Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Does Wheat Free Mean Gluten Free? Q&A

Question: Is there a difference between wheat free and gluten free? I mean, gluten is a protein found in wheat, right?

Answer: Actually, there are several grains in the family with wheat that also contain gluten. So, to answer your question, no, wheat free doesn’t mean gluten free. Something that is gluten free will not contain any wheat, barley, rye, or sometimes even oats. It won't be processed on the same equipment with one of these, and should be tested before it is certified gluten free. Many times we find gluten free on a label because the product is naturally gluten free but not tested. Other times it says gluten free and then mentions that it was produced on the same equipment with wheat. So, never trust the gluten free words alone, look at ingredients, look for other hints, and when in doubt, call the manufacturer!
#glutenfree #questionandanswer

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Lemon Thyme for Relief from Congestion

Lemon thyme is one of my favorite herbs. It has soooo many uses, but I will only take time to mention a few. The most powerful use of this fragrant herb is relief from chest congestion. We grow this wonderful herb in our garden every year and dry some of it for use during the winter months when colds and flu seem to be everywhere. Because of its awesome antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties, it is very useful when fighting a respiratory infection of any type. Simply boil a few cups of water, put some fresh or dried lemon thyme leaves in (I use about 2 cups water to 1 tablespoon of thyme), let it seep till the water starts to change color. Add a teaspoon or so of raw local honey, then sip on it to relieve congestion. Also adding it to a big pot of boiling water, and then placing a towel over your head to create a steam tent, you can breath in the fumes and find amazing relief! It opens up and moisturizes the lungs. It is my go to for asthma as well.
Another way to use this herb that is very beneficial is for anxiety or tension relief. Feeling tense can come and go, but when it prevents you from sleeping, or gets so severe that your stomach feels funny, maybe it's time to do something about it. Don't worry there are many things you can do that can relieve tension without taking a drug. I personally have tried and found it to be true that the oil from the leaves of a lemon thyme plant can relieve tension. Just take some fresh leaves off of your plant, crush them between your fingers until the oil is released, and then rub the oil behind your ears or where ever you can smell it. I like to use it behind my ears as my ears are usually related to the feelings I am experiencing. It has calmed vertigo for me several times, relieved nausea, and calmed me down. I am sure it can be used in more serious ways if purchased as an essential oil, but I have not as of yet needed to try it in that way.
Of course, the most logical way to use this powerful herb is to season or enhance food dishes. I love the lemony taste it gives, as I am allergic to lemons themselves and can not enjoy them. I have personally used it to season fish, lamb, and several vegetable dishes. It has a mild peppery taste with a citrus hint. It smells so much like lemon that you may be fooled at first. It works well with seafood.
This herb can also be used to thin blood, fight yeast infections, lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, relieve indigestion, relieve bloat, encourage digestion and elimination, and treat sinus infections. Seriously, there are soooo many ways to use this wonderful herb. If you haven't yet, you should consider adding it to your indoor or outdoor herb garden!
Here's to the medicine God created--natural herbs, food, vitamins, and minerals.
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free Day!
~Gluten Free Em~

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Van's Honey Crunch

Here is my product recommendation for this week! It is delicious and filling, low in sugar, and high in whole grains. It is gluten free, corn free, dairy free and awesome! It is available at many stores like Kroger, Walmart, and health food stores. I prefer buying online by bulk to save $$$. Enjoy!


Oregano--the Natural Antibiotic

Did you know that a simple herb you could be growing in a pot right in your home could hold the keys to unlock you from the prison of constant urinary track infections or yeast infections?
Did you know that most of us already eat a little bit of it each time we make or order Italian food?
What is this miraculous little herb, you ask? It's oregano, also known as the pizza herb.
Oregano has natural antioxidant properties that can really give your immune system a boost! Not only is it tasty in it's natural form, but when added to food at the end of cooking, or right onto your plate, it can really give your body a push in the right direction. It works best when used in it's fresh, natural form. You can take the leaves of the oregano plant, chop them, and add them to your favorite dish.
Not only does this little plant have antioxidant powers, but it is also a natural anti-fungal! I don't know about you, but this was a big one for me. For years I suffered with candida overgrowth in the form of thrush, dandruff, and in other unmentionable places...yes, there, too. No matter what I tried it would always come back. I finally won the battle when I incorporated raw oregano leaves into my normal diet. The results were amazing! It tasted good, too. I simply ditched the powder form of the herb, and used fresh oregano.
Since then I have experimented with some of the other claims oregano holds. I learned it truly is anti-inflammatory in nature. It lowers blood sugar. It thins the blood (which in turn lowers blood pressure). It helps with menstrual pain, muscle aches, and headaches. It helps my body flush out urinary track infections without the use of prescription antibiotics. And whenever I feel a cold coming on, I reach for the oregano to give my immune system a boost. It helps me to find some relief when having an asthma attack, and helps break up the congestion bought on by colds and allergies.
Got you interested? Try it for yourself! Fresh oregano can be found at most grocery stores. It can also be potted and grown in your kitchen for fresher than fresh flavor! Experiment with it to see how much your body can tolerate. I usually use about a tablespoon or two of fresh chopped oregano with wonderful results. Some may need more or less depending on size and weight.
Here's to better health....
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free Day!
~Gluten Free Em~