSAIDs may increase the risk for bleeding and other side effects.

Circulation

Ginger has warming properties that make it useful for improving poor circulation. Its blood-thinning effects may help reduce the viscosity of blood, resulting in enhanced blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body. Ginger may also reduce blood clotting, which can be beneficial if you have a history of ischemic stroke and heart attack.
Ginger can increase bleeding risks when combined with blood-thinning drugs like aspirin or Coumadin. Ask your doctor before using ginger tea if you take these medications.

Nausea

Ginger tea is a powerful remedy for many types of nausea. Ginger reduces both the occurrence and severity of nausea caused by chemotherapy. It is also as effective as the antihistamine dimenhydrinate in reducing morning sickness, according to the National Institutes of Health. Other uses include treating motion sickness and stomach inflammation caused by gastroenteritis.
Side effects of ginger tea include belching, indigestion and a burning sensation in the mouth. If you have a digestive disorder such as GERD or a gastric ulcer, use ginger with caution, as it may cause a worsening of symptoms.

How to Make Ginger Tea

Things You’ll Need

  •  Fresh ginger root
  •  Water
  •  Lemon (optional)
  •  Honey (optional)

Instructions

  • Cut thin slices off of a fresh ginger root. You will need about one teaspoon of ginger per cup of tea.
  • Place the sliced ginger into a pot or kettle.
  • Add water and place the kettle on the stove on medium-high heat.
  • Bring the water to a boil and then remove it immediately.
  • Pour the tea into cups right away, using a strainer to catch the ginger slices.

  • Add honey and lemon, if desired, and stir.

Read more: How to Make Homemade Ginger Tea | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2113357_homemade-ginger-tea.html#ixzz2QCJqXqGm

 

Journal Entry: May 17, 2013

17 Friday May 2013

Posted by in Journal, Juice Feast/Fast 2013

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Good morning.

Yes, it is a wonderful morning.  I woke feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. 

Today is my bestie’s birthday.  I will be nice and not mention how old she is, but you can do the math.  Wishing Sonya a wonderful birthday at (21 x 2) + 1.  :)   I LOVE you.

OMG!  The boys were so funny last night.  They miss each other when they aren’t together, but wrestle and play fight whenever they are together.  You would think that at age 16 they would settle down – NOT.  Last night James decided to sleep in tory’s bed, with Tory.  Tory was so mad and kept telling James to go sleep in his own bed.  Tory just got the new bed because he kept sleeping on the couch.  Tory use to just stay during school nights, but has become a semi-permanent resident of the home and qualified for his own bedroom. lol

Brotherly love

Juice Feast/Fast Day 12

Funny thing happened, I juiced last night and forgot to grab it on my way out the door.  Really!?!  So, I had to rely on the old, familiar stand-in when I forget or just to busy/lazy to juice.

Juice 3

At least when I get home tonight I will have juice ready.  I made a breakfast juice.

  • 3 orangeswpid-wp-1368758071119.jpg
  • 3 carrots
  • handful of spinach
  • 1″ ginger

I even made a dinner juice:

  • 6 kale leaves
  • 1 handful of spinach
  • 1/4 cup parsley
  • 1/8 cup cilantro
  • 3 celery stalks
  • 3 Figi apples

Last night I used a mud mask from Esty.  It really shrunk my pores and helped with some of the acne.  I will try a celery mask this evening.

Celery Facial Mask

  • Blend 1 celery stalk
  • Rub the juice/paste on freshly washed face
  • Keep on for a minimum of 15 minutes
  • Rinse with lukewarm/cold water.

I have noticed my cheek bones are becoming more prominent and my stomach is shrinking.  I have not stepped on a scale yet.  I will wait until I have been juicing 30 days to see what progress I have been making.  I don’t want to be addicted to a scale; your body weight changes throughout the day.

Today, not only is my right hip, knee and ankle stiff but my hand started.  Definitely have a lot of toxins in my body.  I suppose between the junk food and medications it was bound to happen.  Will start the colon cleansing to speed up the removal of the toxins, increase water intake further, and use a detox juice so I can get rid of these aches.

Keep in mind the longer you juice, the more effective it becomes.  Your body will literally begin to heal itself.  I am really looking forward to my third week: mental clarity.  Maybe I will stop forgetting my juice at home.  :)

I am thinking I will try another chicken broth based soup tonight.  It is mainly just seasoning the broth.  However, I like to ass thinly sliced veggies just to make it feel like “real” soup.

Chicken Broth Soup

  • 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 finely sliced onion
  • 2 finely sliced celery stalks
  • 2 finely sliced carrots
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tsp thyme (2 tablespoons if fresh)
  • Chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to season

Bring broth, onion, celery, carrots and garlic to boil.  Mix in the thyme.  Reduce heat to a simmer until vegetables are tender.  Season with salt and pepper.  Garnish with parsley

Has anyone tried the recipes I have been sharing?  What is your opinion?

The soups have been extremely helpful in keeping me faithful to my plan.  It is like a comfort food while still detoxing.

So wished I would have made the broth.  Nope.  Instead Mr. Man took me to Red Lobster for dinner before meeting my bestie for her birthday.  I thought I would play it safe with a biscuit, grilled shrimp and salad. Yes, you can order just a grilled shrimp skewer ala cart.  :)   No sooner did I eat, my stomach decided it did not want it.  I think you know what happened next.

When they say slowly introduce food back into your diet, they mean it!

I felt so miserable the rest of the evening and could only drink water.  Food will not pass my lips until I am completely done with my fast!

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