Ginger

I've been extra tired with all the work and traveling I've done in the past week.
Once again I'm turning to ginger to keep me well.

Ginger for Winter Ills
Ginger is well known for its spicy bite in Asian cooking, but not everyone knows it's also an effective remedy for a number of ailments, including colds and flu. Ginger is a stimulant that helps increase agni, the internal fire that regulates the digestive and circulatory systems. Low agni causes blockage and constipation, allowing toxins to accumulate, which creates a breeding ground for disease. Ginger helps by increasing the agni, which, in turn, burns away toxins and waste matter, improves digestion, and paves the way to recovery. Ginger even helps eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites.

Ginger is especially good during cold and flu season. It helps clear the sinuses, relieves congestion headaches, and reduces fever. It's also an expectorant that expels mucus from the lungs and throat. The most effective way to take it for colds and flu is ginger tea. Here's a simple recipe:

2 cups water
¼ cup diced fresh ginger
2 tsp. honey

Boil the water, then add the ginger and simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain into a cup and add 2 teaspoons of honey (or to taste). If you like, you can add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot to increase the stimulating, heating effect. Let me forewarn you now, though: This tea is fiery! Sip it—don't gulp it down.

- Wai lana's weekly message

Natural Flea Repellent for Pets

Natural ways to get rid of your pets' fleas:

Natural Flea Repellent for Pets
Treat Dogs and Cats with Garlic, Essential Oils to Repel Insects

© Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Apr 8, 2009
Natural Flea Repellents Protect Dogs and Cats, Mark Miller, morguefile.com
Essential oils and garlic offer a fool-proof natural way to control fleas and repel insects that bite and irritate dogs, cats, other furred pets, and humans.

If you have pets of any kind, chances are you've had the not-so-pleasant experience of fending off fleas, ticks, or other biting insects. Most people turn to flea control products offered by veterinarians and pet stores, but these can be toxic and even poisonous to children, adults, and even the dogs and cats themselves. There are natural, safe alternatives that will kill and repel fleas and other insects without harming people or pets.
Problems with Commercial Flea Products

Although the flea powder or flea collars offered by your local pet stores may look like the easiest solution, it's worth doing a bit of research before you buy. Chemicals present in most of the leading brands in flea control products have been linked with liver toxicity, seizures and other nervous system disorders, renal failure, and in the long run with cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.

Cats and kittens have died from overdoses of pesticides present in flea sprays. Some of these dangerous products have been withdrawn, but others remain on store shelves despite their potential to do serious harm.


Is There a Natural Option to Repel Fleas Without Poisoning Pets?

Although companies like Frontage and Advantage scoff at natural flea treatments, and even some vets dismiss their efficacy, there are a number of natural options that work wonders in eliminating fleas from pets, carpets, and homes.

The best time to use natural flea repellents is before your pet has fleas. Dosing your dog or cat with garlic or essential oils should start in early spring (in temperate areas), before flea season begins, and continue well into the fall. If you live in a region that is always warm enough to make fleas an ongoing risk, it's wise to take preventive measures to prevent fleas on an ongoing basis.
Garlic Repels Fleas and Biting Insects

One of the oldest and best natural remedies to repel fleas is garlic. Garlic can be administered fresh, ground onto pets' food, but the easiest (and less messy) way to use it is by purchasing dried or "odorless" garlic tablets from the health food store. These can be given to pets whole, or ground and fed on top of kibble or other food. Odorless garlic is coated so you won't smell it as much – but the fleas sure will, and they stay away.
Essential Oils for Flea Control

Essential oils are another tried and true, traditional way to repel fleas and biting insects. Almost any spicy or sharp essential oil will repel insects, but the best for getting rid of fleas are:

* Peppermint
* Lavender
* Spearmint
* Lemongrass
* Melaleuca

These oils and others can be applied to your pet's collar, or mixed in a spray bottle with water and misted onto your dog or cat's fur with care. Avoid citrus oils with cats; additives in non-organic citrus rind can be toxic to cats (as can additives and impurities in cheap essential oils). Essential oil quality is paramount, especially when using the oils on children or pets.
Reference

Stewart, David, Ph.D. "Essential Oils for Things That Bug You Around the House," Raindrop Messenger, 2007.

The copyright of the article Natural Flea Repellent for Pets in Herbal Medicine is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish Natural Flea Repellent for Pets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Natural Flea Repellents Protect Dogs and Cats, Mark Miller, morguefile.com
Natural Flea Repellents Protect Dogs and Cats


Read more: Natural Flea Repellent for Pets: Treat Dogs and Cats with Garlic, Essential Oils to Repel Insects - http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_flea_repellent_for_pets#ixzz0CQ98BUIJ

Abdominal Massage Pose

Abdominal Massage Pose
Click here to watch the instructional video

The movement of your breathing combined with the twist stretches, massages, and stimulates your abdominal organs in this pose. It helps relieve constipation, gas, and other abdominal problems.

1. From a sitting position, come onto your left knee and sit on your heel. Place your right foot flat on the floor and rest your hands on your knees.

2. Inhale fully and extend your right arm.

3. Gaze at your fingertips as you slowly exhale and rotate your torso to the right.

4. When you've turned as far as you can, inhale and lower your arm. Place the back of your hand on your left hip or as far to the left of your lower back as you can. Press your right shoulder back. Breathe slowly and evenly to your abdomen. As you inhale, your abdomen expands. As you exhale, it contracts. Hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds.

5. Raise your arm to shoulder level.

6. Release the twist as you inhale and rotate back to center.

7. Lower your hand and change sides.

Hints…
Press your hand against your knee as leverage to help you twist further. Keep the underside of your chin parallel to the floor so your head is not tilted.

For Constipation…
Drink a couple of glasses of water immediately before practicing this pose to get your bowels moving.

The Eco Yoga Mat- for Kids!

Well it's out! it's on sale now too. :)

New! Wai Lana's
Little Yogis™ Eco Mat

A fun, kid-sized yoga mat that’s healthier for the planet and for your little ones

* Free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans
* Cute cartoon print of Wai Lana and her Little Yogi friends
* Sticky, nonslip surface helps kids keep their footing
* Smaller, kid-sized mat to personalize their practice
* Lightweight, durable, washable and latex-free (tested by an independent laboratory)
* Measures 1/8"H x 24"W x 60"L

Yoga is a safe, challenging, and healthy activity for children, and it’s fun too! Yoga helps children develop strength, balance, flexibility, and concentration and encourages a more focused, peaceful approach to life. Your children will thank you for introducing them to yoga.

The Little Yogis Eco Mat is designed to provide children with a safe, stable foundation for building a yoga practice that will start them on a lifelong path of health and well-being.

This mat is free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans, making it safer for the planet and for the health of your children.

Creative Child Toys

For $47.80 this isn't bad at all for all this:

Creative Child

Gift Basket includes:

* Little Yogis™ DVD Volume 2
* Fun Songs Activity Book
* Fun Songs CD & Lyrics Book
* Fun Songs Game Cards

Eggplanet rolatine

My neighbor just came back from their farm and gave me a whole basket of eggplants. I decided to try out the following recipe:

Wai Lana's Weekly Recipe: Eggplant Rolatine

This is a very delicious and unusual dish in which large slices of steamed eggplant are rolled up around slices of fresh homemade cheese (curd) and baked with an Indian-style richly spiced tomato sauce. It's a good choice for entertaining friends or family or for a special meal.

1 recipe of Basic Curd (recipe given below)
2 1/2 Tbsp. ghee or olive oil
1 very large eggplant, at least 8x5 inches

1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 to 1 tsp. dried chili flakes, add to taste
2 Tbsp. ground coriander
4 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
4 cups tomato, diced
1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, peeled and minced
2 tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. tamarind paste
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 Tbsp. water chestnuts, minced
2 Tbsp. roasted almond butter
1/4 cup half-and-half (half milk, half cream)

1 large bell pepper, cut into strips
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1. Prepare the curd as directed below using the first draining method. Cut into 12 long slices. Heat 1 Tbsp. of the ghee in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Pan-fry the curd until golden on both sides.

2. Meanwhile, slice the eggplant into twelve 1/4-inch-thick slices lengthwise. Steam for 10-15 minutes until soft and floppy but not falling apart. You may have to steam the slices in the middle of the steaming basket a little longer. Set aside with the curd.

3. To prepare the sauce, heat 1 Tbsp. of the ghee in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until lightly browned. Add the chili flakes and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the next 5 spices and sauté for 30 seconds.

4. Add the tomatoes and the next 6 ingredients and cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Mix in the almond butter and cook for 5 minutes. Add the half-and-half and mix well, then remove from the heat.

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small nonstick skillet heat the remaining 1/2 Tbsp. ghee on medium heat. Add the bell pepper and stir-fry until it begins to brown. Set aside.

6. To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of sauce in a 9x12-inch casserole dish. Dip both sides of a slice of eggplant in the remaining sauce. Place it in the dish and roll a piece of curd up in it. Place the roll seam side down.

7. Repeat with all slices of eggplant and curd. Spread the remaining sauce on top, then garnish with the bell pepper slices. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Good served with basmati rice.

Serves 12

Note: When serving this dish with rice, you can cook the rice with the whey from the curd. Combine 1 part rinsed rice with 2 parts whey. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn the heat to the lowest possible setting. Cook until the grains are soft and the liquid is completely absorbed.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:
Calories: 223, Fat 9.9g (89 cal), Carbohydrate 25.7g (102 cal), Protein 7.8g (32 cal)
Added information: Saturated Fat 4.3g, Cholesterol 24mg, Sodium 495mg, Dietary Fiber 2.5g

Basic Curd

Curd, or Paneer, is easy to make and not terribly time-consuming. Below I've given several methods of draining, each of which results in a different texture and shape. I usually use the first method, which is the quickest and produces a curd similar in texture to firm tofu. The second and third methods yield an even firmer curd comparable to extra-firm tofu.

8 cups whole milk
1 cup plain yogurt, nonfat, low-fat, or whole
2-4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, or as needed

1. Bring the milk to a boil in a large heavy-based saucepan on medium-high heat. Separately beat the yogurt until smooth. Just as the milk begins to froth up to a boil, reduce the heat to low and stir in the yogurt until well combined.

2. Slowly pour in the lemon juice, stirring gently. Use just enough lemon juice to allow the curds to separate from the clear yellow whey. You may need more or less lemon juice depending on the acidity of your lemons.

Draining Method 1
Pour the curds and whey into a large fine metal strainer set over a saucepan or bowl to catch the whey. Reserve the whey to use in soups. Press the curds with a spoon, then let them drain for 20-30 minutes. Flip the strainer upside down, letting the curd fall onto a plate or cutting board. Cut into the desired shape.

Draining Method 2
For a firmer texture, pour the curds and whey through a muslin- or cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a large saucepan or bowl to catch the whey. Tie the corners of the muslin together and hang the curd to drain for 1 to 2 hours.

Draining Method 3
Hang the curd for 10-15 minutes only. Then, leaving the curd in the cloth, shape it into a square block and place it under a heavy weight for 1 to 2 hours. This will create a firm block of curd.

Read about the yoga diet

Release Anger Through Yoga

Release Anger Through Yoga
Anger can be very destructive. It can cause physical and mental problems and can even destroy our personal relationships. But you don't have to let it.

You can learn to release your anger through yoga. Breathing exercises are particularly good for calming down immediately. Just take as many slow, deep breaths as you need to. Yoga sound meditation combined with breathing is even more effective, as the sounds themselves are calming. Yoga asanas also help release tension in both body and mind. So before you blow off steam and hurt yourself or someone else, release your anger with some yoga.

I need this totally right now. I'm going through a bad case of PMS!