Day 10-A Healthy New Year

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As we move into a new year why not make a place for a new routine for better health...every little step will make an impact.

GET STEAMY~A warm-mist humidifier during the winter months will help prevent colds and flu by preventing excess dryness, which irritates mucous membranes and can make them more susceptible to infection.

Happy and Prosperous 2010 to All~

Thank you for your presence in my life~

Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms

Day 8 & 9~Keeping Kids Healthy~

It's a fact of life...where you have a number of children...some of them will be sick. For many reasons, children are not kept at home when they are sick.

Schools and Day Care settings are a play ground for germs and passing them around.

What's a parent to do ? One really good thing is to keep them strong at the " gut level" literally...

In two studies with children, taking lactobacillus and bifidobacteria decreased the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections. Choose a product that list the strain name of the bacteria, such as DDS-1 or NCFM.

Check your local health food store or speak with your family doctor/druggist for guidance.

TIP 9...

Sugar is murder to your immune system.

FACT...the amount of sugar in two cans of soda can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by 92%. So please...skip the sugar and get yours and allow the children to get their sweet kicks with grapes, berries and other alternative to sugar.

My grandsons love dried fruit...and once sugar is out of the system...the desire isn't there , so no feeling of deprivations.

Good health is worth working for~

Happy New Year coming!

Bea Kunz

Day 7~Drink Your Way To Better Health~

Nothing can match the benefits of plain water. A good filtration system is a must and there are many ways to sparkle it up a bit if you aren't a water lover. Try some lemon, a drop of your favorite essential oil or a sprig of fresh mint or even rosemary.

Red wine is a great addition to our liquid intake...in moderation of course.
Red wine contains powerful antioxidant compounds and some studies suggest it may even enhance immunity in small amounts.

**Too much alcohol can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs.

Don't forget the benefits of teas and especially herbal tisanes....herbal tea has no caffeine and you can drink as many cups as you enjoy knowing you are putting only good things into your system.

For a collection of great blends visit our Sage Hill Farms website and try a few.

Nothing better for building the defenses against the winter bugs.

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

BeWell

Bea Kunz

Day 6~Less is Better~

High-tension living boost levels of adrenaline and cortisol--stress hormones that suppress the immune system as much as 38 percent.

It's imperative that we find ways to ease anxiety: meditating morning and night, pay attention to the way we breathe, and keeping a positive attitude will go a long way in what we absorb.
Schedule less, slow down...body and mind, make each day a journey of joy.

We each deal with something less than perfection every day...attitude is 95% of the final outcome...be it positive or negative.

Nothing feels as good as the possession of good "energy"...and when we share that with others, well, that is perfection of the best kind.

Happy New Year coming~

Bea Kunz

Day 5-Fish Is More Than Just Another Meal~

Salmon, sardines, and other oily fish are high in omega-3 fats, which boost immune system activity. These fats also help balance excess omega-6 fats.

Other good sources of omega 3's include flax seeds, walnuts,and omega-3-enriched eggs.

OR...you take a supplement-250 mg EPA from fish oil...morning and night is best.

We can also add a powerful punch to the strength of our immune system by taking Andrographis...this is highly recommended by herbalist (Karta Purkh Singh Khalas,DN-C,RH.) Taken throughout the cold/flu season, especially if you are traveling or under stress, will fortify your system.

Scandinavians have been using andrographis for 20 years to reduce the symptoms and duration of infections.

In the early stages of a cold take 10 to 15 g of andrographis per day as tea or in capsules, or up to 20 mL per day of the tincture.

(Andrographis paniculata is an herb commonly used in China, India and other countries in subtropical and Southeast Asia. Both the fresh and dried leaves, as well as the fresh juice of the whole plant, have been used in a variety of cultures. In traditional Chinese herbalism, Andrographis is used to support healthy digestive, cardiovascular and urinary systems. In Sweden, Andrographis has been used for more than 10 years as a primary herb for the winter season for immune support.)

(PS) keep a small bowl of water with a cup of white vinegar and a few drops of Lemon oil in your kitchen sink...leave your dish towel in this mixture when not using it..it will stay clean and fresh all day. Plus, anything you wipe with it will be germ free.

Stay safe and healthy for the holiday's~

Bea Kunz

Day 3 & 4-Send Those Nasty Cold Bugs A Message~

"Garlic" gets a bad rap in many ways...but, when it comes to the benefits it offers for cold/flu protection it's right up there with the best options.

Garlic contains allicin, alliin, and sulfides, compounds that increase immune-system activity.

Garlic is delicious and very potent in its raw form if it is fresh...when it has a bitter taste that means it is stale and should be thrown away or into the compost bin.

Sauteed lightly in a good Olive oil and blended into any salad fixing is a great way to get your daily dose.

If you are concerned about "garlic" breath...just chew a little parsley or thyme...works like a charm.

If you don't eat garlic then opt for the supplements....take 320 mg of garlic with a minimum of 3.4 percent alliin one to two times daily.

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Not a " Tea" drinker ? Well, you are missing out on a lovely way to support and build your immune system.

Tea contains L-theanine, a compound that primes the immune system's response to bacteria and viruses.

Jasmine is a wonderful all around tea for every taste.
Add some of many varieties and try them all to find a few that you love...then make them a regular part of your day.

I invite you to visit our website and look at the tea choices there.

I can also blend any combination you want. Just ask~

Merry Christmas to All and will see you on Saturday~

Bea Kunz

Day 2 and 3 For Building Immunity~

Simply washing/cleaning our hands often goes a long way in cutting our chances of catching a bug. It's a proven medical fact that hand-to-mouth and hand-to-nose contact is the most common way the flu and cold bugs are contracted.

I suggest when we have access to soap and water...scrub often.
For those times we don't have access to soap and water use a hand cleaner/sanitizer-and please make it one that doesn't destroy the good bacteria on the hands.

There are many ways to obtain these, one is through Young Living essential oils or many health food shops, and or alternative shops that lean to a more natural collection.

If we pay close attention to how many times we touch our face during the day it is amazing. This is a
great new project for the next month...practice " not touching the face." and teach our little ones the same....make a game of it and they will more than embrace it.
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Soothing a sore throat is easier than many ever discover.

A Method For Adults:

Gargle with water, lemon and a dash of Cayenne pepper- the capsaicin in cayenne temporally acts on pain receptors to decrease the pain. Salt can be added to any gargle and has an antibacterial effect. ( about 1 teaspoon per cup )

A Method For Children:

Use 6/8 Oz's of yogurt or a healthy pudding; add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon lemon juice or 1 drop Lemon essential oil ( therapeutic grade )and just enough natural sweetener to make it kid acceptable.
Store in the frig and treat them every hour with a small amount.

More kids, older kids...just make more~

To treat the cough that most often comes with a sore throat; Cook figs, they contain a mucilage that coats the throat. Simmer figs and add cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
( antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ) drink the liquids and eat the fruit...kids love this too.

To your healthy and happy holiday~

Bea Kunz

Hippocrates and the common Cold~

More than 1,000 years ago Hippocrates described the common cold, now I'm not going into the treatments used over the centuries because you will retreat to a closet never to be seen again.

We have since learned that colds and flu are caused by tiny pathogens that appear to be impervious to all manner of treatment. The only offense, is a good defense.

We can up our defenses in less than a month, this will help us to stay healthier during the winter when colds/flu are running through every vein of society.

I'll be sharing a tip every day for 30 days...so make a plan to do something really good and long lasting for your better health.

First step is be aggressive with your health care provider...if they don't suggest, then request...know what you need/want/or could be missing, and insist on the exploration of finding it.

One most important rule to good health is our diet.

Fresh fruit, vegetables, and lean unprocessed meat is the very core of being on the road to long lasting health. All things in moderation and some things totally banned has to be part of the process.

Herbs in many forms-teas, herbal meds, essential oils, and culinary are nothing but a plus to any lifestyle.
They are so flexible and adaptable, a really good thing~

Is it easy...not all the time, but neither is being sick~

Today's tip is:

Because we are exposed to less sunshine during the winter many are Vitamin D deficient, leading to a stronger chance of contracting a cold/flu when one is exposed. When we are lacking in Vitamin D our immunity is decreased in general.

There is a test you can ask for from your health care provider to know if your Vitamin D levels are low.

Don't assume just because you get plenty sunshine that you are good to go...no one can get more sun than I do on a daily basis and I was very low in my D levels.

Grab a not pad and jot down things that you wish to know more about...research, ask here, and by all means take it with you when you visit your doctor.

I use a Homeopathic doctor, so if you are using a traditional medical doctor you will no doubt get different information than I do.
There are now some medical doctors who are bringing integrative methods into their practices, don't give up, search until you find what is right and will bring healing and long lasting results...not just symptom treatments.

I hope to see you often and my wish is to leave you with something that is useful...and I always learn from your input.

Thanks for reading and Happy Holiday Season to you all~

Bea Kunz

Day 30-Celebration of the Blogging project~

WOW is the right word for this project.
It came at a time of lull in my blogging and I think for others too.

Looking around it is easy to see that for whatever reason many networks, blogs, websites, etc., are going through some form of transition. Some are even falling by the wayside....it is a time to count blessings and go forward, with caution perhaps...but forward indeed.

I'm celebrating the many good friends who showed their spirit by participating in this project, Susan for spearheading and keeping it alive and interesting.

I've challenged myself and hopefully you will also....to use this new vein of energy to explore the web and find ways to bring new life to our forum at WIN and to our businesses.

Thanks for the "dance" Susan.....such fun~

Happy Holidays and the most beautiful Christmas to you all~

Bea Kunz

PS: A bit of herb info for the holidays~

Cinnamon and Neroli oil ( orange ) are two of my winter favorites.

Cinnamon-the bark, oil and twigs all offer properties of healing as well as flavor.

Add bits of bark to your tea blends.

Cinnamon oil is wonderful to massage arthritic joints or strained muscles. ( dilute with a few drops of almond or sunflower oil for sensitive skin.)

Dissolve about 5 drops in boiling water and inhale the steam for coughs and respiratory irritation.

Neroli Oil-One or two drops to a good skin cream for any skin condition.

Orange peel can be dried and added to your tea blends for nervous conditions and digestive upsets.

And...you can always visit the Sage Hill Farms website and try our Holiday blend or the Chia blend...both have these wonderful ingredients and will add a warm and festive element to your winter hibernation period.

www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Day 27, 28, and 29~30 Days of Blogging with Susan Loughrin

My (our-Sage Hill Farms) "growth" during the past year has been in many different directions. There was a period of trying to fill all the demands that were being presented to us, I quickly discovered how far off my well laid plan I was allowing myself to be pulled. It was time to rethink, reconnect, and reaffirm my (our)purpose for starting this project 7 years ago, that being to stay true to the connection with nature that brings joy and satisfaction to the heart, mind, and soul.

The Journey for the coming year will be better connected to that purpose.
profit is a real desire to be striven for in any business venture, but...when profit becomes the goal void of the guidelines that keep one centered in the purpose...this is not a good and lasting thing.

(Discovery's")Have been many-from ways to better use my time to how saying no can bring peace of mind and add yet another blessing to the end of the day.

Make December DO-able~it's a Divine time of year~

Bea Kunz

Day 26~30 Days of Blogging with Susan Loughrin~

The "Seasons"...each have a beautiful and very different purpose.
And the best part is, they all have an underlying, ongoing connection that pulls them together as one "journey." With-out the spring we would have no summer, and round and round it goes.

But...the question was, " What do I like most about the season we are now in?"

Aside from all the personal happiness it brings to me and those I love by simply bringing to the front view all the rituals that weaves us together as a family thread; I can't help but see, feel, and participate in the "willingness" to operate in another realm of awareness. It seems that the majority of the population becomes so much more aware of others, their needs, and what "i" can do to make a difference.

Happy Holidays~

Bea Kunz

Day 25-30 Days of Blogging with Susan Loughrin~

Blogging in the early stages was very intimidating to me.

Some of you will recall how Heidi Caswell kinda took us all under her wing and together we learned the basics of blogging.

Thank you Heidi...

What I knew then was I wanted my blog to be an extension of my website, but a little less formal...what I know now is my blog can and is, that and more.

Blogging is such an easy form of communicating our ideas in any form we feel comfortable with.

And, just remember, even though I may from time to time stray into other subjects...The Beatitudes is still all about herbs and herbal goodness.

Make hot herbal tea part of your holiday celebrations...yummy!

"TummyTime" Tea is perfect for the times when we may over indulge in the great foods of the festive offerings. A blending of Thyme, Ginger and Fennel...soothes and relaxes the digestive process.

Visit the website for other choices.

Happy Holidays~

Bea Kunz

Day 24-30 Days of Blogging with Susan Loughrin~

I think rituals are a part of all our lives, many times without even being aware of same.

I too start each day with a prayer for guidance and protection for those who are more vulnerable than I, and a random verse from the Bible.

I also read a few pages from a book I received from one of our long time RYZE/WIN members last year, Pastor Rebecca Simmons. The book is entitled "Pump Up The Power"...wonderful little book of Affirmations and Power Nuggets. The book is promoting Inspiration and Motivation from a spiritual view,

I never get tired of reading from Rebecca's book.

And now...my time is up for this time of daily do's...got errands to run and things to accomplish ~

Happy day everyone !

Bea Kunz

Day 23-30 Days of Blogging with Susan Loughrin~

This is the time of year I use to reflect on the past year and make the needed changes to make the coming year better.

This is my wish "always. " Dear God, guide me to be a better example to everyone in my life in the coming year."

Bea Kunz

Day 22-30 Days of Blogging with Susan Loughrin~

As always Susan, stretching/exercising makes me want to follow up with a nice hot herbal bath...which I always do.

Just one more good thing to do for your mind and your muscles.

Bea Kunz

Day 21-30 Days of Blogging with Susan Loughrin

I am very impressed with the staying power of those who opted to be a part of this project.

A change I have noticed and appreciate is the desire to visit others blogs.

I don't always have the time, but I do have the interest...and will work on making the time.

Thanks Susan, for the project and thanks to the blogging participants for the interesting contributions.

Bea Kunz

Day 20~Blogging With Susan Loughrin~

Reflecting on a childhood memory and connecting it to what I am and do today,isn't a stretch for me.

I had a great-grandmother that was devoted to herbal and nature, both for food and for medicine.

I so recall the wonderful aroma and taste of Sassafras Tea.

We drank it a lot for medicinal benefits, and often as a special treat.

If you have ever drank Root beer then you know the taste of Sassafras.

I grew up with herbs, the knowledge of the good they possess, and the desire to share that with others.

I have become my mother, my grandmother, and I think that is a very good thing ~

I tip my tea cup to you~

Bea Kunz

Day 18~Blogging with Susan Loughrin~

I know the suggestion was to take a walk...but, I had errands to do all day so I used the drive. A drive I make on a regular basis...but was amazed at all the many things I really saw by paying close attention to the view.

A pond in a cattle field that was full of wild ducks.

How bare the Bradford Pear trees are today compared to last week....and where did all the leaves go ?

Rosemary growing on all the street corners in town.

A new print shop with a resident over the business.

A new Accessory shop on Main.

Roses still in bloom at a lovely old B&B.

How green my "greens" gardens are against a back-drop of dead.

A stray cat that has decided to make Sage Hill his home.

Just how really beautiful our little town is and how much I love "home."

Thanks for the prod to slow down and see what I am really seeing.

Happy Weekend all~

Bea Kunz

Day 17-30 Days of Blogging with Susan Loughrin

A visit to Vanessa's blog archive was a blessing beyond my expectations.

I'm aware that she is a poet with words, and words in the right way.
She can take the most convoluted statement and turn it into a message that grabs attention....

What I didn't know is this....

http://notesfromnessa.blogspot.com/2009/10/thinking-about-wealth-creation-often.html

Bea Kunz

Day 16-30 Days of Blogging with Susan Loughrin

My visit and my question was to Jessica Sellers.

Jessica is one of our WIN/RYZE sisters and one of the most "devoted to better" people I know.

Question ( from Bea at Sage Hill Farms )

How and in what way have you added herbs and sustainable practice's to your lifestyle over the past year ?

Has it made a difference?
And, do you see yourself going forward with More additions in the coming year ?

Jessica ( http://www.mailcardseasy.com/)


I have been learning a lot about herbs the last two years, ever since I got a health wake up call of having my gallbladder removed. I have learned that I don't have to be sick and in pain all of the time, and that I don't have to wait for a doctor to tell me what to do. I can listen to my body and give it what it needs. Of course doctors are great at diagnosing illnesses and I am glad they are around. Ultimately, however, I am responsible for my own health..

My favorite herb by far is red raspberry leaf, which is high in iron and other vitamins that are good for me, not to mention that it is very cleansing and alkalizing to the body. I have made a new commitment to drink it every day in a tea.

I have also learned that good food is good medicine and that eating lots of fresh green veggies combats the acidity from the meat and milk and sugar and all the refined junk that I sometimes eat. For example, I sometimes make a green smoothie with an apple, 2-3 sticks of celery, and half a cucumber, and I feel so good after I drink it. Kale and banana and strawberries also makes a great green smoothie. Of course good herbs also make great cooked food and Bea has some terrific mixes.

Now that it is winter and fresh food is getting more costly, I am learning how to do sprouting. I pretty much have a black thumb, but I can handle taking care of something for 3 days, which is about how long it takes to sprout alfalfa.After Christmas I am also going to try growing some easy herbs indoors like chives and mint.

It is wonderful to learn how to take care of yourself more naturally and you may surprise yourself with how good you can feel. Thanks to great educators like Claudia Meydrich, Bea Kunz, Faye Durham, and Dr. Christopher!

I pray that I will always have the freedom to take care of my family and myself the way I see fit. It seems so many people want the government to control every part of our lives, including our health, but the more we educate ourselves and make healthy choices, and the more we can grow our own food, the less control others will have over us, and the more free we truly will be.

Thanks to Jessica for sharing her thoughts and actions...learn more about Jessica and get a peek at the cutest little baby girl by visiting Jessica at her RYZE page and from there check out her blog.

http://www.ryze.com/go/jessilynnc