Michelle Schoffro Cook's Blog, page 2

Do You Have an Imbalanced Thyroid?

The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in your throat, is involved in many functions in the body. As a result, an under-functioning gland, known as hypothyroidism, can result in many possible symptoms, including: constipation, depression, digestive troubles, dry or itchy skin, fatigue, hair falls out easily, hypersensitivity to cold, vulnerable to colds, flu, infections, muscle cramps even while resting, poor circulation, slow wound healing, swelling, thin or brittle hair, or weight gain or being overweight to name a few.

There are many natural remedies that support the health of the thyroid glands, including one of my favorites: frankincense. Available as a resin or in essential oil form, frankincense is an all-around anti-inflammatory that also boosts oxygenation of the glands and tissues when applied topically. Research in Letters in Applied Microbiology journal also found frankincense helpful against infections like Candida albicans, which is often a factor in thyroid health issues.

If you are overweight or struggling to keep your weight off whether due to a low thyroid function or other reasons, there are some excellent natural remedies that may be helpful, including: berberine, glucomannan, kidney bean extract, Caralluma fimbriata, L-carnitine, and green tea. I've found a high quality and affordable blend of all of these herbs and nutrients called LEAN that work to boost metabolism, burn fat, reduce cravings, and reduce fat stores to help obtain or maintain a healthy weight. It's $27.95 retail or $19.95 with a membership. 

To learn more about frankincense essential oil, other essential oils that may be helpful for the thyroid gland, check out my book Essential Oils for Hormone Bliss, which is currently on sale for $9.95 (reg. $16.95). 

Check out my preferred frankincense essential oil here, which comes as part of a beautifully-packaged box of 6 essential oils for $69.95 retail. Or get it for $49.95 with a wholesale membership, which is only $9.95 monthly so you immediately save. And, for a one-time fee of $40, you qualify to earn money back for the life of your membership. Take the free tour to learn more. The above insight is offered for informational purposes only. Consult your physician if you have any health issues.

6 Great Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

(Photo Copyright Michelle Schoffro Cook: Frankincense is a potent natural inflammatory.)

Inflammation is behind most chronic diseases, from arthritis and cancer to diabetes and heart disease, and many others. Fortunately, herbal medicines shine when it comes to addressing inflammation in the body, regardless where it is found. Here are some of my favorite anti-inflammatory herbs, some of which are easy to grow on a window ledge or garden for a regular supply of the natural remedy:

Calendula: This beautiful flowering plant is found in gardens around the world yet few people are aware that they have an anti-inflammatory powerhouse at their fingertips. Researchers at the Medical Biotechnology School of Medicine at Flinders University in Australia evaluated the effects of a calendula extract on human skin cells. Their results support the German Commission E’s, the government’s expert committee on medicinal herbs, endorsement on medicinal herbs for reducing inflammation. Their study published in the medical journal Phytotherapy Research found that calendula is an effective skin healer. Apply cooled calendula tea or creams or ointments containing the herb directly to the skin.

Chamomile: A study published in the Journal of Natural Products assessed the anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile and found that the herb contains has anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial in treating metabolic syndrome, a condition involving high homocysteine levels—a marker of inflammation that can increase the risk of many diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of symptoms, including:  imbalanced blood sugar, cholesterol, as well as high homocysteine levels. Some of the symptoms include: abdominal fat and overweight. Drink 3 cups of chamomile tea daily to reap its anti-inflammatory effects. Avoid chamomile if you suffer from hay fever.

Cayenne Pepper: While many people still believe the myth that cayenne aggravates inflammation, it actually turns down the heat on inflammation due to its powerful anti-inflammatory compound capsaicin. According to a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, researchers found that eating cayenne peppers is beneficial for low back pain and inflammation. The herb can be used in moderate doses internally or capsaicin-based creams and ointments can be applied to painful areas of the body. I’ll share more about how to make your own in an upcoming blog.

Frankincense Essential Oil—The herb, Boswellia serrata, or frankincense as it is more commonly known, is a powerful anti-inflammatory particularly in its essential oil form. A study published in the medical journal Current Pharmaceutical Design assessed the effectiveness of several natural remedies against asthma, including frankincense essential oil. The researchers confirmed that frankincense demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic mechanisms relevant, making it useful for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Frankincense essential oil can be diluted in fractionated coconut oil or another carrier oil and applied to the chest or inflamed areas or. If you select a high-quality frankincense essential oil that is suitable for internal use (most aren’t), you can take one to three drops daily in an empty capsule. Follow package directions for the product you select and do not exceed the recommended dose. I use LiveGood’s frankincense as I am pleased with its extensive reporting from third-party laboratories on its purity and is a fraction of the price of other types.

Ginger: You’ll want to add ginger to a lot more foods than just gingerbread to take advantage of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. That’s because research published in the medical journal Arthritis compared cortisone and ibuprofen, both drugs that are used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, and found that ginger was superior to ibuprofen at reducing inflammatory compounds known as cytokines and was equally effective as cortisone. Unlike cortisone, however, ginger does not have the lengthy list of nasty side-effects. Ideally use fresh ginger in soups, curries, stews, stir-fries, or as tea daily to maximize its anti-inflammatory effects. For best results, simmer fresh gingerroot in a pot of water over the stove for at least an hour, and then drink three cups daily. You can store the ginger tea in the fridge for several days.

Turmeric: If you’ve been hearing a lot about turmeric these days, thinking that it seems to be good for just about everything, you’d be right. That’s because the yellow curry ingredient contains a potent anti-inflammatory known as curcumin. In a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry researchers found that curcumin improved the healing of tendonitis, which involves inflammation of the tendons that help maintain our body’s structural integrity.

High Quality Essential Oils and Supplements for a Fraction of the Price

Get the highest purity of therapeutic-grade essential oils at a tiny fraction of the cost of competitors. LiveGood's essential oils have undergone 3rd-party laboratory tests at one of only 2 labs that offer this type of in-depth purity testing and I'm happy to report they've passed with flying colors! You can purchase them:

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You can purchase them:

Retail

Save even more with a $9.95/month (or $99/year) wholesale membership.

And, there's even an option to EARN MONEY with your membership if you want to just by adding a one-time $40 affiliate link when you sign up. There's no obligation to add this affiliate link but the opportunity to earn is available for anyone who wants some extra money.

 

The Tree of Peace

Mornings at my homestead feel like I’ve stepped back in time. I awaken, stoke the fire in my woodstove, bundle up, and head out on my forest trails to capture the morning’s first sunshine and breathe the intoxicatingly fresh air. The mornings have gotten cooler these days so it sometimes takes a bit of motivation to begin, but the forest’s beauty causes me to quickly forget my hesitation. Most of the colourful leaves of autumn have fallen to reveal the coniferous trees that took backseat to their beauty for a season. Once again, my eyes are drawn to the pines, spruce, and fir trees lining my path. I am reminded that healing is often in these simple experiences.

The white pines seem to be most prominent to me at this time so I trust the wisdom of my instincts and their natural wisdom to guide me to what’s best for my body. Before returning indoors, I take a small branch of white pine needles. I will make naturally-fermented white pine soda as well as some pine needle tea to enjoy. With the rising cost of living these days, it would be easy to assume that the best natural medicines are outside of your budget. After all, most of us routinely overlook these delightful foods and medicines that dot our landscape. {erhaps budgetary constraints offer sufficient incentive to begin noticing the wild foods and medicines these trees offer.

In the same way that we’ve come to know the expression “extend an olive branch” as an expression of the desire for peace, the white pine, or Pinus strobus, is known as the Tree of Peace among the Haudenosaunee Nation as the five needles on its branches are joined into clusters, symbolizing the coming together of once-warring people. Perhaps our world could use the Tree of Peace during these challenging times as well.

While the pine sap, or pitch, and bark are most commonly used for medicinal properties, the needles are often used to prevent or address cold and flu, high blood pressure, and memory impairment. Recent research in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that tea made from pine needles demonstrated potent antioxidant activity and even the ability to protect DNA. DNA damage is linked to aging, cancer, and many degenerative diseases so protecting our genetic material against damage is a worthy goal.

If you head into the forest in search of white pine tree needles, you’ll want to take a knowledgeable guide or guidebook and be sure you’re certain of any herbs or foods you select. White pines are often identified by their stature as they can grow to reach over 150 feet tall. As mentioned, the evergreen needles are in bunches of five, soft and flexible, and 2-1/2 to 5-inches long. You can also purchase dried white pine needle in tea bag form or in tincture (alcohol extract) form for convenience, if you prefer.

In the next couple of blogs, I’ll share how to make probiotic-rich, fermented pine soda and how to brew white pine needle tea to enjoy over the cooler months. Be sure to check back.

To learn more about herbal medicines, check out my book, Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking. 

Essential Oils for Hormone Bliss--Now Available for Immediate Download for Only $9.95!

Author's Note: I'm thrilled to announce that my book, ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HORMONE BLISS: Boost your Energy, Lose Weight Naturally, & Improve Your Sleep is now available for immediate download. Here's more information about my book:

What do brain fog, moodiness, low energy, and skin problems have in common? These symptoms can be signs of a hormone imbalance. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate the body's most vital functions and are key to wellbeing. But, when they're out of sync, they can wreak havoc. Whether you have severe menopausal symptoms, difficulty getting a good night's sleep, low libido, or another hormone-related health issue, essential oils can offer an effective solution. In this guide, Michelle Schoffro Cook teaches how they can be used by both women and men to harness their hormone-balancing power. Dr. Cook also provides a ten-day plan for achieving hormonal health and more than 100 recipes that will jumpstart your essential oil regimen. With the help of this illustrated guide, you'll soon learn how these powerful natural substances can help you feel your best. In this book, you'll learn:

Essential Oils 101: An Overview of the Basics

What's Going on with Me? Dr. Cook's 10-Day Plan for Hormone Perfection

Adrenal Rejuvenation: Restore Your Energy and Vitality

Reset Your Thyroid: Balance Your Metabolism Even When Nothing Else Works

Brain Reboot: Harness the Power of Brain Hormones to Transform Your Life

Ovary Renewal: The Hormones of Womanhood

The Male Rebuild: The DIY Hormone Solution for Men's Vigor and Vitality

Essential Oils for Hormone Bliss is available exclusively in e-book form and is available for immediate download as a pdf file.

Only $9.95

 

Giving Thanks

© Photo and text copyright Michelle Schoffro Cook

“I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. The sentiment is fitting as today is Thanksgiving in Canada and I wish to express my gratitude for the bountiful harvest I had from my garden and orchard this year and to those who have chosen to share some part of my journey through life with me, as well as many other things in my life.

Feeling gratitude is not just important on a single day but every day as biologist Glen Rein at the popular Institute of HeartMath, in Boulder Creek, California found. He conducted a study of people who entered a state of heartfelt appreciation or unconditional love, what he referred to as “heart consciousness.” He found that these people could actually alter the winding and unwinding of DNA (genetic material) in solution.

It did not matter whether the participants were holding the DNA in a test tube or not. By allowing their hearts to be full of positive and loving emotions, the participants in this study were able to affect DNA in a test tube! What’s more: when the same people held loving feelings in their heart, their heart rhythms became extremely coherent. Their electrocardiograms (ECGs) were analyzed by sophisticated frequency-analysis software. Whenever they held the loving, appreciative thoughts, their heart rhythms followed a more coherent rhythmic pattern.

It may seem incredible that people’s thoughts and emotions can affect heart rhythms and genetic material but more and more studies by leading scientists, quantum physicists, and world-renowned researchers are proving that our thoughts and feelings do have significant effects on our body. What we think about matters. It can be difficult not to focus on our problems when we are faced with them, but taking some time out of each day to feel gratitude and appreciation for the positive people, influences, experiences, and things in our lives can go a long way toward healing our bodies.

And, as Kristin Armstrong aptly stated, “When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” Wishing you a life of gratitude and love today, and every day.

 

The Healing Flower Under Foot

Photo & text © Michelle Schoffro Cook

I admit that I’ve been feeling a bit lethargic lately but decided to go for a brisk walk on my forest trails to combat my lacklustre mood. The forest had begun to paint itself in cherry red, burnt orange, and golden hues, which was the perfect antidote for the weariness that had crept into my body. A hint of purple poked out from the grasses and shrubs along the edges of the trail, a reminder that summer was not completely gone. I reached down to pluck the red clover flowers that were more of a lilac colour than their name would suggest. It seemed like Nature was nudging me to add the floral remedy best known for its blood purification properties, and that made sense given the sluggishness I had been feeling. So, I plucked a bunch, leaving several for some bees who also seemed to be enjoying the lovely flowers we so often overlook.

Red clover is found on lawns almost everywhere. It might surprise you that this humble flower is used by many cultures worldwide as a cancer treatment. And, a growing body of research confirms that it contains multiple antitumor compounds. Other studies show it improves the elasticity of arteries and helps to regulate cholesterol levels. If you’re among the many women who experience hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, or are at a risk of osteoporosis, the flower may be helpful to address these concerns as well.

While the leaves can be added to salads or made into teas, I prefer an infusion made from the flowers. That’s a fancy term herbalists use for teas that are made from flowers, stems, or leaves of a plant. I normally wash the flowers and lay them out to dry on a clean cloth. Once completely dried, I store them in a glass jar, using a couple of flowers to a cup of boiled water. That’s about a teaspoon of the dried herb if you purchase it in a health food store. Most herbalists recommend one to three cups daily to support blood cleansing or to help in an overall plan to address the above-mentioned concerns. Of course, if you're foraging for the herb, consult an herbalist to ensure you have the correct flower and check with your doctor before using this herb.

Check out my book, Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking to learn more about red clover and over thirty other herbs.

Listen to the Soft Voice of Your Heart

Johnny Cash and Cantaloupe

 

When I visited my grandparents’ house each summer, my grandfather and I would undoubtedly find our way to the basement family room where he’d cut one of the many cantaloupes he grew in his garden into sections and we’d each take a plateful. We’d listen to his Johnny Cash albums while biting into the sweetest, most flavourful cantaloupe I ever tasted. The brilliant orange fruit bore no resemblance to the lacklustre, bland grocery store varieties I ate back in the city. We’d talk for hours while Johnny belted out tune after tune, and we’d usually polish off a few cantaloupes during each evening, so I was grateful he’d grown so many in anticipation of my visits.

My grandfather died several years ago but my thoughts always go back to cantaloupe and Cash whenever his favourite singer comes on the radio. And, for a moment, I’m back with my grandfather enjoying one of our many discussions about music, gardening, and the realities of life. Whenever I spent time with him, my life ventured outside of its normal sanitized childhood parameters that parents like to keep their children within.

On my lengthier overnight visits, I’d find him balancing breakfast over a few morning rounds of cards, an occasional puff of a cigarette, and his periodic intense silence during which he carefully listened to the unique songs of nearby birds. “I haven’t heard that call in over a decade,” he’d tell me. “I think that’s a good sign they’re making a comeback.” Soon afterward, he’d head off to work.

At the end of the day, we’d wander around his garden, picking whatever insanely-sized produce seemed to be coming up. I didn’t realize it at the time but my grandfather was a blue-ribbon homesteader. He may have worked all day but his life really seemed to get started at the end of his shift. That’s when he tended to his garden and preserved countless jars of tomatoes, pickles, or whatever else was in season. He only had an acre of land but he used every inch of it for a massive garden, a small chicken coup, and the many birdfeeders he made. And, compared to the postage-stamp-sized urban lot where I lived, it was great to have some space to roam.

He grew a bit of everything from cucumbers and beans to tomatoes and watermelons, and of course, cantaloupe for our Cash and Cantaloupe evenings. He made plentiful amounts of pickled vegetables and canned countless jars of his own tomato sauce, long before it became trendy. I’d sit at the table with him while he did canning and we’d talk for hours. While he said it was to save money, he seemed to love his hours gardening, pickling, and canning after he got home from his full-time job too.

He even taught me how to roll cigarettes, something I’m sure my parents would have frowned upon had they known about my childhood hobby. Actually, I’m sure most people would have scowled at our shared pastime, but, conversation rolled off our tongues faster than cigarettes rolled out of the little manual machine, even though I had become pretty quick at churning out smokes. And, it was during these times that I bonded with the old man, not realizing how much of an impact he had made on my life. No, I never became a chain smoker, or even smoked at all, but instead developed a passion for homesteading and the largely self-sufficient life he had created for himself and my grandmother.

Harold John was not a perfect man and indeed battled and overcame many demons in his life, but when it came to growing, preparing, and preserving his own food, he was a master and an inspiration. I’m eagerly awaiting some cantaloupe from my own garden and intend to let Johnny belt out some tunes while I savour their delightful taste, and I’m hoping my grandfather will join me in spirit.

If you like what you see and read here, please consider using the links on my page (there are no costs to use them), purchasing my books and ebooks, or . Discover how apples and apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss, heart disease, and more in my ebook FOOD FIX: The Most Powerful Healing Foods and How to Use Them to Overcome Disease. 

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Cash and Cantaloupe

 

When I visited my grandparents’ house each summer, my grandfather and I would undoubtedly find our way to the basement family room where he’d cut one of the many cantaloupes he grew in his garden into sections and we’d each take a plateful. We’d listen to his Johnny Cash albums while biting into the sweetest, most flavourful cantaloupe I ever tasted. The brilliant orange fruit bore no resemblance to the lacklustre, bland grocery store varieties I ate back in the city. We’d talk for hours while Johnny belted out tune after tune, and we’d usually polish off a few cantaloupes during each evening, so I was grateful he’d grown so many in anticipation of my visits.

My grandfather died several years ago but my thoughts always go back to cantaloupe and Cash whenever his favourite singer comes on the radio. And, for a moment, I’m back with my grandfather enjoying one of our many discussions about music, gardening, and the realities of life. Whenever I spent time with him, my life ventured outside of its normal sanitized childhood parameters that parents like to keep their children within.

On my lengthier overnight visits, I’d find him balancing breakfast over a few morning rounds of cards, an occasional puff of a cigarette, and his periodic intense silence during which he carefully listened to the unique songs of nearby birds. “I haven’t heard that call in over a decade,” he’d tell me. “I think that’s a good sign they’re making a comeback.” Soon afterward, he’d head off to work.

At the end of the day, we’d wander around his garden, picking whatever insanely-sized produce seemed to be coming up. I didn’t realize it at the time but my grandfather was a blue-ribbon homesteader. He may have worked all day but his life really seemed to get started at the end of his shift. That’s when he tended to his garden and preserved countless jars of tomatoes, pickles, or whatever else was in season. He only had an acre of land but he used every inch of it for a massive garden, a small chicken coup, and the many birdfeeders he made. And, compared to the postage-stamp-sized urban lot where I lived, it was great to have some space to roam.

He grew a bit of everything from cucumbers and beans to tomatoes and watermelons, and of course, cantaloupe for our Cash and Cantaloupe evenings. He made plentiful amounts of pickled vegetables and canned countless jars of his own tomato sauce, long before it became trendy. I’d sit at the table with him while he did canning and we’d talk for hours. While he said it was to save money, he seemed to love his hours gardening, pickling, and canning after he got home from his full-time job too.

He even taught me how to roll cigarettes, something I’m sure my parents would have frowned upon had they known about my childhood hobby. Actually, I’m sure most people would have scowled at our shared pastime, but, conversation rolled off our tongues faster than cigarettes rolled out of the little manual machine, even though I had become pretty quick at churning out smokes. And, it was during these times that I bonded with the old man, not realizing how much of an impact he had made on my life. No, I never became a chain smoker, or even smoked at all, but instead developed a passion for homesteading and the largely self-sufficient life he had created for himself and my grandmother.

Harold John was not a perfect man and indeed battled and overcame many demons in his life, but when it came to growing, preparing, and preserving his own food, he was a master and an inspiration. I’m eagerly awaiting some cantaloupe from my own garden and intend to let Johnny belt out some tunes while I savour their delightful taste, and I’m hoping my grandfather will join me in spirit.

If you like what you see and read here, please consider using the links on my page (there are no costs to use them), purchasing my books and ebooks, or . Discover how apples and apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss, heart disease, and more in my ebook FOOD FIX: The Most Powerful Healing Foods and How to Use Them to Overcome Disease. 

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