Mama’s Home Remedies

This Spanish proverb in the post title reminds us that if we don’t want to do something, we just don’t do it. Of course, we can always find nice excuses with our busy schedules and a shortage of time. But we cannot keep ourselves in good shape and health if we don’t move our body every day without any exceptions. So, make it your first priority in 2010.

Exercise, walk or jog. Swim, run, and dance, dance, dance as often as you have a chance!  Do you know that dance is a pleasant physical exercise which allows us to express our emotions through movement? A popular aphorism in Europe is: Those who dance a lot live a lot. Involve yourself in one of these activities. Don’t come up with excuses and don’t miss even one day.

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This post is connected to the previous two. First was posted on January 8, 2010 under title ‘Secrets to Live Longer and Healthier Life’ where a well-known health expert, Dr. Oz explained the most valuable ingredient in red wine, resveratrol. The second post was devoted to simple advices about how red wine can help you to stay young and live longer.

Today’s post will give a great power–knowledge to choose the best wine at the best price. If you love red wine and decided to buy it for today’s dinner or the coming weekend, before you buy this sunny drink, at first, watch and learn four tips on tasting wine like a pro from San Diego and Temecula Wine Country in California Frank Mangio, columnist of www.TastingWineTV.com

And this is not all. You are still not ready to buy a good bottle of wine. Listen to what experts from Wine Spectator tell you about FOUR S’s in wine tasting. After that you’ll be a well informed buyer and can call yourself a wine afficinado.

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Recently an intersting  article was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reporting that Ginkgo biloba extract has no effect on dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and does not reduce cognitive decline in older adults with normal cognition or with mild cognitive impairment.

This study was a secondary analysis of data from the randomized double blind Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study that first was published in November, 2008. In the original GEM trial more than three thousand individuals of age 76 or older participated. They were assigned to either placebo or 120 mg twice-daily ginkgo extract.  The first analysis of the original GEM study found Ginkgo biloba extract ineffective for preventing dementia even though the evidence of development of dementia was lower than expected, and 40 percent of the active group was not compliant to taking this extract.

In the latest article, on December 29 of 2009, a review was published of the data generated in the original GEM study of 2008 to see if ginkgo supported to slow the rate of cognitive decline in the study participants. Chief Science Officer of the American Herbal Association, Steven Dentali, PhD says, “The data review conducted for this article suffers from the same limitations as the original GEM study with an additional chalenge due to the resting schedule not being ideally suited for this new endpoint.”

Then he continued that the primary findings of the secondary analysis in no way undermine what has already been observed with regard to the usefulness of ginkgo biloba extract, particularly in providing symptomatic relief in persons who already suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

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Researchers have found that resveratrol in red wine  is almost an Elixir of Youth and can help to extend your life. Take a guess. How many people of age more than 100 years old live today in the United States? You’ll be surprised to find out: 84.000 people. They are so lucky to live a whole century and see so many changes in life, science, medicine, history, art, and technical progress that happened during this time.

Dr. David Sinclair, a scientist from the Harvard University, and co-founder of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals found the secret how to stay young and live longer with help of red wine. To be precise, with help of resveratrol that was discovered in dark grapes and red wine. Now watch what he tells Barbara Walters, co-host of the show “View” about this powerful ingredient. To be honest with you, I would drink a glass of good French or Italian red wine to get my dose of the Elexir of Youth–resveratrol than eat it in pharmaceutical capsules.

Today is Saturday. Relax, get good rest and good sleep after working week. Pour yourself a glass of rich, burgundy color Cabernet Sauvignon with tones of black currants on palate, sip it slowly, and enjoy your weekend.

Do you understand what happened? Here they are, the most familiar faces on television, Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, and Cristeta Comerford from Philippines. She also became a new cooking star thanks to her job as the Chef of the White House. She creates there healthy and natural meals under a guidance of the First Lady Michelle Obama.

All started at the beginning of New Year with the produce that Iron Chef of America used on the Food Network’s two-hour special White House show. It was announced that all fresh fruits and vegetables were delivered from the White House Garden. As “Politics Daily” reported, the show did not disclose (probably being too modest) that “stunt double vegetables” were used, but not the produce from the First Family’s garden.

If you think logically, you’ll have a question, “How can you find fresh vegetables grown in a beautiful garden in winter time, in Washington D.C.?” Don’t worry. The White House segment was taped in October. The much promoted TV show made a valuable accent by featuring First Lady Michelle Obama who invited the chefs to harvest what their soul desired and creativity dictated from the famous White House garden.
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Want to have all year around fresh organic herbs that can compliment your home cooking? Watch this video and start your own hydroponic garden right on the windowsill in your home kitchen.

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by Svetlana Konnikova, MA, AN

Did you start off this year with your new resolutions for a healthier and greener 2010? After all, you think about it. Just don’t delay.  Set up your goals for good health, joyful life, success and better You. Here is my List of New Year’s Resolutions-Mottoes  that will help you keep yourself motivated to build your good life:

1. Life is a beautiful gift given to all of us. We should use it properly.
2. Be kind and try to do something good for somebody right now. Don’t delay because we will not pass the same way again.
3. Be an attentive listener and motivator if family members or your friends share their ultimater secrets, goals, and dreams with you. never put them down. The consequences can be unpredictable.
4. Be positive and constructive. Be straightforward and encouraging. As a result, something great can come out of it.
5. Look at the sunny side of everything in your life and be optimistic. Your optimism will become reality.
6. Make your life an example of health, happiness, and prosperity. This will give you an opportunity to become a knowledgeable advisor and expert.
7. Be generous. Share your rich experience with those who would like to take advantage of it.
8. Be really responsible for your life and follow your heart.
9. Our life is a gift twice: once for ourselves and once for others.
10. Our life is a mirror in which we can see good and bad. Our health is a shield–physical and mental. Our physical health has an influence on our spiritual life, but our spiritual power gives you the discipline required to maintain our health.
11. Our health and our well-being rest in our hands.
12. Think only of the best and build your long and happy life, based on the laws of Nature.
13. Chase your goals and perform good deeds.
14. Be strong and have the guts to say “No” when you feel that something is not right. The world will not change to suit your preferences.
15. Be a very good sport to your family and friends. Love, inspire, amuse, and believe in them. It is mutual. You’ll get the same treatment back.
16. Consider every day as a small life and each day as full and perfect.
17. Be confident that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Be strong against fear.
18. Be noble and mighty against jealousy and anger.
19. Help others in need of your help, and just do it!
20. To live a long, healthy, and happy life is an art–l’art de vivre.

References: Photo “Green Silhouette” by Petr Kratovchil; Mama’s Home Remedies: Discover Time-Tested Secrets of Good Life and the Pleasures of Natural Living by Svetlana Konnikova, MA, AN, Aurora Publishers, 2008, pages 5-6

Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Today is especially cold in South Florida. Floridians are spoiled with all year around warm weather, the sun, evergreens and the inviting Atlantic Ocean where usually you can swim and enjoy hot sun and sandy beaches in January. At the beginning of New Year cold came to the sunny Florida, and South Floridians and thousands of visitors are surprised.

Don’t you understand that sometimes winter can happen even in South Florida? Now relax, watch and listen to Vivaldi’s classic “Four Seasons”–Winter.

Many healing herbs, plants and flowers have been traditionaly used for centuries in our homes to treat a variety of minor illnesses and injuries. What if you’ll put together your 2010 Green Pharmacy of safe and useful herbs that can be used to treat different ailments and conditions during New Year.

1.  Raspberries are my favorite berries, a good source of vitamin C. I love to eat them fresh, to put into my hot tea. When one of the members of my family has cold or flu  –1-2  teaspoons of raspberry preserve in a cup of tea helps to get rid of fever  and magically promotes fast recovery.
2. Nettle, a blood tonic and cleanser is diuretic, tonic , and astrigent. Nettles are  a good source of iron, and especially good for people with anemia. This herb can be drunk as an infusion. Some people cook nettles like spinach. Experts don’t recommend to inhale the nettles’ steam because it contains the formic acid that gives this herb its sting burning your skin. The nettles are also thought to be good for the scalp and hair.
3. Chamomile is a favorite calming and relaxing  herb for adults and for children’s complaints.  Make hot chamomile tea to help cure sleeplessness and soothe  digestion.   Chamomile lotion or cream is useful for inflammatory skin conditions, and chamomile shampoo is beneficial for healthy hair (more…)