Day: October 16, 2012

Ginger Tea

Ginger Tea
1 inch or so fresh ginger root, sliced thin or grated
1/2 a fresh lemon, sliced (peel & all)
1 clove garlic, mashed
~2 c water
Very generous spoonful honey

Place water, ginger, lemon, & garlic in saucepan; bring to boil, then turn
down heat and simmer gently for 20 min. Strain into mugs and add lots of
honey. The tea *will* get stronger if you let it sit! Most invigorating!
The garlic adds a bit of bitterness, but the honey masks that. This tea is
very soothing to the throat and warms and opens the chest and nasal
passages. Plus there are all those vitamins and other good things! I now
make this tea at the first sign of a cold, which helps me fight it off. I
find it more effective than the commercial hot lemon remedies, and of course cheaper!

Old Fashioned Mustard Plaster

Old Fashioned Mustard Plaster

Helps relieve chest congestion due to colds.
1 tbsp dry mustard
1/4 cup flour
Lukewarm water

Sift together mustard and flour in a bowl. Slowly add just enough water to make a paste. Spread the plaster on a piece of muslin big enough to cover chest. Cover with another piece of muslin.

Make sure the skin is dry. Place the mustard plaster on the chest. Check
frequently and discontinue if there is any kind of allergic reaction. Remove when skin begins to turn red, usually after 10-20 minutes, and don’t leave on any longer than 30 minutes at a time. Then rub the chest w/ petroleum jelly to keep the heat in. Treat twice daily until congestion clears up. NOTE: For children, reduce amount of flour to 6 teaspoons.

Cranberry Soup

Cranberry Soup

1 cup cranberries
2 cups water
Honey to taste
1 tbsp potato starch

Heat cranberries and water together until cranberry skins open. Strain and add honey to taste. Bring mixture close to a boil, then remove from heat. In a separate bowl, mix starch with 2 tbsp cold water. Slowly add this mixture to the cranberry juice – stir vigorously.

Return mixture to heat and bring to full boil, stirring until it thickens
and becomes slightly transparent. Store in refrigerator in a covered
container. Serve w/ warm cream. Soothes colds, and is a good source of
vitamins C and B.

Hyssop Cough Syrup

Hyssop Cough Syrup

Licorice flavored, soothes sore throats.
2 tbsp dried hyssop (flower tops) or 1/3 cup fresh hyssop (chopped flowers)
1/4 cup water
1 cup honey
1 tsp aniseed

In a saucepan combine honey and water. Stir until the mixture is consistency of pancake syrup. Bring slowly to a boil (over a medium heat). Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.

Use 1-2 tbsp water to moisten the dried hyssop. Crush the aniseed. Stir both into the honey. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, and allow to cool. While the mixture is still a little warm, strain into a jar. When completely cooled, screw on the lid. Should keep for 1 week.

Marshmallow Cough Syrup

Marshmallow Cough Syrup

2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup orange juice or juice of 1 lemon
1 1/2 to 2 1/2 tsp chopped dried marshmallow root

In a small saucepan, bring the marshmallow root and water to a boil. Recuce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain liquid into another saucepan (should result in about 1 cup). Over a low heat, slowly stir in the sugar until it becomes thick and granules completely dissolve. (Stir in more water if the mixture becomes too thick.) Remove from heat and stir in the orange juice. Transfer to a container and allow to cool before covering tightly.

Wild Cherry Cough Syrup

Wild Cherry Cough Syrup

2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp cream of tartar (scant)
1 tsp wild cherry bark
1 1/2 to 2 1/2 tsp chopped dried marshmallow root

Make a decoction of the cherry bark and marshmallow root. (Boil in water for about 4 minutes. Steep the mixture with the cover on the pot for a few minutes.) Slowly stir in the sugar and cream of tartar, simmer until the mixture becomes thick and sugar granules completely dissolve. Transfer to a container and allow to cool before covering tightly.

Lemon Cayenne Throat Soother

Lemon Cayenne Throat Soother

Mix 1 tsp honey with 1 tsp lemon juice and dash of cayenne pepper. Take like cough syrup. This does not prevent cough, but does relieve throat pain in two ways. First, the honey and lemon coat the throat. Second, the cayenne pepper brings blood cells needed to fight off infection to the throat area.

Home Remedies – 25 Old Wives’ Tales

Home Remedies – 25 Old Wives’ Tales

By Beth Black

Here are some old fashioned home remedies for common complaints. Many of them I am sure are “old wives tales” but modern science has proved many of these “old wives tales” to have a legitimate scientific reason for being effective.

How about the old tale about putting moth balls in the bottom of the bed for cramps??? I haven’t tested this one myself as it is very seldom that I get cramps. Some people swear by it.

If you have any tips to add I would be interested to hear them. Just add a comment.

All these tips have been gleaned from a variety of sources, mostly from a friend and the fact that the use of well known brand names might suggest a free marketing plug for their product but if you ignore the brand names these natural remedies that most of us have in the kitchen or bathroom cupboard are a much better way than loading our bodies up with chemicals.

I hope you enjoy and benefit from some of these folk remedies and I would love to hear if any more tips you can add.

  Did You Know That? Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately — without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional  “pain relievers.”Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids  peppermints. They’ll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage  oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer . Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer  begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly — even though the product was never been advertised for this use. (Note: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold  Medicine is not the same..and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)

Honey remedy for skin blemishes… Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile,  and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus… Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerinemouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves  your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection… To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of MaybellineCrystal Clear nail polish to the threads  of the screws before tightening them.

Coca-Cola cure for rust… Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric  acid in the coke is what gets the job done.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer… If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can’t find the insecticide,  try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover…just pour a drop of Elmer’s Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to  the dried glue.

Hunt’s tomato paste boil cure….cover the boil with Hunt’s tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the  boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters…To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine … a powerful antiseptic.

Heinz vinegar to heal bruises… Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up  the healing process.

Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog’s bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to  avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor… Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making  your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate ear mites… All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat’s ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily  for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat’s skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief….It’s not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave  for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

Cranberry juice taken regularly helps prevent urinary infections.     (My friend, Director of a Geriatric Care Hospital, says it’s much better than expensive cures, and ultimately economically very favourable)     There is a honey available in pharmacies which is a medical     honey.. slightly different from the usual and from a different type of bee.. this is the best for curing skin problems.

Here is one for the Aussies A few drops of dettol kills cane toads. A diluted solution in a spray bottle is quick and easy.

Sore throat and nasal congestion… steep some fresh gum leaves in boiling water and inhale.

Spice Bags for Warm Winter Drinks

Spice Bags for Warm Winter Drinks

 

8 sticks cinnamon, broken into small pieces

2 whole nutmegs, crushed

1/3 cup whole cloves

1/3 cup minced dried orange peel (or 1/4 cup ground)

1/4 cup whole allspice berries

optional: garnish with cinnamon sticks,

slice of orange, lemon peel

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Tie in sachets of 1 tablespoon each in a double thickness of cheesecloth; transfer to an airtight container. One sachet of the mixture will flavor 1 quart of cider, tea or wine.

To use, simmer 1 quart of the chosen beverage with 1 sachet for 20 minutes; ladle into mugs. If desired, add a garnish or a sprinkling of additional spirits.

Kitchen Cures

Kitchen Cures

By Carole Pagan

Whenever I have any sort of ache, pain, illness, or other ailment – I look to see if I can fix the problem with something in my kitchen.

Why would I do that?

For a lot of reasons really.

* I hate making an extra trip to the store.

* Drugs are expensive. Even the over the counter stuff. We get sick so rarely, I hate buying stuff that’s just going to sit in the cabinet.

* Drugs are chemicals, and many times have a side effect that you don’t want.

You have to eat anyway – why not eat foods that will help solve your problem?

Say you’re coming down with a cold – you’ll want to eat more fruit, drink orange juice, eat salad and chicken soup, drink green tea, take an extra vitamin C, and get a good nights sleep, right?

What’s the first thing you do when you feel like you’re getting a kidney infection? Drink cranberry juice, right?

How about when you have diarrhea? You eat bananas, right?

If you have a headache, the first question you ask yourself is “When did I eat last?” (Actually you should try a glass of water first. You might just be dehydrated.)

We do this stuff all the time, don’t we? But did you know that you can solve most of your health problems with food?

I woke up this morning feeling like I have a bit of tendinitis. I know that’s an inflammation, so I go and look up foods to eat to help prevent disease.

“Foods that act as an anti-inflammatory

Apples, blueberries, cloves, cranberries, curry, ginger, honey, lemon, mustard, onion, pineapple, raspberries, turmeric, black tea, green tea, red wine.”

Aspirin is also an anti-inflammatory, as well as a pain reliever – so if it gets worse I will take a couple aspirins. I also know that I want to stay away from foods that can actually cause inflammation like milk and whole wheat.

You can eat foods to help your asthma, arthritis, blood pressure, cancer, and other diseases and ailments. Now, I’m not saying to quit taking your medications. I am saying that when you eat the right foods, in time your doctor may be able to decrease your prescriptions. The worst that can happen is you’ll just feel better. The best that can happen? You’ll not only feel great, but you’ll save thousands of dollars too.

Feng Shui Tip for October 16 is ‘Bosses Day’

Today we recognize ‘Bosses Day,’ and with these tough economic times, giving the boss their due might also attach a little job insurance to those efforts. But what if you feel like your boss doesn’t recognize your contributions to the workplace as much as they should? A specific Feng Shui action step promises vast opportunity for garnering recognition and reward on the work front. Position a small brass bell in the middle of the right hand side of your desk and ring it nine times in succession whenever possible. Ringing a bell is believed to affect a complete space clearing around your immediate office environment while attracting new customers to you and your business. Simply by tinkling you can expect increased exposure to lead to increased profits! Use smaller bells if you’re the boss since the slighter sounds of little bells hung above doors or on door handles creates ‘prosperity Chi’ that brings a bigger, better bottom line. And what boss wouldn’t love to hear that ka-ching sound ringing throughout the workplace?

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today’s Tarot Card for Oct. 16 is The Hermit

The Hermit

The challenge of what has traditionally been known as the Hermit card is to be able to recognize a teacher in a humble disguise. This font of mysterious knowledge will not make it easy for the student to acquire his wisdom, as it takes time and long contemplation to fathom what he knows. He often speaks wordlessly, or in ancient and barbaric tongues, communicating with the elements, animals and Nature herself.

While the hourglass was an identifying feature on the earliest Hermit cards, more modern ones have shifted the metaphor, showing more or less light released from his lantern. In either case, the Hermit card reminds us of the value of time away from the hubbub of civic life, to relax the ego in communion with Nature.

Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, October 16

It’s so easy to talk about our needs today that it’s challenging to stop before revealing too much. Going too far is a danger when sensual Venus squares extravagant Jupiter. Additionally, setting sensible limits can be nearly impossible now as rational Mercury forms an awkward quincunx with Jupiter. Meanwhile, the magnetic Scorpio Moon attracts emotionally intense situations, making it all the more difficult to avoid the drama of overindulgence.

 

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Even if the past few days have been memorable, you still want to make the good times last as long as possible. Luckily, the stars are in you favor, but you’re able to turn on the charm so effortlessly that you could lose credibility. Keep in mind that everyone can tell when you’re exaggerating, so be honest and stick to the facts. Speaking the truth won’t interfere with your fun.

 

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Your trusty senses are picking up reliable data today, but you can’t concentrate enough to take it all in. Nevertheless, you could easily step over the edge of reason if you don’t listen carefully. You may let loose, but later realize that it wasn’t worth it. Even if you’re eager to have a bit more fun, keep track of when it’s time to get back to work.

 

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

If you are overwhelmed by too many lovely distractions today, it may be time to figure out how to stop wasting your time and energy. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, for you aren’t likely to say no if you think that the potential for pleasure is in the picture. Moderation is your current key to success, even if it’s an elusive goal at this time.

 

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You might need to learn how to keep your emotions to yourself in order to be more effective in the professional world. Just remember that containing your moods won’t make you feel them any less. In fact, you could be more inclined to stay in touch with your passions once you realize that you don’t have to reveal your preferences to anyone else. Instead of worrying about what you don’t say, share only what you want when you’re ready.

 

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may continue to hide something important, yet the pressure to come clean now is driving you to the edge. You are probably ready to share what you’ve been keeping secret with someone you can trust, even though it might not be easy to tell all the details. Nevertheless, the emotional rewards can be worth whatever stress you feel along the way.

 

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your legendary ability to stay on track at work is tested today, but surprisingly you would rather have fun now than do the responsible thing. A conscious change of attitude may be required now because you can see possibilities for pleasure everywhere you look. You really want to discover where your choices might lead. Put on your blinders if needed; you can always explore your options another day.

 

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Unfinished tasks pull you out of your reverie today, yet the depth of your new awareness is up to the whims of trickster Mercury. It’s even tougher than usual for you to walk away from sweet pleasantries. But it might take days to dig your way out if you let yourself fall into a self-indulgent trap. It’s healthier to flirt around the edges and save yourself from the embarrassment of going too far.

 

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You might be a slave to your commitments now, since you have probably taken on more than you can accomplish. But don’t be overly concerned; you’re beginning an industrious cycle where you are more capable than others imagine. However, you may also have an inner dialogue going on today, giving you permission to have fun. Go ahead and enjoy yourself; you’ll return to your work refreshed and energetically ready for the next round.

 

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Although you are riding waves of unrestrained optimism now, you can still land in a pile of trouble. You may see inklings of a more realistic perspective, but you aren’t willing to give up your piece of blue sky. Denial might put a smile on your face for a short while, but it won’t make you happy in the long run. Face the truth with courage, even if you must moderate your fun-loving ways for the cause.

 

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Perhaps you think you can escape a relationship problem by going back to work now, but there may also be issues with your coworkers that must be addressed. You can hide your head in the sand and only consider the positive side of a situation, but you’ll be better off if you can face the negative feelings, too. Being honest today should improve both business and personal interactions.

 

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You have things to do that cannot be delayed, but you still might try your hand at procrastination if you think you can get away with it. Thankfully, your easy way with words works in your favor now, enabling you to convince others that your approach is a viable one. However, overplaying your hand is a bad idea because you could lose the support of a trusted ally. Maintaining your integrity is more important than making yourself look good.

 

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Although you want to enjoy yourself, you’re torn by a familiar tug-of-war between having fun and being responsible. Your lack of motivation now makes it even more difficult since you can think of a million other things to do before you get down to business. There’s no need to struggle with self-judgment because your energy will be different tomorrow, making it easier to catch up on anything you didn’t finish today.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for October 16

Try to keep up with your forward momentum. Yesterday’s Libra New Moon was awkwardly presented to humanity, but now under a Scorpio Moon dynamism and with the lunar orb trine Chiron (1:49AM PDT) consider ways to be a healing force to the people who help to turn your world around on a daily basis. Giving you a welcome and added boost in the early hours is a supportive, 60-degree rapport from Mercury to Venus (5:32AM PDT).  The latter hours require more finesse to glide through since Mercury makes an off-kilter, 150-degree link to Jupiter (3:37PM PDT), Venus squares Jupiter (4:35PM PDT) while Venus also makes an abrasive, 45-degree contact with Saturn (9:10PM PDT). With friends like these, who needs enemies? Over-optimism and pride can lead to a fall. Add a dose of humility to avoid hubris and thinking you reside at the center of the universe.  You may be able to extract some good vibes across the board from a supportive, 60-degree rapport between the Moon and Venus (7:17PM PDT) as well as the monthly Moon-Mercury union (7:24PM PDT). Increase the value of your emotional and mental IQ. Catch up on delayed correspondence.  However, this last alignment begins a new void lunar stalemate that goes on until 5:27PM PDT tomorrow when the Moon switches its allegiance from Scorpio to Sagittarius. It is wise to hedge your bets during this long lunar limbo-period in the eighth sign of the zodiac. Studies in esoteric philosophy and about pyramid power, ancient ruins, UFOs, ETs, reincarnation, deja vu and oracles may give you an evening boost.

Calendar of the Moon for October 16

Calendar of the Moon

 

16 Gort/Puanepsion

Day of the Blackthorn Tree

Color:

Dark Blue
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a dark blue cloth set a vase of blackthorn twigs, a single dark blue candle, a knife, a pot of soil, herb seeds, a bowl of water, and a bell. Several wooden staves lean against the altar.
Offerings: Plant seeds. Face conflict.
Daily Meal: Vegan

Invocation to the Green Man of the Blackthorn Tree

Hail, Green Man of the Autumn!
Blackthorn tree of the hedges,
Whose thorns dissuade cattle
And intruders from trespassing,
Tree of the walking staff
Whose name is Strife
And whose job is Boundary,
You teach us that sometimes
Guardianship can lead to battle,
And that not everything can be held
Peacefully, be it land or goals
Or objects or rules or values.
Sometimes there will be strife
By the very nature of the universe,
Which encompasses both equally
And sees conflict as the necessary
Adjustment that points out our blindnesses.
Tree of thorns, hulking and sullen,
You will not stand to be mistreated
Or taken advantage; your nature
Does not lend itself to yielding.
We hail you, sacred blackthorn tree,
Green Man of the Autumn,
On this the day of your bloodshed.

(Let one who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual arm themselves with a staff, and guard the altar. Each approaches the altar, and is swung at; they take up a staff and meet the blow with it. After this they are allowed to approach and plant a seed in the pot of soil, saying, “Hail Green Man of the Earth!” Water is poured onto the pot, and then the rest is poured out as a libation. Ring bell and dismiss.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

 

Calendar of the Sun for October 16

Calendar of the Sun

 

16 Winterfyllith

Laufey’s Day

Color: Green
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of pale green set a miniature willow tree in a pot, a goblet of fruit wine, five yellow and green candles, many mugs of some nourishing herbal tea, and many plates of nourishing oat-cakes.
Offerings: Plant trees.
Daily Meal: Tree fruits, soup and bread, herbal tea from tree-leaves.

Invocation to Laufey

Laufey, Wise Goddess, I hail You.
Mother of Loki, Nurturer of the flame,
I honor You.
You are rooted and ancient wisdom,
The strength of the trees that wind their roots
Deeply into the earth,
Of rich dark soil,
Of solitude, and seasons,
Dissolution and quiet change.
You are patient endurance,
Wise weaver of the threads of fate,
Luck-warder, mother of warriors,
Fierce defender, skilled healer.
All of these things You have been.
You restore and rebalance.
You sustain
And grant to Your children
The enduring strength of the forest,
The quickness of flame,
The swiftness of light, liquid and untouchable.
Lady of the Leafy Isle, no ornament
To Farbauti’s hall but to Your own alone
Wherein You shine, ever shall I speak Your praises.
Hail, Laufey.

(One who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual shall bring forth the oat-cakes and herbal tea, and all shall eat and drink of Laufey’s generosity. The wine shall be poured out as a libation, and then all should go forth from the House to plant trees in some place that is needful of them.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours}