Susiej

Two letters have already been sent home from school this week — “Headlice in the classroom.”  Who wants to deal with the laundry, the chemicals and incubation periods?  Not me. Some local hair salons are selling over the counter spray, full of Rosemary Essential Oil, to prevent the lice from even thinking about jumping on your head. But you can make your own cheaply. Rosemary is a great lice preventative, because headlice cannot breathe through the smell of rosemary. It’s pretty easy, and inexpensive, to make you own head lice spray. Here’s how:

Pick up a bottle of rosemary essential oil, which you can find at Whole Foods.  Just put a drop or two behind your child’s ear, the back of the neck, and around the scalp, and the smell will keep the lice away. Rosemary is supposed to be good for concentration and memory — so it’s a double whammy.

If you prefer a spray, just add 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, with 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil (optional — the lice just happen to not be able to breath that too) to an 8-ounce bottle of water. Add a spray nozzle, and spray the entire scalp — your child’s hat — and the back of their coat.

Of course, I forgot to douse my kids this morning before they left the house… so I could be in for some laundry anyway. I’ve heard from friends that a great way to kill lice, once it’s on the head, is to cover the hair with olive oil, wrap in plastic, and a towel, and sit for a couple of hours. The olive oil smoothers the lice.

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The day I left, a letter came home from the middle school… along with the rumors: Twenty (confirmed? who knows) cases of H1N1 at the middle school. After talking with the kids doctor, I realized the only option I had was to pump up their immune system so they can fight against H1N1. The day I left, I stocked the pantry with these items:

1. Oil of Oregano: One gel capsule each day, as a preventative.
2. Cinnamon Essential Oil. (See item 3) : 10 drops in 1/4 a cup of vegetable oil.  Stir, and keep until virus strikes.  When it does, rub a bit on the tummy, and glands around the neck. Penetrates through the skin. Cinnamon oil is known for its virus-killing properties. To be used only if flu strikes.
3. Peppermint Essential Oil: Add 10 drops to number 2 above. Peppermint Oil helps to settle the stomach and penetrates through the skin. To be used only if flu strikes.
4. Astragulus: One capsule per day, as a preventative.
5. Emergen-C: One pack each morning, as a preventative.
6. Ingenium Hand Sanitizer: Portable, and safe.
7. Oscillococcinum for Flu: Homeopathic flu remedy. My pediatrician’s exact words: “I can’t scientifically tell you it works; but I use it, and it works fast.” To be used only if flu strikes.

I also added Black Elderberry Extract for that cough… and research says it minimizes flu symptoms by half.

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Where else on earth could I indulge in the rich slathering of oil-rich caviar? And, more importantly, come back to the room, and not have to deal with any one person, except myself? I felt it sort of my duty to “check-it-out” so that if anybody ever comes up to me on the street and asks me, “Does a caviar body scrub make you smell fishy?” I would have the answer. “No… it does not. So, go for it.”

Now’s the time. And my skin, is oh so grateful. On the walk there, the spa was surrounded by hundreds of lavender bushes that were passed their prime of bloom… but the fragrance from the leaves gave off a powerful scent. Very nice.

Once inside, I was invited to relax by the fire, with green tea (brewed in those silk bags) until my name was called.

The caviar was actually an oily exfoilating scrub, that was applied as a massage — a double bonus. The smell was a combination of chamomile, calendula, lemon balm and
lavender, a scent like nothing I had quite experienced before.

I made it clear, from the beginning, that I was not going to be one of those chatty talkers during my treatment; and I did not care to listen to her talk either. I was there to relax; and talking and listening takes oh so much energy, you know? So, I placed my head down on the table, and I was a bit rude. But, it was for a good cause.

The table was heated from underneath, and the blankets and towels were thick, soft cotton. Once I was throughly covered in smoothy oil, both sides, I showered off, and moved back to that luxurious heated table.

Then, my technician out-did herself, despite my rudeness, and used the heated rocks, and covered them in melted shea butter, and began massaging me all over again. It was amazing… there was a moment or too when I completely lost consciousness. This played in the background, so move over U2, this is now my favorite song. I cannot get this out of my head… and I’m fine with that. (Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? I really like it. The actual “chant” doesn’t start until minute 1:30, so give it some time.)

Every once in awhile, I would open my eyes, and all I could see was the glow of the ceiling light above the table — it was an amber disc, barely lit, and for a second I was sure it was the planet Mars beaming down from above. Earth, back to Susie.

Once I was done, she suggested I spend some time in the steam room to let the oils sink into my skin. I opened the door, and the smell of eucalyptus and the warmth of the steam hit me, and I had only one question for myself: “How am I ever going summon the willpower to leave this luxurious room?”

I’ll tell you exactly what got me out of that steam room….

Tapioca pudding covered in toasted coconut

followed by a green tea raspberry tart.

Om Shanti… it’s my new life motto.

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As parents, we have done a respectable job of teaching our four boys that smoking is a dirty, smelly, dangerous habit that is highly addictive and one that could ruin their lives. I think our plan has worked; our kids are repulsed by the smell of smoke — not just the smell, but the very idea of breathing harmful chemicals sends them reeling in disbelief. “Why would anyone ever do that?”

My sons have visited the hospital room of a dying relative, a life-long smoker, who had his voice box removed because of cancer. The facts from this post were referenced from my 7th grade son’s persuasive essay homework assignment.

I don’t think we have been too harsh in our portrayal of creating smoking as the evil killer that it is. While smoking directly kills, the Centers of Disease Control say that each year 65,000 people die from secondhand smoke in the United States alone. In just 20 minutes, secondhand smoke can do great damage to person’s health. Secondhand smoke is unfiltered, making it more harmful than inhaling a cigarette. That filter, that protects the smoker, blocks some of the 4,000 chemicals (250 are toxic) that are released when the cigarette is burning. The result is cancer, respiratory illnesses and heart attacks.

Because they have faster breathing rates, children inhale greater amounts of smoke than adults and inhale more chemicals. “A child who spends just one hour in a very smoky room is inhaling as many dangerous chemicals as smoking 10 or more cigarettes.”

I have no problem with the smoking ban in public places.

The ramifications to recent smoking bans have, presumably, wrecked havoc on tobacco companies. Understandably, they are fighting back with a vengeance. “You don’t like smoke? Fine. We’ll take the smoke out of the cigarette.”

The R.J. Reynolds Company has responded with new smokeless tobacco products. Camel Orbs are similar to breath mints. The same breath mints my kids like. Camel Sticks are like toothpicks, and Camel Strips are similar to mouthwash strips. The packaging looks similar to gum and candy packs. It’s handy, small, and appealing to small hands.

These new dissolvable tobacco products leave no smell behind — cleaner than cigarettes or chewing tobacco. There is no hacking cough, and no odor. They are specifically designed to dissolve quickly in the mouth and disappear entirely. These products do not carry the health ramifications associated with second-hand smoke, because there is no smoke.

The Camel Orbs, Camel Sticks and the Camel Strips deliver up to three times the nicotine dosage of a single cigarette. Nicotine is found naturally in tobacco. It has no odor and no color. It is, however, both physically and psychologically addictive and makes you its slave.

Despite its ability to appear as almost invisible, nicotine carries grave health consequences, more so without the smoke. Smokeless tobacco provides a more efficient means of delivering carcinogens into the body through the bloodstream. In the August issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, researchers at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center report that users of smokeless tobacco are exposed to higher amounts of tobacco-specific nitrosamines — molecules that are known to be carcinogenic — than smokers. In a study comparing 182 oral snuff users with 420 cigarette smokers, the Minnesota researchers found that snuff users were exposed to higher levels of NNK, a carcinogen known to produce cancer.

So, while I may have done a great job of teaching my children the dangers of smoking, I have failed to pound home the dangers of toothpicks, mints and breath strips. The tobacco companies are poised and ready to create a whole new generation of addictive customers: our children.

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In case we ever do reach the point of a flu pandemic, these essential oils, especially oregano essential oil, will be my weapon.  Besides the usual remedies,of  Oscillococcinum, and Dolivaxil, which always work, I’ve found an even cheaper way to fight the flu and ease an achy tummy.

Peppermint 100% Pure Essential calms an upset stomach. You can drink the tea if you have some… or you can use the oil. Mix one or two drops of peppermint oil with 1/4 cup of olive oil. (The essential oils must be diluted before they touch skin; they are too strong for skin contact.) Rub this on your belly, and you will soon notice an instant feeling of release in your belly. This is GREAT for kids; they want to be touched and cuddled anyway when they’re sick, so they love having you rub their belly with the great smell of peppermint. Peppermint is so soothing, that even the smell alone will calm an upset stomach.

Oregano Oil is a known anti-viral, anti fungicide and anti-bacterial agent. Oregano oil has a bitter, medicinal smell, too harsh for direct contact with the skin, and you only need a tiny bit of this powerful oil. I mix one drop of oregano oil with the olive oil (just add it to your mixture above) and the oil will soak into your belly and kill the bugs that are swarming around your belly. I’ve even used oregano oil to get rid of the effects of a “bad meal,” that left me sick.

Cinnamon oil is a natural anti-viral oil that you can add. The anti-flu formula pre-mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg and thyme is known as the Oil of Thieves. The reference to thieves is not because the oil “steals your sickness,” rather this is related to the legend of the band of thieves who raided houses during the Black Plague during the 17th century. The thieves were stealing from the sick, surrounded by the plague, yet never became sick themselves. The thieves were caught, and appeared before the judge. “How have you escaped the great plague?” he wanted to know. The thieves were actually from a long family of perfumers who knew the power of oils, and covered themselves with the “Oil of Thieves” to protect themselves.

Just a note on essential oils. The bottles are small, and inexpensive. You only use a drop at a time, and they last for years. They are a great investment, and they work so hard.

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Instead of chicken soup, my Mom brought me cups of warm gelatin to nourish me back to life when I was sick.  The perfect princess drink:  delicate, but strong, with a full body, that was thick enough not to spill when you tried to sip it sitting up in bed.  This drink was especially nice if your throat was sore, and easy to digest if your tummy hurt. I was eternally grateful every time it came to me in a tea cup. When warm, gelatin is thick and rich — and warm and comforting.

Using jello as a health food wasn’t that wacky of an idea. Gelatin is made from collagen from cow or pig bones, carcasses, and connective tissues – the same good stuff that goes into the broth for your chicken soup. This explains that gel stuff in the bottom of the pan when you roast chicken – the beginning stages of jello.

I feel privileged.  I have never met a person who drank warm jello as a child. I’m the only one I know… I’m not even sure my brother received this treat.

At that time, there were unsubstantiated health claims that gelatin was full of protein, enzymes and amino acids that would heal your stomach, make you stronger, and definitely give you a beautiful manicure. While those claims were unsubstantiated, new research at Ball State University has found this: “It’s possible that gelatin can repair minor cartilage damage that may result in greater joint problems later. It’s also encouraging to be able to use a food supplement in alleviating joint pain rather than have to resort to prescription drugs.” Of course, this is from concentrated supplement, rather than the packages you find for dessert.

Let me clear up your concerns about Mad Cow Disease, “Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), from Dr. Weil:  “The causative agent of BSE exists in nerve tissue of infected animals. Gelatin is purified collagen, a component of connective tissue that is not a problem.”

This news actually relieves me of much stress.  Every time I’ve served my kids a marshmallow, I assumed I was walking a dangerously fine line between joy and mad cow disease.

The box kind, already laden with sugars and who knows what else, can be left alone, in favor of this scratch version. The addition of 7UP, full of electrolytes, was always, supposed to be, good for you when you’re sick. Although my mother always made warm gelatin with water, she would have relished this method that used flat 7-UP, her other health food.

• 1 two-liter bottle 7-UP, flat
• 4 1/4-ounce packages unflavored gelatin. (Knox)
• 2 drops blue food coloring

1. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over 1 cup (not the whole bottle yet!) of 7-UP  and food coloring.
2. Place 2 cups soda in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until it starts to boil, and then add the gelatin mixture.
3. Stir to dissolve over the heat for a couple of minutes.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Add the remaining soda, and serve.

Here’s another version that uses plain old juice.

• 2 cups fresh or good-quality bottled fruit juice. White grape juice is perfect, if you want to add blue food coloring to make blue jello.
• 1 envelope (1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin. (knox)
• 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional).
• Sugar or honey to taste.
• Blue Food coloring.

1. Soak the gelatin with a few drops of food coloring in cold water until softened.
2. Heat fruit juice to boiling point.
3. Pour hot juice over gelatin.
4. Add the lemon juice.
5. Add sugar to taste.

Chill until set; or just stop right here, and pour that delicious goodness into a cup.

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