Food is Medicine
There is no such thing as ?health foods?.
If what we eat does not nourish and support our bodies it should not be called food. Therefore at least 80% of what is sold as ?food? in the grocery stores does not classify as food. It fails to provide the building blocks to the body required to maintain healthy cells and tissues.
It not only does not provide what is required by the body to function properly, but it also typically burdens and damages our body with chemicals such as preservatives, colouring agents, pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified/engineered foods. A high percentage of so called health issues can be remedied with a change in dietary habits. I see this happening every day in my practice.
Many people would never feed their animals the food and drinks they themselves are consuming on a daily basis. Why not? Because they know all too well that their own diet would not be good for their pets!
So, I suggest make your foods your medicines and if you do this you will be surprised how your energy increases, your skin clears up, no more phlegm, achy joints ?. I recommend you eat 70% raw on a regular basis.
As always, green blessings and stay warm,
Gudrun
Healthy Snack Ideas
- Seeds and nuts: Both are full of healthy fats and protein, which help stabilize blood sugar levels. Avoid pre-salted nuts.
- Seed and nut butters with fruit or vegetables: The classic ?ants on the log? (nut butter spread on a celery stick and decorated with raisins) ? fruits such as apples dipped in nut butter.
- Veggies and dip: Any vegetable you enjoy for example carrots, celery, broccoli, tomato, cucumber and cauliflower etc. can be enjoyed with a healthy dip such as hummus or guacamole. Avoid commercial dips such as ranch. Typically they have very little nutritional value and are high in fat and therefore calories.
SHARE your favorite snack recipes here!
Laughter is Great Medicine!
?Grandpa’s New I-Pad!?
Follow the link below for 1/2 minute of guaranteed laughter. The video is in German… but no subtitles are needed.
A daughter is visiting her father. She asks: Tell me dad, how are you managing with the new iPad we gave you for your birthday? How are you doing with the apps?
What apps?…
A great example of what happens when the young ones give gifts of technology to the old ones!
ENJOY and remember to ask friends to like www.facebook.com/rainbowhealinghealth!
Plagued by a Persistent Cough?
Here are some tips and simple home remedies to support the body in overcoming this affliction regardless of what causes the cough.
1. Cut out all mucous forming foods, especially dairy and wheat as well as all foods you know you are sensitive to.
2. Change your diet to at least 70% raw and drink lots of carrot juice and green smoothies.
3. Drink lots of good water ? city water is typically full of chemicals and not recommended for consumption on a regular basis.
4. Keep the chest warm with appropriate clothing.
5. Apply poultices to the chest, i.e. onion poultice or castor oil pack (see DVD ?Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone?, Disc 2 for instructions)
6. Cough Syrup ? homemade, simple yet effective:
Cut up an onion, place in glass jar and cover with honey (honey can be hard; the juice of the onion will liquefy the honey).
Let sit for several hours to several days and strain. Take 1 tsp. as needed.
7. Herbs to use are the ones with anti-microbial properties such as Garlic and Thyme and expectorants for example Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum).
You can find good combination teas for the support of the respiratory system at the health food stores.
?Heart of the Matter? Documentaries
The Myth about Cholesterol and Statin Drugs Revealed!
Have you ever worried or wondered about your cholesterol levels or the statin drugs prescribed by physicians to lower cholesterol?
To anybody interested in this subject matter I highly recommend that you watch two documentaries on this controversial topic. Links provided below.
Both documentaries are well researched and presented and provide great insights into this topic.
Part 1: The Cholesterol Myth – www.abc.net.au/catalyst.heartofthematter
Part 2: Cholesterol Drug War – www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/3881441.htm
Upcoming Reflexology Course
Hands-on-Feet: Introduction to Reflexology
?Hands on Feet? is an introduction to the ancient art of reflexology. Reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive form of healing applied primarily to the feet. Reflexology deals with the underlying principle that we have reflexes in the feet that relate to every single cell of the body. Working these reflexes stimulates the body and assists it in maintaining and / or regaining balance.
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to give a complete foot reflexology treatment. Theory and practice will be interwoven throughout the entire course. Hand reflexology and other healing modalities will be discussed and included whenever time permits. By the end of the course students will be able to locate all individual reflexes as well as give a complete foot reflexology treatment.
Learn and enjoy this relaxing art as part of your ?Journey to Health”.
WHERE: Grande Prairie
WHEN: 2 consecutive weekends in March; OVER 40 hours of instruction
- Friday, March 7, 3 ? 9 pm, Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9, 9:30 am ? 5 pm, AND
- Friday, March 14, 3 ? 9 pm, Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16, 9:30 am ? 5 pm
COST: $577 including GST*
*Price Comparison:
– Academy of Reflexology $ 834.75 for 32 ? hours
– Ontario College of Reflexology $147 for 8 hours
?If you?re feeling out of kilter,
Don?t know why or what about,
Let your feet reveal the answer,
Find the sore sport, work it out.?
~ Eunice Ingham
Happy New Year to Everyone!
Remember that with every new day comes a chance to make a change.
Have the courage to make that change and walk down an unfamiliar path.
An unfamiliar path may lead you to the best places and will allow you to leave a trail.
A trail that creates positive change leaving foot prints for generations to come.
Making the world a happier, healthier place for ALL where LOVE prevails.
~ Words of Wisdom by Gudrun Penselin
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
Christmas Surprise!
The biggest gift ever.
Take a guess. What’s in the box?
Me down under – in Australia!
A Christmas surprise for my husband who is traveling in Australia for a few months.
Thanks to the generosity of my son I am spending the holiday season playing in the heat instead of the cold and snow.
Truly green blessings from down under,
Gudrun
Office closed until January 12, 2014.
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Website
Check out www.emofree.com
This is Gary Craig’s website on EFT. Gary Craig is the founder
of this marvellous healing tool.
Green blessings from the white winter wonderland.
Gudrun
?Alternative Baking?
?Alternative Baking by Marita Dreger
For all of you who need to avoid wheat, gluten and eggs. Check it out!
The cookbook gives classic, contemporary and folk baking recipes that use alternative ingredients to wheat flour, cow?s milk, butter, chicken eggs and cane sugar. The way the book is set-up, you can customize the recipes to your own needs.
Details specific to each type of flour and other ingredients are provided. Some of the recipes included are: crepes, pancakes, waffles, cookies, various cakes etc.
Hopefully the book is still in print.
Green blessings from the white north,
Gudrun
Inventory Sale
From NOW until December 13, 2013
15 – 20% off EVERYTHING in Stock
(Except for candles and hemp hearts)
Stock up on your favorite items and think about a
health-giving Christmas.
See attachment for the bargains!
If you have an appointment and think about browsing, I suggest you come early enough to shop beforehand.
If you do not have an appointment, call me at 780.532.2464 to arrange for a time.
NO phone or mail orders.
Cash or cheques only except for purchases over $250.
Think about COURSE REGISTRATIONS for Christmas gifts!
- Bach Flower Workshop – February 8 & 9, 2014 – Cost: $375
- Reflexology – March 7, 8, 9 & 14, 15 & 16, 2014 – Cost: $577
Stay warm during the forecasted winter storm.
Green & white blessings,
Gudrun
Back to Winter Wonderland
Back to winter wonderland after a great family holiday in Kauai, Hawaii. Lots of fun and sunshine.
Reminder
There are a few spots left in the upcoming EFT workshop, Tuesday, December 3, 6:30 ? 9:30 pm.
Call me at 780.532.2464 if you would like to attend or require further information.
Watch for specials in the next little while:
- Homeopathic remedies for the winter/ flu season
- Rescue Remedy etc.
Green blessings,
Gudrun
EFT Workshop & Upcoming Course Schedule
EFT WORKSHOP ? 2nd Class, December 3, 2013
Please note: First class is full.
Mark your calendar…
NEW COURSE SCHEDULE for Grande Prairie
Introduction to EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)
1. Wednesday November 27, 2013 – 6:30 ? 9:30 pm (most likely full but feel free to inquire after Nov. 25) OR,
2. Tuesday December 3, 2013 – 6:30 ? 9:30 pm
Hands on Feet ? Reflexology Intensive – 2014
March 7,8 & 9 AND March 14, 15 & 16
Details to follow…
Bach Flowers: Unfold to Your Full Potential – 2014
February 15 & 16 (most likely)
Details to follow…
Please pass on the info to anyone potentially interested and let me know if you are considering taking any of the classes.
Green Blessings or should I say White Blessings (it seems more appropriate for northern Alberta at this time of the year!),
Gudrun
SHOW SPECIAL for EVERYONE
This package was a hit at the Body, Soul and Spirit Expo in Vancouver.
From now until next week Tuesday (Nov. 12) I am offering the SOOOO Special Show Special…
Purchase one DVD Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone and one deck of Bach Flowers Unfolding.
Pick up your set for $72.00, a 15% savings.
GST included. Shipping Extra.
P.S. EFT workshop is full. If you are interested in registering, please get in touch with me.
Depending on the number of interested students I will offer a 2nd one the first week of December on a different day of the week.
EFT Workshop
?Introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique? in Grande Prairie
Wednesday, November 27, 2013 from 6:30 ? 9:30 pm
Since I am going to be in and out of Grande Prairie from now until November 25, registration is required by November 12.
Many people have expressed an interest in this workshop and therefore I recommend that you register as soon as possible.
Please email or call me at 780.532.2464 to register.
If Wednesdays don?t work for you but you would still like to attend an EFT class, please let me know because if there is enough interest I will offer a 2nd class on a different day.
Click here for a course description.
You can also find more information about EFT at my website at rainbowhealing.ca/eft.
REFLEXOLOGY COURSE
Stay tuned for the new dates for the beginning of 2014. Most likely it will happen at the end of February or the beginning of March.
Email with details to follow shortly so that you can mark your calendar well in advance.
FALL
I am just wondering, do we call this season ?Fall? because the leaves are falling to the ground? Hopefully all of you get to enjoy this amazing time of the year right now, it has been incredible.
Nature, as it is preparing to rest for the next few months, has been an amazing treat this year: the colours of the leaves, the sky, sunsets and sun rises, the wonder of the ever changing clouds, plants that are starting to bloom as if spring and not snow was around the corner…
It has been hard for me to stay focused on work inside when the outdoors is calling and yes, I am listening: time to go for a quick ride in the bush before attending to clients.
ROSEHIPS: This will probably be the last weekend to pick them for use in the winter. I made the most delicious Rosehip syrup ever!
ROSEHIPS and VITAMIN C
Rosehips are from the Wild Rose (Rosa canina).
They are especially high in vitamin C but also contain vitamin A, B1 and B2 in the pulp. Vitamin C was first discovered in Rosehips. Long before the discovery of vitamin C Rosehip tea was used for the common cold and locally for inflamed and bleeding gums.
Most animals are able to manufacture their own vitamin C but because of a lack of a major enzyme in the human liver, the human body is unable to manufacture its own vitamin C. This is why we need to ensure adequate vitamin C intake through our diet or supplements.
Rosehips also help to maintain healthy collagen, the substance that holds trillions of cells together in our body.
ROSEHIP TEA
Following are two of my favourite ways of preparing Rosehip tea:
1. My preference is to make a cold infusion and let it sit over night or at least a few hours before straining it. Cold infusions have the advantage of preserving the mineral content provided by the herbs.
2. Make a cold infusion and then slowly bring the infusion with the rosehips to simmer to make a decoction.
For instructions of the different water extractions such as cold infusions and decoctions I suggest you refer to disc 1 of the DVD ?Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone?.
Change of Seasons
Fall is here ? no question about it.
Fall indicates the beginning of a cycle when we focus more inward and for many it means battling colds, flues, bronchitis and other ailments.
Therefore it is especially important to pay attention to our lifestyle in order to be able to support our body and keep the immune system strong.
Following are some suggestions.
- Eliminate undue stress
- Make your foods your medicines
- Eliminate/reduce foods that don?t nourish you and that weaken the immune system such as refined foods, white sugar, alcohol, coffee
- Exercise regularly, go outside for walks. Dress according to the weather
- Increase/add vitamin D and C intake (Rosehips are a great source of vitamin C and now is the time to collect and dry them for use in a tea throughout the winter)
- Garlic: chop a clove fine and swallow it after a meal ? it is a great anti-microbial and works as a preventative as well as treatment in case of illness
- Keep up with the jungle juice (see previous post) at least 3?4 x/week; use sprouts, spinach and other fresh greens
- In Chinese medicine the lungs and the large intestine are closely connected. So for some of you who tend to get sick with bronchitis for example at this time of the year, make sure your large intestine is functioning properly; regular (daily!) bowel movements are vital (adequate water intake with a health giving diet and exercise). Since the meridian for the large intestine includes the head, nose, and sinuses think ?digestion and elimination? if you are plagued with conditions such as congested sinuses, headaches and sore throats. Maybe this could be the root cause and reason for no long-term improvement.
Specific herbal suggestions for the change in seasons to follow next week. Please let me know if you have any specific questions that I might be able to address via Facebook.
A Big, Big Thank You!
I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of you who attended the release party and all of you who could not attend but were there in spirit and sent well-wishes!
I was overwhelmed with the positive response and all the kind words of appreciation. WOW!
No words can adequately describe my gratitude and appreciation.
Thank you,
Gudrun
FALL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
1. Hands on Feet – Introduction to Reflexology:
October 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
2. EFT ? Introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique:
November 27
More details to come in the next days…
Fast, Easy, Nutritious & Yummy!
How much better can it get?
Last week?s Herb Walk was another fantastic event. Student?s enjoyed all the activities including the raw foods at lunch time.
Walnut Pate was one of the dishes I served. When I offered the left overs of the spread to Franz at night he finished the entire dish ? and there was quite a bit left!
Walnut Pate
2 cups walnuts
2 stalks celery
1/2 red pepper
3 scallions or 1/2 red onion
1 tsp. salt
(Please note: I am very creative with my cooking, and so as always, proportions and ingredients are different with with each batch creating a new flavour every time around!)
Mix all ingredients together in food processor until soft and creamy.
Eat as spread on nut crackers with sprouts, tomatoes, cucumbers.
NOTE: Watch for exciting news in the next few days!
?Herb Walk? in August
“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach for every hand.
Anyone may gather it and no limit is set. “
– Mother Teresa
Enjoy a day in nature while learning about local plants including herbs & weeds, their medicinal and food uses. We will start the day with a ceremony to honor Mother Earth, connect to plant spirit, enjoy raw foods and much more…
LOCATION:? 1/2 hour west of Grande Prairie at our place
DATE:? Tuesday, August 20, 10 am ? 5 pm (rain or shine!)
COST:? $80.00 including GST
Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to join us in this fun day of learning or if you have any questions. You can contact me via email at info@herbalinstructions.com or phone 780.532.2464.
Once you have registered, you will receive further instructions.
Best wishes,
Gudrun
Let us work together…
?
Mother Nature in Your Home
The abundance and beauty of the Earth at this time of the year in the Peace Country is amazing. I encourage you to bring some of the magic of Mother Earth into your home by adding the wild greens to your food, preparing a cup of tea with fresh plants or harvesting and drying herbs for later use. Goldenrod is one of those amazing herbs you can see everywhere right now.
Goldenrod is a fairly tall plant with beautiful, vibrant golden-yellow flowers. You will find it in dry woodlands, forest clearings and roadsides.
The Latin name Solidago originates from ?solidus? & ?ago,? Solidus, meaning ?healthy and strong,? and ago meaning ?to make whole.? Both of these terms refer to the plant?s ability to heal wounds.
Some common names for Goldenrod from various cultures also give an indication for its medicinal use as a wound healing herb, for example in Germany the herb is often called ?Fastening Herb?. In fact in ancient German history Goldenrod was gathered as a wound herb before engaging in battle, just in case it was needed.
However, the focus today for its use has shifted from a wound healing aid, to a very reliable herb to support the kidneys. It promotes the elimination of urine and is applied for acute as well as chronic conditions of the kidneys and bladder including inflammation. In addition it has been found to support the body during times of upper respiratory infections, especially when dealing with a chronic situation.
For medicinal purposes the leaves and flowers (early flowering stage) are being harvested and may be used fresh or dried. The fresh leaves and flowers can be used for wound healing or made into a tea, which can also be used as a wound wash. The dried herb may be used in the form of a tea as well but also as a tincture. A tincture is an alcoholic extract of a plant and is more concentrated than an herbal tea. The ?crafty? person might want to try to use the flowers as a natural dye.
This summer Goldenrod has been brightening up the landscape in so many places and the quality of it has been superb. Many times you will find it being ?infested? with many small bugs, but this year the only insects I have watched enjoying the bright, yellow flowers are butterflies and bees!
- If you are not sure how to prepare the herbs, remember that the DVD Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone provides clear and easy to follow instructions, teaching a great variety of herbal preparations. Check my website www.herbalinstructions.com for more information.
- Also remember the Herb Walk on August 20 if you would like to learn more about local plants and their medicinal properties.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended for the use of diagnosing any disease, condition or prescribing any treatment whatsoever. The use of any of the herbs and preparations is the sole responsibility of each individual and does not replace the services and advice of a medical practitioner and qualified healthcare provider. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your individual medical situation. No responsibility is assumed should the information be used in place of a licensed medical practitioner’s services.
The Power of One
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean.
But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
– Mother Theresa
Let?s change this world ? one by one. I am asking all of you to use my Facebook and Google pages to share POSITIVE experiences in life, acts of kindness, things you are grateful for etc. ? no matter how small or large. It could be something as simple as a smile you extended or received.
Anything that creates joy, love, peace, support and happiness even if just for a short moment; in the long run all these positive accounts make the world a happier and healthier place to be.
We can make a positive difference! Let?s create a powerful, positive virus!
I look forward to a beautiful flurry of activity on my Facebook and Google pages.
Joy, peace, love, health and happiness for all,
Gudrun
P.S. The book Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto is a great example of the power of thought, emotions or any form of energy on life.
Tossing & Turning Instead of Sleeping Peacefully?
“Be happy for this Moment. This Moment is your Life.”
– Omar Khayyam
Many people are complaining about being challenged with sleep these days. Read on for a few useful hints to support restful sleep.
Sleep is complicated.
What works for one may not work for the next person. Also what has worked once may not work the next time.
Checklist
- Eliminate any stimulants such as coffee, black tea, sugar (especially at night)
- If taken at night certain supplements such as vitamin C may have enough of a stimulating effect to interfere with sleep in some individuals
- Peppermint, even though calming for the nervous system, has a stimulating effect on the metabolism and may interfere with sleep patterns in sensitive people
- Allergies/sensitivities to foods and inhalants can be the culprit
- Check your medications for potential side effects
- Treat the underlying cause. Many dis-ease processes may interfere with proper sleep (blood sugar imbalances, adrenal fatigue?)
- Getting up in the night to urinate may be a sign of kidney weakness in women and prostate issues in men
- Minimize stress levels and over-excitement at night
- Ensure adequate exercise during the day
- If you wake up once again feeling like you have been run over by a truck, relax, breathe deeply, take a hot shower and know that you are going to make it through the day okay. Accepting the situation is half the battle, pondering and being upset about it is creating more unnecessary stress
Some HERBAL ALLIES are (alone or in combination):
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) ? one of my favorites
- Lemon Balm (Melissa off.)
- Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) ? Note: Adverse reactions to Chamomile are not uncommon
- St. John?s Wort (Hypericum perfoliatum) ? especially when (nerve) pain and/or depression are a factor
- Rescue Remedy
NOTE: Commercial herbal sleep blends frequently contain peppermint (too stimulating at night for many) and hops (not recommended for anyone with tendency to depression).
You can create a nice blend of dried herbs with any of the above herbs and enjoy a cup of tea at night or take them as a tincture.
Questions or comments?
Interested in any specific topics or workshops, contact me at 780-532-2464.
?Herb Walk” in July
“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach for every hand.
Anyone may gather it and no limit is set. “
– Mother Teresa
Enjoy a day in nature while learning about local plants including herbs & weeds, their medicinal and food uses. We will start the day with a ceremony to honor Mother Earth, connect to plant spirit and much more…
LOCATION:? 1/2 hour west of Grande Prairie at our place
DATE:? Wednesday, July 17, 10 am ? 5 pm (weather permitting)
COST:? $80.00 including GST
Please let me know if you are interested in being part of the herb walk or if you have any questions. You can contact me via email at info@herbalinstructions.com or phone 780.532.2464.
DVD Trailer & New Website
Finally the DVD trailer is done!
If you are not sure what the DVD is about the trailer will give you a great overview. You can access the trailer from my new website www.herbalinstuctions.com specifically designed for the DVD.
Right now I am working on subtitles in Spanish, French and German for the next edition. Also the appendix of the DVD with precise instructions, all the formulas demonstrated plus additional information will soon be available as an e-book from this website as well.
We are blessed with an abundance of fresh growth of so many plants at this time of the year when Mother Earth is showing its colourful dress once again. Let?s remember to take care of the Earth like we care for our human loved ones. We can make a difference and make this world a better place to be for generations to come.
Blessings,
Gudrun
Herbal Pharmacy DVD Release
Rural Roots Magazine published an an article about the release of the new instructional DVD ?Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone ? A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own Herbal Preparations?. Filmed in Mexico, this DVD is one of a kind. It shares tools of herbal medicine, the most ancient healing art, and provides all the information required to create your own herbal preparations with equipment found in any home kitchen wherever you live. Anybody interested in this subject matter, be it the newcomer or the experienced homegrown herbalist, will find valuable information and tools in this DVD.
Click Herbal Pharmacy DVD Guide to read the full article.
For more information about the DVD and how to order it, please click here.
Welcome to Our Blog
Welcome to Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone’s blog section of the site.
This is a place to visit often. Gudrun looks forward to keeping you up to date on upcoming workshops, classes, speaking engagements, and more.
Thanks for dropping by!
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JOURNEY TO HEALTH
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