Health Benefits of Argula and a great fertility herb food

    I've always heard about argula and how it is so good for you. I really have no excuse why I disliked it in the past so I guess this is argula season. I picked up some from Trader Joe's and I have been addicted to it ever since. Arugula is rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, and various B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, and pantothenic acid. The leaves contain plenty of minerals, especially copper and iron. It also has trace amounts of some other essential minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc.

    Arugula is  known by other names such as salad rocket, garden rocket, roquette, rucola, rugula or colewort.  The scientific name of arugula is Eruca sativa.
   Argula is said to have cancer power properties like broccoli and cauliflower. It is high in fibre and antioxidants studies show may reduce the risk of developing lung, prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancer.
   Argula is rich in chlorophyll, so to get the most chlorophyll in arugula, it is best to eat it raw. The large amounts of chlorophyll, also known as “liquid sunshine” helps cleanses the blood, detoxifies cells, heals disease in the body and boosts oxygen. It contains indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates which have been shown to suppress the production inflammation in the body.
    Arugula is high in most B vitamins but contains especially high amounts of folate. Awesome for those early pregnancy months and good for those trying to conceive. Fresh arugula is an excellent source of folate and when consumed by a woman during the time of conception and throughout pregnancy, may help prevent neural tube defects in the newborn child. Please Note:
Arugula is relatively lower in oxalate content than that in spinach, purslane, mustard greens, celery, etc. The greens can be safely used during pregnancy and lactation. As always consult your physician*

   Studies show those who eat arugula on a regular basis are found to have more sexual drive and energy. Arugula also contains high levels of iron and copper, making it a strong substitute or addition to spinach in your diet.

Natural Aphrosidiac Herbs to Boost Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, Menopause, Infertility and Fertility

  We have been blessed with natural herbs on the earth for any type of ailment or to calm the nerves. Aphrodisiac herbs nourish the nervous, heart, and reproductive systems on both physical and energetic levels. Physically, they tonify the body and support balanced function, enhance physical desire (libido), and improve performance. Energetically, they balance and love up the heart and sacral chakras and increase pleasure.


Yohimbe: The yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen that is native to western Africa. The bark of the tree contains a chemical called yohimbine. Yohimbe bark has traditionally been used in Africa as an aphrodisiac (to increase sexual desire). Currently it is used as a folk or traditional remedy for sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction in men.
    Yohimbe was approved by the US FDA as the first plant-derived drug for treating impotency (Kotta et al., 2013). Its primary action is to dilate blood vessels, thus regulating and stimulating blood flow to the sexual organs. Yohimbe can also increase sex drive in women.

    SIDEEFFECTS: People should not combine yohimbe with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors as effects may be additive. Yohimbe should be used with caution when taken with medicines for high blood pressure, tricyclic antidepressants, or phenothiazines. People with kidney problems and people with psychiatric conditions should not use yohimbe. Yohimbe has been associated with high blood pressure, increased heart rate, headache, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tremors, and sleeplessness. Yohimbe can be dangerous if taken in large doses or for long periods of time.

Maca:  Maca is often termed as Peruvian Ginseng due to its natural stimulating qualities that are similar to the benefits found in the commonly known ginseng-related herbs. Medicinally, the part of the maca that holds the active nutrients is the flesh of its root. The nutritional contents of the maca root are impressive. The root or tuber is high in protein, natural sugars, iron, potassium, iodine, magnesium, calcium, and fiber. Due to maca’s high nutritional content, it is often referred to as having “superfood” properties.
     Culturally, the ancient Peruvians ingested this powerful root to boost the potency of the male libido. Its natural properties help to create an aphrodisiac-like response in men who have suffered from impotency, low sex-drive, and fertility problems. The maca root is known to improve the quality and quantity of sperm in men who have lower than normal sperm counts, which helps to increase the level of fertility.
    One of the most troublesome symptoms of menopause is hot flashes. The active ingredients in the maca root appear to lessen the severity and frequency of hot flashes that occur due to hormonal changes in a woman’s body as they reach middle age. Maca root helps to bring back into balance the body’s natural hormone levels without the use of synthetic hormone replacements that are typical treatments for menopausal symptoms.

    Side Effects: Avoid use if you tend to have high estrogen, endometriosis and fibroids. Maca is best suited for men in my opinion.

Panax Ginseng: In traditional Chinese medicine, Panax ginseng is used as a sexual stimulant due to its antioxidant action (Kotta et al., 2013) as well as its ability to increase testosterone, supply blood to the sexual organs, and increase sexual function, potency, and sperm count.

Ginger: Its long reputation as an aphrodisiac is earned by its ability to stimulate circulation to the pelvic area, enhancing sexual vitality. Ginger is a fiery, warming herb that stimulates circulation and energy, enhancing the “fire” in the body that invigorates the reproductive system for men and women, treating impotence due to lack of vital heat in the body (Gladstar, 2001).

Rose: Roses are used to heal and open the energetic heart chakra, yielding a soft but strong heart that is open yet protected.  Best way is to spray rose water mist around the home especially before intercourse.

 Libido Energizing Tea

 

Ingredients

1 tablespoon peeled ginger

1 tablespoon yohimbe bark

1/2 teaspoon of panax ginseng or American ginseng

1 teaspoon of rosehips

1 stick cinnamon or 1 tablespoon of cinnamon chips

Directions

• Blend herbs together in jar.
• Use 1 tablespoon per 8 oz boiling water, let steep 10 minutes, strain and sweeten with honey to taste.

For women avoid the yohimbe.

Links:
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/yohimbe

      

DIY BUG REPELLANT RECIPE

I will show you below on how to use essential oils to naturally create a bug repellant recipe. Why choose essential oils over the traditional repellents? Essential oils are volatile chemicals stored in plant structures and are released by the plants to attract pollinators, repel predators, and other purposes. Essential oils are generally extracted from the plant by a distillation process; other forms of extraction include mechanical pressing and chemical solvents. So when you use essential oils, what you’re using to create your bug repellent is the life force of the plant, which is very powerful.

    Our skin is the largest organ of our body and absorbs much of what we apply, so using less toxic ingredients seems like the right choice. There are several oils that can be targeted to the bugs that bother us during the summer months. You can experiment with one or a combination of the oils to make the repellent of your choice.
  

Simple Spritzer Repellent

2 ounce Bottle (spritz this on your clothes, hair, and face)

Directions

Combine the following:

• 1.5 oz of distilled water
• 0.5 oz of vodka or witch hazel
• 5-6 drops of Peppermint, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood and Lavender.

Shake and Spray. Voila! Spray on clothes and hair.

Healthy Natural Hair Growth

Important factors that contribute to healthy hair : Eating habits, scalp, ends, products and maintenance. And another important note is Ethnicity does not determine growth rate or texture, your genetic background does.  So regardless of what race you might be, hair is hair and hair grows.

HEALTHY FOODS -  Eating healthy foods will nourish your hair from within and contribute to healthy hair growth. Most people find their hair grows when they start taking vitamins or "hair growth vitamin". I'm not a fan of  pills unless its absolutely necessary and if I do take them it has to be natural & with quality ingredients. Avoid junk foods (occasional eating is okay), avoid sugary drinks especially sodas and drink enough water to ensure your hair gets moisturized from the inside.
   The best easy way to get most vitamins or nutrients would be with juicing, get yourself  a good juicer, purchase a variety of vegetables and fruits. Get juicing! My favorite juice - Organic carrots, organic apples, organic lettuce, beets, broccoli and a touch of ginger. Engage your kids in the juicing process and have them choose their fruits & vegetables. If your child is a picky eater like mine, sneak in vegetables in meals by blending them - then freezing in cubes - then add them when you cook meals. There are so many healthy foods now being geared towards kids, I encourage you to go into whole foods, trader joes, fresh market and other healthy food stores. Also do not forget protein and healthy fats like avocados, extra virgin olive oil, nuts(almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashew e.t.c), omega 3 fatty acids - from fish like wild salmon, trout, mackerel and from plant source such as flax seeds. Choose healthy snacks for you and your family also. 

   SCALP -  Maintaining a healthy scalp is absolutely crucial to having a healthy hair. Your scalp just like your skin needs to absorb water, air and be clean. Most individuals experience dry scalp and sometimes its caused by lack of exfoliation/unclean scalp, high ph, lack of moisture. Using shampoo will get your hair clean but it will not exfoliate your scalp. You use a body scrub or dry brush on your skin to remove dead skin cells right? Then why not do the same with your scalp.  When using a shampoo, ensure your fingers are scrubbing your scalp. Avoid shampoo with chemicals and a good moisturizing one. How often should you shampoo? Every hair is different and there is no rule as to when you should shampoo. Some do not use shampoo and stick with the no poo method. The hair standard is to shampoo every 7 days, does this apply to you? Not necessarily, your hair will definitely let you know when its time to.    
     Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the buildup from using products. I love organic raw apple cider vinegar and keep bottles of them. Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will also close the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. This imparts a smoother surface which reflects more light and as a result leaves your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage. You basically use this after using a shampoo & especially after using a shampoo bar.  The acids and enzymes in ACV kill the "bottle bacillus", a bacteria that is one of the causes for many scalp and hair conditions such as dandruff, itchy scalp, hair loss and often baldness. The bacteria clogs hair follicles allowing dry crusts to form that itch and flake.

ENDS - Hair trim / hair dusting as it is often called is just lightly getting the dead ends off your hair. Can you imagine your hair's condition if you went without a trim for years? Everyone needs a trim including kids. Kids should have their first trim by the age of 3.  It defeats the purpose of growing long hair, right? Wrong. While the initial service can be painful and discouraging, when you trim away old ends which are doing nothing for your style, you make way for healthy, stronger hair.  Fresh ends encourage curl formation and prevent breakage. Dusting / trimming your ends should be done at least every 3 months. Also I would recommend applying a light oil/pomade/serum to your ends at night to protect them.

MOISTURE -  I grew up being told to avoid using water in hair except when using a shampoo / conditioner, due to my kinky hair type and it could cause frizz. No Bueno! Hair needs moisture, it needs water or any type of liquid mist to moisture your hair and support  healthy hair growth. Please note applying oil on your hair/scalp WILL NOT add moisture back into your hair. Hair is porous and some hair types are more porous than others. If you have low porosity, you will notice it takes a while for your hair to absorb water and products just seem to sit on top of your hair.  Avoid using too much oils, products with low ph, use glycerin or glycerin based products, if using the no poo method - use baking soda rather than apple cider vinegar. And get into the habit of steaming your hair regularly. 
     A normal porosity hair type means your hair can hold in moisture easily and shine.  While a high porosity hair type means your hair has been exposed to severe damage most likely from excessive heat or relaxing often or much chemicals. Your hair will probably lose moisture quickly while being absorbed easily. Hair types like these will benefit from aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, oil rinses/prepoo, avoiding excessive heat or relaxing often.
    Do not over saturate your hair with oils or excessive hair creams. Use a good moisturizing shampoo, moisturizing conditioner and then a good leave in/serum/cream. I'm sometimes guilty of being heavy handed :-).  Let your hair guide you as to when it lacks moisture! You should get in the habit of using a deep conditioner every time you shampoo! Apply on to damp hair and then use a good hair steamer/plastic cap. 
   If you have relaxed hair, DO NOT try to do a wash and go. And also DO NOT air dry. Relaxed hair is designed to be heat dried and air drying will encourage dryness/frizz. So you can lightly blow dry but ensure you use a heat serum before using a flat iron. Relaxed hair types do have raised cuticles and heat drying smooths them preventing dryness while increasing shine.

PRODUCTS - Choosing good products will also aid in a heatlhy hair growth. Look for products with essential oils such as peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, cedarwood, clary sage and lavender all which will promote hair growth. Herbs such as neem, burdock root, nettle, horsetail, ginseng. parsley, calendula, marshmallow and green tea. Pro vitamin b5 is also great in strengthening the hair follicles. My favorite Jakeala products are:
Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Hair Rinse - Use after using a shampoo bar / after using a shampoo
Nappy Hair Butter - Use as a conditioner or leave in hair cream
Amla Shea Castor Parfait - Great for pre poo and Kinky hair types especially type 3 or 4.
Coconut Hair Juice - Great leave in hair spray with coconut milk
Silky Castor Hair Oil - I use this with Coconut hair juice especially on my daughters hair, daily and when detangling.

MAINTENANCE - Maintaining your hair is essential to having a healthy hair. So a summary - Using a good moisturizing shampoo, conditioner and leave in/serum.  

HAIR TEA RECIPE - 
Choose a tablespoon of your favorite herbs, After you've decided which herb(s) will get the job done, follow the steps below:
Place the herb(s) in a pitcher (glass is ideal).
Pour boiling water over the herb(s), cover, and steep for 10-20 minutes.
Strain the mixture and allow the liquid to cool.

Pour over your head after your regular shampoo, condition, and detangling session. Do not rinse.  
You can purchase good herbs from Mountainrose.com.

And to purchase any products listed go to www.jakeala.net








 

QUICK EASY MEATPIE / EMPANADA / JAMAICAN PATTIES RECIPE

One of my favorite pastries is meatpie as the britains call them or empanada as spanish call them. I used to make the dough from scratch and I had to find a easy way to make them without going through so much hassle. And the answer is "Pie Crust" YES! Any pie crust from the grocery store would do , I prefer Pillsbury or the Trader Joe's pie crust usually by the freezer or next to the butter aisle.

Ingredients:
1 Pie Crust package
1 lb of ground turkey, chicken or beef
1 1/2 cup of veggie mix -(carrots, peas and corn)
1 potato
2 tbsp of oil
1/2 cube of knnor chicken or flavor god everything seasoning
1 teaspoon of thyme, curry and oregano
dash of black pepper
1 egg beaten with a touch of milk added
 A small bowl  of water set aside


Directions:
1. Peel the potato, cut into cubes and boil in water. Once soft, drain the water out
2. Get your pie crust ready, easy way is to cut into half or 4 depending on how small you want the pie to be. see below.

3.  Add the oil in a frying pan preferably non stick. Make sure your beef/chicken/turkey is completely thawed out. For vegans, you can used only veggies and potato.
4.  Add your protein and saute until slightly brown still pink but not completely cooked because we want them to fully cook in the pastry. Then add the veggies and potato. If your potato is a little big, then feel free to smash it a little to break it up. Then add your spices.

5. Turn off the stove and move the pan away from the heat. Allow to cool down
6. Then add the filling in the center of each crust. see below

7.  Take the bowl of water and with clean hands or a brush, slightly dampen the space where the filling is by the edge with water, why? to seal the edges basically.
8. Fold the crust over and then take a fork to seal again gently see below

9. Once all are sealed with the fork, then slightly pierce the center of the pie, to create holes and the steam to come out. 

10. Then brush the pie with the beaten egg mixture.

Bake for 15-25 minutes at 360. Once baked it will be brown in color. Bon Appetit!

Have fun you can also use them to make sausage rolls, fill them with fruits or anything you wish.

DIY Bronzing Chocolate Whipped Body Butter - Natural Sun Tan Look

Warning!! Do not attempt to eat because you will be tempted to :-)

This is a great body butter for those who would like to have a natural bronzing butter and also achieve that sun tan glowing look.

Ingredients

1 cup (8 oz) shea butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup good olive oil
1/4 cup mango butter
1-2 Tablespoons cocoa or cacao powder
1 Tablespoon cornstarch/arrowroot powder
1 teaspoon naturally-derived Vitamin E oil (optional) (find GMO-free Vitamin E oil)
5-10 drops essential oil (I used peppermint) or fragrance oil

Directions

 

1. Using a double boiler (or a small bowl that fits over a small pot), melt the shea butter, mango butter and coconut oil on low heat. When they become completely liquified, remove from heat. Let cool for 30 minutes.
2. Then mix in the olive oil, cacao powder, arrowroot powder/cornstarch, essential oil and vitamin E.
3. Place the oil mixture in the freezer to firm up.
4. When the oil mixture is partially solidified, remove from freezer and whip the partially-solidified mixture until peaks form. (The consistency will be like whipped butter!)

1. Scoop into a clean, glass jar or container.

Enjoy!

You can always substitute the butters for any other butters like murumuru, coffee, aloe and much more. You can purchase your butters from Amazon, Ebay and Mountain Rose Herbs.

Too lazy to make it? Then purchase it from my etsy shop

ECZEMA BODY OIL RECIPE

ECZEMA
1 ounce Jojoba oil or Meadow foam seed oil
3 ounce Cold pressed Avocado oil,  or Apricot Kernel Oil 
3 drops Blue Chamomile 3%
3 drops Lavender
2 drop Bergamot
1 drop Geranium

Add essential oils to a 4 ounce bottle, then add the oils, mix gently. Apply to affected area.
NOTE: For children over 2 years,
use double amount of essential oil.
or
Mix this same blend with
1/4 cup milk, 2 TBSP Ground oats and add to bath.

Do not have time to make one contact me here at my shop

BABY KIDS COLD AWAY BALM RECIPE

I have had a few requests to give a balm recipe that is safe for babies and kids during the fall winter months. Not all essential oils are safe for kids so I will give a little run down on safe oils and little bit on essential oils before the balm recipe.

Which Essential Oils are Safe for Babies?

For infants, zero to two months of age:

Chamomile, Roman and German
Lavender

For babies, two to six months of age:

The above, plus Calendula, Frankincense, Mandarin and Neroli.

For babies, six to twelve months of age:

The above plus Bergamot(Make sure it is Bergeptane free), Eucalyptus Smithii, Jasmine, Rose Geranium, Rose, Grapefruit, and Tea Tree.
(A few others are also recommended for these ages, but none that I have used myself.)

What to look for in an Essential Oil

It is important to get the best quality oil possible. Make sure it is 100% pure essential oil and not a massage or perfume oil. Young Living, Aura Cacia and Ananda Apothecary is where I get most of my essential oils. 

Cautions

It is very important to use caution when beginning to use essential oils with a baby. Essential oils are very strong, so be sure to use a light hand; only one or two drops need to be mixed with water for diffusing or oil for massage.
A few points to remember:

• Do not place undiluted essential oil close to baby's face. If your child has very sensitive skin, it is important to test a small area before using a new single oil or blend.
• Never used undiluted essential oil directly on baby’s skin (it can burn and cause irritation).
• Never use undiluted essential oil in a diffuser (the scent will be too strong).
• Never ingest an essential oil. When your child is taking medications, reduce the amount of essential oil by half the amount recommended for their age group.

General dilution rate guidelines of essential oils in one ounce of carrier oil:
Age of Child                       Dilution Rate of Essential Oil to One Ounce Carrier Oil
 Newborn (Consult primary                            1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
  Care physician before use)
2-6 months                                                     1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
6-12 months                                                   1-4 drops essential oil / ounce
1-4 years (unless very small)                           5-8 drops essential oil / ounce
6-7 years                                                         5-10 drops essential oil / ounce
9-12 years                                                       5-12 drops essential oil / ounce
12 years to young adult                                 10-15 drops essential oil / ounce



When in doubt, don't. It's better to be safe than sorry. Test remedies containing essential oils on a small area of skin to see if any reaction may occur.

Okay so now we have the basics the  Recipe is below:

Ingredients:
1 oz Beeswax
1 C Organic Olive Oil
3 drops each Lavender, Frankincense and Eucalyptus Smithii Essential Oils


Directions:
Sterilize all containers with plain vinegar or diluted bleach water before using.
Melt the beeswax and the coconut oil using a double boiler method over medium heat until combined.

Remove from heat, let cool a little and add essential oils. Pour the mixture into the glass bail jars. If you are using plastic jars, be aware of your mixture’s temperature before pouring. Because of Beeswax’s high melting point, in order for it to remain liquid and pourable the mixture may be at too hot to pour into some plastics.

    You can purchase all the supplies at Mountain Rose herbs. Do not have time to make this balm? Then feel free to purchase it here

NATURAL HAIR GROWTH BALM

Recipe:

1.5 oz Beeswax

2 oz Shea Butter

4 oz Avocado Butter


1 oz Mango Butter

4 oz Olive Oil(I infuse mine with calendula & green tea) and 4 oz Sunflower Oil

1 oz Hemp Oil or Coconut Oil

6 mL Hungarian Lavender Essential Oil

2 mL Rosemary Essential Oil


2 8 oz Glass / Plastic Bail Jars

1. Melt the beeswax, shea and mango butter on a double boiler in a glass bowl (make sure no water goes into the bowl). Then Add the Avocado Butter to the warm mixture and stir until melted.Take out from the stove.

2. Add the remaining Oils, Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils and stir until combined. Feel Free to use any other essential oil combination or extracts. And you can add honey also. When adding honey to this recipe, keep the level below 2% and stir for longer than you think necessary as honey has a tendency to separate when added in larger quantities.

3. Pour the mixture into the glass bail jars. If you are using plastic jars, be aware of your mixture’s temperature before pouring. Because of Beeswax’s high melting point, in order for it to remain liquid and pourable the mixture may be at too hot to pour into some plastics.

    You can purchase all the supplies at Mountain Rose herbs. Do not have time to make this balm? Then feel free to purchase it  here at my shop  . Thanks in advance for your support!