Cal Orey's Blog, page 72

The Healing Powers of Honey and Vinegar Books Back to Press: 15,000 Copies!

 By Cal Orey

HONEY and VINEGAR Home cures, health perks, sweet rustic recipes, beauty tips and more for summer into fall...
Discover Honey's Amazing Bee-Healthy PowersDid you know?... Known as Mother Nature's "nectar of the gods," honey was praised for its healing powers as far back as 5,000 years ago by Egyptians.
Drawing on the 21st century honey buzz, bestselling author Cal Orey reveals enlightening honey home remedies, straight from the book The Healing Powers of Honey: A Complete Guide to Nature's Remarkable Nectar! (Kensington)
Here are common health ailments from A to Z and amazing at-home honey cures. These are tried-and-true folk remedies based on scientific studies, real-life stories, medical doctors, researchers, and beekeepers. But caution, consult your health-care practitioner before putting to work any honey cure.
1 ALLERGIES (Stop seasonal misery): Dealing with annoying sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing is no picnic, thanks to seasonal pollen. But honey may come to your rescue.What Honey Rx to Use:  Try eating a tablespoon of locally produced honey. Proponents of honey tell me that your immune system will get used to the local pollen in it (it should be within a 50-mile radius from where you live).Why You'll Bee Happy:  By taking the honey cure, you may lose your allergy symptoms. It's worth the effort and is less pricey than a visit to the doctor or an allergist. Honey may enhance the immune system to build up a better arsenal against airborne allergens--and help you breathe easier. Honeycomb may line the entire breathing tract.
2 ANXIETY (Beat the jitters monster): When anxiety hits (often worsened by stress) you know it like when an earthquake strikes. Anxiety can wreak havoc on your nervous system and up your odds of experiencing heart disease, stress eating, and other health problems.What Honey Rx to Use: If you're under pressure and feeling high anxiety or sense a stressful event is in the works, make a cup of chamomile tea. Put in 1 teaspoon of your favorite honey. Repeat twice a day as needed.Why You'll Bee Happy:  Honey--all hundreds of varietals--is touted by folk medicine healers for its calming effects. The natural superfood can help sooth your nerves rather than put you in higher anxiety mode. The relief if provides may be due to its multiple vitamin B content--anti-stress vitamins.
3  COUGH (Outfox irritating hacking):  A cough is another unwelcome visitor and can make you feel terrible. Let's face it, cough medicine can be pricey, doesn't taste good, and may or may not do its job.What Honey Rx to Use:  A teaspoon of buckwheat honey is recommended before bed. Or you can make syrup of 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Repeat each remedy as needed.Why You'll Bee Happy:  A group of Penn State College of Medicine researchers discovered that honey may be the cure. The findings showed that buckwheat honey at bedtime was more powerful for curing a cough in children than a cough suppressant found in over-the-counter medications. It is believed that honey will act as a sedative to the nervous system.
4 ENERGY DRAIN (Beat low energy): Getting your cough under control is a good thing, but then what if your energy plummets?  Liquid gold may be the answer again.What Honey Rx to Use: Each morning include a teaspoon of bee pollen in your breakfast. Go ahead and take it solo. Or try The Honey Association's Energy Drink recipe:  ¼ pint orange juice, ¼ pint natural yogurt, 2 tablespoons clear honey. Place all the ingredients in a liquidizer and blend until smooth. Pour into two tall glasses. Serves two people.Why You'll Bee Happy: Honey is a source of natural unrefined sugars and carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed by the body. That means, you'll get a quick energy boost with long-lasting effects. Athletes include it in their daily diets. It was even used by runners at the Olympic Games in ancient Greece.
5 HEADACHE (Bye-bye, pain): Fatigue and headaches are not to be taken with a grain of salt, because it can hurt oh, so bad. There are different types of headaches, and some kinds may benefit from the honey bee's gift.What Honey Rx to Use:  One cup of tea with 1 teaspoon of honey (the darker the varietal the better) is the remedy. Repeat as needed. Also, drink plenty of water and relax.Why You'll Bee Happy:  "The way honey might work for tension headaches," says New York Headache Center's Alex Mauskop, M.D., "is by treating hypoglycemia, which can cause tension and migraines." He adds that some antioxidants can help prevent headaches, as can magnesium and vitamin B. So turning to antioxidant-rich honey may be a sweet remedy.
6 INSOMNIA  (Find sweet dreams): Getting rid of a headache is a challenge, but not getting adequate shut-eye can have long-term effects, too.What Rx to Use: Take 1 or 2 teaspoons of your favorite honey, especially before going to bed. Try sipping a cup of 2 percent low-fat milk with a dash of cinnamon. The tryptophan in milk will help to calm you.Why You'll Bee Happy:  It's a magic trick, according to The Honey Revolution author Ron Fessenden, M.D., providing needed glycogen to the liver so the brain doesn't go in search of extra fuel in the earl A.M. hours when you should be in Dreamland. "Consuming honey before bedtime also reduces the release of  adrenaline, a catecholamine that raises blood pressure and heart rate," adds the honey guru.
7 SORE THROAT (Take the sting away): Not sleeping is miserable, but a sore throat can drag you down, too, where don't feel like walking or talking. Honey has been used as a home for centuries to help sooth one of the symptoms associated with a common cold--namely, a killer sore throat.What Honey Rx to Use:  For relief of symptoms, take a spoonful of your buckwheat honey, as often as you need, to relieve irritation. In between, sip a cup of tea with honey. Also, try pure honeycomb and honey sticks. Don't forget all-natural honey-lemon lozenges, which also coat the throat for quick relief.Why You'll Bee Happy: One, honey will coat your sore throat, the symptom of the cause. Two, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will help heal the culprit causing your pain. 8 WAIST WHITTLER (Blast belly fat): Twitches to tummy bulge... if you have a bulging tummy, you'd probably consider a sore throat is easier to get rid of. But wait; there are things you can do to get a flat tummy.What Honey Rx to Use:  Both morning and night, drink an 8-ounce glass or mug of tea (dandelion or parsley boasts diuretic effects), with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Team this potion with grazing and watch your fat and sugar intake.Why You'll Bee Happy: Honey and apple cider vinegar contain the bloat-busting mineral potassium. Also, turning to honey will help you to eat fewer sugary treats and enjoy a flatter stomach.
          So go ahead and use the type of honey advised or your own preference; all-natural, raw honey, dark varietals are recommended for best results. (Warning: To avoid infant botulism, do not fee honey to an infant.)

Herbs and Spices Number 9 Gets Noticed Again!

     By Cal Orey

UPDATE: Newsmax is offering The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices as a GIFT BOOK. And it will debut in the July issue of Newsmax Magazine! Yes! It is in the issue... The Healing Powers of  Herbs & #Spices Timeless Treasures is on sale at BarnesandNoble website -- 2.99 for the first time!... Summer Special!

This gem made its way through the news. On April 7, an article interviewing the author Cal Orey hit Huffington Post...and the piece was picked up by New York Daily, NY Daily Post, City Buzz, and even more online mags and newspapers! 

The new and timely release (yes, McCormick recently shared its Old Bay Seasoning is "hot"). People are still home-cooking more than ever! The reader-friendly book is now in more than 87 libraries worldwide (multiple copies, checked out); Woman's World Book Club approved Feb. 1 issue; reviewed by Booklist; 100% like it on Goodreads; major media outlet is on board carrying copies; Walmart gave it a Best Seller banner for 2 weeks; Best Seller in top 100 health books on Amazon this month; featured in magazines/newspapers...and the year is young. #9 (Series) The book that'll whisk you away!

Product ImageBest SellerProduct TitleThe Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices (Walmart website)Cal OreyISBN10: 0806540486ISBN: 9780806540481Format:Paperback


The mega-popular Healing Powers series from bestselling nutrition writer Cal Orey continues with its 9th installment, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices, exploring the many ways fresh herbs in your fridge and dried spices in your kitchen cupboard can provide medicinal powers, home cures, weight loss benefits, beauty treatments, and adventurous flavors and textures to enhance plant-based dishes. 
And during the pandemic there is a spice surge because of the home-cooking comeback! The key to vibrant health for all generations is in your kitchen...
Anise, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and more (I use a lot of the McCormick classic brand) --for thousands of years, herbs and spices have been praised for preserving and flavoring food, as well as preventing and curing illnesses. The latest research reveals that the seasonings already in your pantry--or easily found fresh in your supermarket or garden--can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity. This A-to-Z guide catalogues the most popular and versatile herbs and spices, drawn from the Mediterranean Diet but suitable for any diet plan. You will learn how to harness herbalism to heal your body and mind.

Discover how to use nature's gifts including allspice, chives, fennel, oregano, pepper, tarragon, saffron, and special blends like Herbes de Provence to:

●Bring abundant zest to your table while lowering your cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and revving up your metabolism--at any age!
●Ward off colds and flu, banish a hacking cough, and even ease PMS or menopause woes, by adding tasty plant therapy to your favorite food or drink.
●Lessen your anxiety and boost your mood with aromatic natural ingredients found in dried and fresh flavorings.
●Soothe aches and pains without harmful side effects--and trigger feel-good endorphins--using sweet and savory garnishes, including edible flowers.
●Create in-home spa treatments using the same herbal potions featured at luxury spa resorts.
Caraway Breadsticks, anyone? How about Cilantro Lime Slaw, Herbal Greek Bean Soup, or Roasted Paprika Cornish Hens? With over 50 taste-tempting recipes, along with personal stories and fascinating historical anecdotes on medicinal uses dating back to biblical times, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices is your go-to guide to embracing limitless energy and healthy longevity while feasting on memorable meals full of aroma and deliciousness!

INTERVIEW with the Healing Powers Series author and Fiction Writer

 By Cal Orey

As a California  (a state touted for its no-nonsense health nuts) author Cal Orey, M.A., is an accomplished author and journalist. She grew up in the post-hippie era. In her teens she rebelled against processed canned and frozen foods and meat. That is when she began to have an interest in health and natural living.  But that's not all...
In 2021, I've spread my wings and entered the amazing land of fiction writing. I've been a scientist on a trek to the North Pole and South Pole. Then, as a gifted entrepreneur I was an underdog who became a financial success in New York. Not to forget my road trip romantic getaway in Australia. And now, I'm a cerebral kid coping with mega challenges in the WWII era in France. And the year is young.
 And yes, I still find time to market my Healing Powers series. HONEY has had the Bestseller banner on many bookseller websites for a month. Plus, my latest release HERBS AND SPICES gets attention in the July issue of Newsmax magazine...
Deliciously healing surprising…

Q: Sugar or Fat? Which one does a writer need more?

Fat. I used to be a sugar junkie. These days, when I incorporate real butter (no fake stuff for me) and oil(s) with superfoods, I’m satisfied and keep lean and fit. Sugar on occasion in natural ice cream and a homemade cookie or brownie finds its way to my life, but only in moderation.

Q: Your writing resumes are impressive. Two degrees in writing, three decades of articles and book experience. How did you end up as the Healing Powers Series author?

A: Before finishing grad school at San Francisco State University, I was a published magazine writer. I used to write articles for well-known men’s mags. I spun both fiction and non-fiction. Then, I moved over to women’s mags and wrote about every romance and relationship topic imaginable. Fast forward to 1999. I got my first real book deal from Kensington, a New York publisher. (I penned dozens of diet-related mini mags found in grocery stores.)Many moons later, I’m known as the Healing Powers author. I’ve written eight books on superfoods: vinegar, olive oil, chocolate, honey, coffee, tea, superfoods, and essential oils. (Most of these books have been embraced by major book clubs including, One Spirit, Literary Guild, Quality Paperback, and Good Cook.)

Q: Your Healing Power series has also been translated in 20 languages; Congratulations! Tell us a little about the past and new updated and revised olive oil book.

A: When I started the vinegar book, red wine vinegar was supposed to be the new twist.  During my research, however, I discovered while it does contain some good for you compounds like resveratrol (found in red wine), I needed more information to honestly tout vinegar’s health benefits. I fell into the wide world of the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle because it includes not only red wine but healthful olive oil—and that superfood led to the first and second edition—The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, A Complete Guide to Nature’s Liquid Gold, Revised and Updated. The first edition is my second best-selling book and now the second edition has been released--three formats. Vinegar has sold more than 1/4 million copies.
Q:  Did you discover any real surprises while researching your books?

A: I found out that other oils, including coconut and canola, have healing perks. Combining olive oil with other oils can help fight fatigue, infections, and insomnia, and help you to fight fat and shape up! Tea? I'm still in love with chamomile (it keeps you young) and adore white tea! Superfoods? Ah, pizza, cheese, potatoes, ice cream? You betcha. The right kind in moderation, though. 

Q: What's an interesting fact about olive oil that most people don't know?

A:  Discovering the you can combine a variety of oils is becoming more commonplace in the kitchen; even seen on Food Network with its creative celeb chefs as well as every day folks are teaming these oils in entrees to desserts as well as home cures and beauty recipes.

Q: Did you learn something new that will shock readers?

Vinegar and Essential Oils for
American Heart Health MonthA: Bring on the butter—especially the right kind and right amount. When paired with oils, this twentieth-century “forbidden” saturated fat is a new twenty-first-century health food. I’ve learned that while I was sneaking butter into my recipes and diet that I was doing the right thing. Lose the margarine!

Q. Do you have a personal favorite dish that you use two oils instead of just olive oil?

A: Chocolate! I simply adore chocolate semi-homemade brownies. It makes my kitchen smell like I’ve soared to Chocolate Heaven and the taste and crunch with nuts and chewy coconut takes me away to a happy place.

Q. Bonus Question. What's new in your book collection?
A. The Healing Powers of Vinegar, gift size 3rd edition, The Healing Powers of Superfoods and The Healing Powers of Essential Oils are my newest additions. And in production? The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices--a spicy adventure that takes you around the world, past and present.

Superfoods Book Went Back to Press! 2nd Printing!

  By Cal Orey

In a sizzling heat wave during the summertime do you like spicy nachos?  You can find them at convenient stores to restaurants. And these days you, like me, can and likely have made a batch in the comfort of your kitchen. There are a garden-variety of nacho types, which include a quartered tostada or tortilla chips, with topping such as meat, poultry, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Then there are “Irish Nachos” aka nacho potato skins also with these tasty ingredients sprinkled on top of French fries -- and even baked potato wedges.

More than a decade ago, one summer day after swimming (ah, the pre-pandemic days), I was famished. But due to our south shore heat I didn’t want to cook. I didn’t know about nacho potato skins. So, I plopped a handful of multigrain tortilla chips onto a plate; sprinkled cheddar cheese on top. I nuked it until the cheese was hot and bubbly. My Brittanys – two dogs Simon and Seth – were behind me the entire time making this easy snack to create a human challenge. And yeah, this popular appetizer is crunchy, chewy, and gooey. It’s fun and tastes good.

Fast forward to a different time. New dog, and I have a more fussy palate. So, I gave nachos a tater twist for the health of it.

Nacho Potato Skins

6 medium potatoes, russet (or sweet if you prefer)

¼ cup butter

1/2-1 cup cheddar cheese or mozzarella, grated

2-4 Roma tomatoes, chopped (I also used store bought chunky salsa in a plastic container, not a jar)

1-1 1/2 cups lettuce (kale, baby spinach, or iceberg), shredded

1/4-1/2  cup sour cream

Hot peppers (to taste)

½ cup fresh green onion, sliced

Fresh rosemary, minced (to taste)

Chives, fresh or dried (to taste)

Wash taters and bake in the microwave for 15 to 20 minutes. (They are better baked in the oven but due to our heat wave – use the microwave.) Cut potatoes lengthwise or in four quarters (I did it this way.) On a plate, when cool scoop out potato but leave some intact. Brush each potato with butter. Place on a baking sheet and pop ‘em in 450 degrees for about 10 minutes or until crispy. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake a few more minutes. Remove from oven and top the cheesy potatoes with veggies, sour cream, and herbs. Makes 24 wedges or 12 halves. Serves 4-6. You can put leftovers in an airtight container and into the fridge for a day or so.

The bottom line: When you use chips it’s an appetizer as it can be with potatoes. But if you add plenty of toppings – like cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes -- it can be a light lunch or dinner. Embracing novelty can be delightful if we have choices – like choosing toppings for potato skins. Pair your Irish Nachos with iced tea or cold lemonade to chill and feel in control. That can be comforting (like hanging out with a canine companion) during these new and uncertain times.

-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com. 

Spice is the Variety of Healing Powers of Herbs & Spices -- Continues to Get Noticed! in July

    By Cal Orey

UPDATE: Newsmax is offering The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices as a GIFT BOOK. And it will debut in the July issue of Newsmax Magazine! Yes! It is in the issue...

Plus, The Healing Powers of  Herbs & #Spices: Timeless Treasures is on sale at BarnesandNoble website -- 2.99 for the first time!...Summer Special!

This gem made its way through the news. On April 7, an article interviewing the author Cal Orey hit Huffington Post...and the piece was picked up by New York Daily, NY Daily Post, City Buzz, and even more online mags and newspapers! 

The new and timely release (yes, McCormick recently shared its Old Bay Seasoning is "hot"). People are still home-cooking more than ever! The reader-friendly book is now in more than 87 libraries worldwide (multiple copies, checked out); Woman's World Book Club approved Feb. 1 issue; reviewed by Booklist; 100% like it on Goodreads; major media outlet is on board carrying copies; Walmart gave it a Best Seller banner for 2 weeks; Best Seller in top 100 health books on Amazon this month; featured in magazines/newspapers...and the year is young. #9 (Series) The book that'll whisk you away!

Product ImageBest SellerProduct TitleThe Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices (Walmart website)Cal OreyISBN10: 0806540486ISBN: 9780806540481Format:Paperback


The mega-popular Healing Powers series from bestselling nutrition writer Cal Orey continues with its 9th installment, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices, exploring the many ways fresh herbs in your fridge and dried spices in your kitchen cupboard can provide medicinal powers, home cures, weight loss benefits, beauty treatments, and adventurous flavors and textures to enhance plant-based dishes. 
And during the pandemic there is a spice surge because of the home-cooking comeback! The key to vibrant health for all generations is in your kitchen...
Anise, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and more (I use a lot of the McCormick classic brand) --for thousands of years, herbs and spices have been praised for preserving and flavoring food, as well as preventing and curing illnesses. The latest research reveals that the seasonings already in your pantry--or easily found fresh in your supermarket or garden--can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity. This A-to-Z guide catalogues the most popular and versatile herbs and spices, drawn from the Mediterranean Diet but suitable for any diet plan. You will learn how to harness herbalism to heal your body and mind.

Discover how to use nature's gifts including allspice, chives, fennel, oregano, pepper, tarragon, saffron, and special blends like Herbes de Provence to:

●Bring abundant zest to your table while lowering your cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and revving up your metabolism--at any age!
●Ward off colds and flu, banish a hacking cough, and even ease PMS or menopause woes, by adding tasty plant therapy to your favorite food or drink.
●Lessen your anxiety and boost your mood with aromatic natural ingredients found in dried and fresh flavorings.
●Soothe aches and pains without harmful side effects--and trigger feel-good endorphins--using sweet and savory garnishes, including edible flowers.
●Create in-home spa treatments using the same herbal potions featured at luxury spa resorts.
Caraway Breadsticks, anyone? How about Cilantro Lime Slaw, Herbal Greek Bean Soup, or Roasted Paprika Cornish Hens? With over 50 taste-tempting recipes, along with personal stories and fascinating historical anecdotes on medicinal uses dating back to biblical times, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices is your go-to guide to embracing limitless energy and healthy longevity while feasting on memorable meals full of aroma and deliciousness!

Honey, Tea, and Berries for Fourth of July

By Cal Orey Ah, Strawberry shortcake is a popular dessert...
In the 20th century I savored this treat with store bought round angel cake, strawberries, and whipped cream from a can. It’s a dish with ties to the Deep South—a place where biscuits are common as strawberries are in Northern California, often from Watsonville. And pairing homemade biscuits and fresh strawberries from our Golden State is a way to make this shortcake be a cut above the cake in a box.Several years ago, during the summer I was stung by a wasp here on the South Shore. It came from the under the steps under the deck. A pest expert came out to the cabin but he didn’t find anything. I insisted there had to be a nest. After what seemed like eternity, the man found a wasp shell the size of small watermelon. But the welt on my arm hurt for the afternoon. Strawberry shortcake (store bought pound cake) made me feel a bit better as did putting Manuka honey on it. (It’s a type of honey with medicinal effects for skin.)

 What’s more, I whipped up a 21st century old fashioned strawberry shortcake for old time’s sake with fresh biscuits made from scratch for a rustic, mountain appeal.
Berries Shortcake
1 ¼ cups self-rising flour

1 tablespoon granulated pure sugar

¼ cup European style butter

½ cup buttermilk or organic half & half

Extra flour for biscuit dough

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon fresh orange rind

* Or you can substitute store bought chocolate or regular pound cake or large croissants (I have these in the fridge ready to pop open and bake) 1 cup fresh strawberries and blackberries, sliced

2 teaspoons honey

1 cup vanilla gelato pr premium ice cream

Confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)

Real whipped cream (optional)

In a medium bowl, combine flour and sugar. Add cold cubes of butter. Mix well. Pour milk into mixture. Using your hands, mold dough into a ball. Place onto a floured cutting board. Knead dough and form into a rectangle. Using a biscuit or cookie cutter cut out biscuits. Place biscuits into 8” by 8” baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and rind. Bake at 425 degrees for about 10 minutes or until light brown on top and bottom.  Remove and cool for a few minutes. Slice in half. Place in small round or oval ramekin. Top bottom biscuit with a scoop of gelato (or whipped cream), put top on. Add berries. Sprinkle with sugar. Serves 4.

This sweet dessert pairs nicely with chamomile tea. Using honey, however, can help make these outdoor challenges seem small and the berry dessert will help you chill and celebrate the holiday, too. 

Independence Day Croissants Celebration with Superfoods

By Cal Orey

On one early July summer trip to Victoria, British Columbia I savored many things.  I planned to escape Fourth of July crowds. It worked...

Not a lot of celebrations or activity in Canada when I was there. Another memory on the Fourth of July away from home was the concierge dining room’s appetizer bar. At 5:00 P.M., I entered the highest floor of the hotel, with its picturesque panoramic view of the boat harbor, into a room complete with special food for special people staying on top floor rooms.

My dinner? A custom-tailored cheese plate, sort of. I scooped up a plate full of edibles, including crackers, cheeses, olives, croissants, and berries. It’s the stuff at eat when I’m home on the south shore. It quelled the homesickness. I fled back to my suite, with its own million-dollar Inner Harbor view. I munched on the memorable feast or one.

Not only did I appreciate the solitude, but it was the fresh, over-sized croissant decorated with cream cheese and a variety of berries that was something to celebrate. So, this recipe is inspired by the getaway that gave me memories to cherish.

California Croissants

Croissants (I used Pillsbury Grands!)

Honey Walnut Filling

(Make twice the amount if you use Grands! These measurements work fine for regular croissants)

¼ cup honey

1 cup walnuts, finely chopped

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cream cheese

Berries (strawberries, blackberries or blueberries), sliced

Confectioners’ sugar (for topping after baked)

You can bake homemade croissants by using dry yeast, milk, flour, sale, an egg white, and cornstarch – but why when we’re coping with a heat wave. Take the easy route and use quality pop open and bake croissants. You can buy pre-made croissants but they will not be warm out of the oven. Place triangles on a cutting board. Set aside. In a bowl, combine honey, walnuts, and cinnamon. Place a large spoonful of filling onto the wide part of each triangle. Begin with the wide end and roll into a crescent shape. Repeat. Let set in the fridge for about 15 minutes. I used a knife and lightly added slice marks to make the rolls look pretty. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 15 to 20 minute or until the bottoms are golden brown. Makes 8. (Each roll without toppings is 150 calories, 3 grams saturated fat, 320 milligrams sodium, and 4 grams total sugar.)

Here comes the healthier California part  -- our immune-boosting California berries, nuts, and honey. When cool, slice in half and spread with cream cheese. Top with berries of your choice. Sprinkle each croissant with confectioners’ sugar. Or drizzle with melted dark chocolate. So, yes, these Fourth of July croissants are festive and have plenty of texture with the nuts and berries, a kick of spice and sweet nature’s nectar. (I recommend local honey.) Also, the flaky croissants make it a perfect dessert but can also be enjoyed at breakfast or brunch. Enjoy one or two with iced tea or coffee. Your taste buds will experience a festive explosion of flavors!

-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com.

Boost Your Immune Health with Superfoods, Honey, Tea, Herbs and Spices...

Honey Powers Book Gets Another Bestseller Banner -- Walmart!

 By Cal Orey

The Healing Powers of Honey: The Healthy & Green Choice to Sweeten Packed with Immune-Boosting Antioxidants

UPDATE: Naturopathy - Walmart.com The Healing Powers of Honey has been graced with the Bestseller BannerUPDATE:  The honey book sold hundreds of copies -- all formats -- in the past two weeks! It's the must-have read for summer! The Healing Powers of Honey (Healing Powers Series) Kindle Editionby Cal Orey   (Author)  Format: Kindle Edition4.4 out of 5 stars    231 ratingsPart of: Healing Powers (7 Books)#1 Best Seller in Antioxidants & PhytochemicalsBy Cal Orey
HONEY CURES FROM YOUR KITCHEN

Discover Honey’s Amazing Bee- Healthy Powers

Did you know?... Known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” honey was praised for its healing powers as far back as 5,000 years ago by Egyptians.

Drawing on the 21st century honey buzz, health author Cal Orey reveals enlightening honey home remedies, straight from the book The Healing Powers of Honey: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Remarkable Nectar! (Kensington)

Here are 10 common health ailments from A to Z and amazing at-home honey cures. These are tried-and-true folk remedies based on scientific studies, real-life stories, medical doctors, researchers, and beekeepers. But caution, consult your health-care practitioner before putting to work any honey cure.

1 ALLERGIES (Stop seasonal misery): Dealing with annoying sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing is no picnic, thanks to seasonal pollen. But honey may come to your rescue.What Honey Rx to Use:  Try eating a tablespoon of locally produced honey. Proponents of honey tell me that your immune system will get used to the local pollen in it (it should be within a 50-mile radius from where you live).

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  By taking the honey cure, you may lose your allergy symptoms. It’s worth the effort and is less pricey than a visit to the doctor or an allergist. Honey may enhance the immune system to build up a better arsenal against airborne allergens—and help you breathe easier. Honeycomb may line the entire breathing tract.

2 ANXIETY (Beat the jitters monster): When anxiety hits (often worsened by stress) you know it like when an earthquake strikes. Anxiety can wreak havoc on your nervous system and up your odds of experiencing heart disease, stress eating, and other health problems.

What Honey Rx to Use: If you’re under pressure and feeling high anxiety or sense a stressful event is in the works, make a cup of chamomile tea. Put in 1 teaspoon of your favorite honey. Repeat twice a day as needed.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  Honey—all hundreds of varietals—is touted by folk medicine healers for its calming effects. The natural superfood can help sooth your nerves rather than put you in higher anxiety mode. The relief if provides may be due to its multiple vitamin B content—anti-stress vitamins.

3  COUGH (Outfox irritating hacking):  A cough is another unwelcome visitor and can make you feel terrible. Let’s face it, cough medicine can be pricey, doesn’t taste good, and may or may not do its job.

What Honey Rx to Use:  A teaspoon of buckwheat honey is recommended before bed. Or you can make syrup of 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Repeat each remedy as needed.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  A group of Penn State College of Medicine researchers discovered that honey may be the cure. The findings showed that buckwheat honey at bedtime was more powerful for curing a cough in children than a cough suppressant found in over-the-counter medications. It is believed that honey will act as a sedative to the nervous system.

4 ENERGY DRAIN (Beat low energy): Getting your cough under control is a good thing, but then what if your energy plummets?  Liquid gold may be the answer again.

What Honey Rx to Use: Each morning include a teaspoon of bee pollen in your breakfast. Go ahead and take it solo. Or try The Honey Association’s Energy Drink recipe:  ¼ pint orange juice, ¼ pint natural yogurt, 2 tablespoons clear honey. Place all the ingredients in a liquidizer and blend until smooth. Pour into two tall glasses. Serves two people.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: Honey is a source of natural unrefined sugars and carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed by the body. That means, you’ll get a quick energy boost with long-lasting effects. Athletes include it in their daily diets. It was even used by runners at the Olympic Games in ancient Greece.

5 HEADACHE (Bye-bye, pain): Fatigue and headaches are not to be taken with a grain of salt, because it can hurt oh, so bad. There are different types of headaches, and some kinds may benefit from the honey bee’s gift.

What Honey Rx to Use:  One cup of tea with 1 teaspoon of honey (the darker the varietal the better) is the remedy. Repeat as needed. Also, drink plenty of water and relax.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  “The way honey might work for tension headaches,” says New York Headache Center’s Alex Mauskop, M.D., “is by treating hypoglycemia, which can cause tension and migraines.” He adds that some antioxidants can help prevent headaches, as can magnesium and vitamin B. So turning to antioxidant-rich honey may be a sweet remedy.

6 INSOMNIA  (Find sweet dreams): Getting rid of a headache is a challenge, but not getting adequate shut-eye can have long-term effects, too.

What Rx to Use: Take 1 or 2 teaspoons of your favorite honey, especially before going to bed. Try sipping a cup of 2 percent low-fat milk with a dash of cinnamon. The tryptophan in milk will help to calm you.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  It’s a magic trick, according to The Honey Revolution author Ron Fessenden, M.D., providing needed glycogen to the liver so the brain doesn’t go in search of extra fuel in the earl A.M. hours when you should be in Dreamland. “Consuming honey before bedtime also reduces the release of  adrenaline, a catecholamine that raises blood pressure and heart rate,” adds the honey guru.

7 SORE THROAT (Take the sting away): Not sleeping is miserable, but a sore throat can drag you down, too, where don’t feel like walking or talking. Honey has been used as a home for centuries to help sooth one of the symptoms associated with a common cold—namely, a killer sore throat.

What Honey Rx to Use:  For relief of symptoms, take a spoonful of your buckwheat honey, as often as you need, to relieve irritation. In between, sip a cup of tea with honey. Also, try pure honeycomb and honey sticks. Don’t forget all-natural honey-lemon lozenges, which also coat the throat for quick relief.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: One, honey will coat your sore throat, the symptom of the cause. Two, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will help heal the culprit causing your pain.

8 WAIST WHITTLER (Blast belly fat): Twitches to tummy bulge… if you have a bulging tummy, you’d probably consider a sore throat is easier to get rid of. But wait; there are things you can do to get a flat tummy.

What Honey Rx to Use:  Both morning and night, drink an 8-ounce glass or mug of tea (dandelion or parsley boasts diuretic effects), with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Team this potion with grazing and watch your fat and sugar intake.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: Honey and apple cider vinegar contain the bloat-busting mineral potassium. Also, turning to honey will help you to eat fewer sugary treats and enjoy a flatter stomach.

9 WOUNDS (Heal cuts and scrapes):  Once you get a flat stomach, what do you do if you stub your toe or cut your finger? Honey is believed by scientists, such as Dr. Peter Molan to be one of nature’s most powerful wound dressings, which really works.

What Honey Rx to Use: Try manuka honey, available in many forms. It’s available online in lotions, creams, and bandages. Apply as directed.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: Honey can numb pain. It is osmotic and attracts water. Since bacteria are mostly made of water, they are sucked dry in the presence of honey. Bacteria are further inhibited by honey because the golden liquid produces hydrogen peroxide and is acidic (like vinegar). Honey activates the immune response by providing glucose for the white blood cells. It speeds up the healing process.

          So go ahead and use the type of honey advised or your own preference; all-natural, raw honey, dark varietals are recommended for best results. (Warning: To avoid infant botulism, do not fee honey to a baby who is younger than one year.)

GIFTS FROM THE HIVE

v Eating antioxidant-rich honey can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes—even help reduce body fat and unwanted weight!—and increase longevity.

v Pure, raw, unprocessed honey is a healthier sweetener than table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. It’s chock-full of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins—and only has 21 calories per teaspoon.

v Super “bee foods” (including nutrient-rich bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly) are used and touted for their healing powers by beekeepers and medical experts in the present-day.v You’ll also enjoy Cleopatra’s milk-and-honey beauty treatments and eco-friendly beeswax household uses—all made with the amazing honey bee’s gifts!

Leaving Tahoe to Canada for the 4th of July was Heaven

 By Cal Orey

This year there is no escaping the Heat Wave. We're dealing with covid variants so getting on a jet plane is still on hold until November. Alaska. Meanwhile, I'm getting ready to begin restructuring a fascinating novel...but the heat is anything but intriguing. Tourists will be here for the fourth and I'm creating oasis by oasis to try and retreat from all the chaos. Note to self: Fix stereo earphones.  But a couple of years ago, I did flee to sweet Canada (the borders are still closed) and the long trek was worth it...

This time of year at the grocery store seeing watermelons is a common sight. While this red melon (usually with seeds) is not my favorite fruit—it is a summertime favorite. I caved and tossed a small watermelon into the cart next to other seasonal fresh fruit. A watermelon fruit salad can make this no-cook food something to love...
Last week I did flee the Langolier-type tourist invasion, ending up in Victoria, British Columbia--a beautiful, calm retreat. 
One treat of the hotel I stayed at was a breakfast buffet in the concierge room. I recall seeing fresh pieces of a variety of summer fruit including pineapple, green apples, oranges, and watermelon. While I didn’t include them on my plate with a croissant, scrambled eggs, orange juice, and a large cup of coffee—I do remember the bright red chunks but it was the green apples I took back to my room for snacks. 

Actually it wasn’t the fresh fruit that wowed me as much as the room with a view overlooking Victoria Harbour. I did bond with a seal at Victoria Pier. I experienced plenty of shops and eateries, boats and house boats, all full of charm. One of my goals for this adventure was to smell sea air, go on a boat ride, and bond with a seal like I used to do in San Francisco. After a pool swim in the morning, I strolled on the pier in search of seal. Almost immediately my eyes met with one single marine mammal in the water. It swam inland right up to me as if to say, “Hello! Welcome to Victoria.” I said, “Hey! What a good boy!” Once the seal was close to me (and the tourists could see clearly it was swimming in my direction) I snapped a photo or two and felt an instant connection to Mother Nature’s creature and Canada’s water.

Watermelon Summertime Salad Bowl

* * * 1 mini round seedless watermelon

Assorted fruit, 2 cups watermelon chunks, ½ cup each of sliced strawberries, orange slices, apple chunks, and peaches

2 tablespoons raw honey (local)                            

1 lemon, juice  

Cinnamon, nutmeg to taste

Using a sharp knife, slice a thick slice from bottom of watermelon to make a flat base so the melon will lie nicely on a large dish. Slice the melon in half. Scoop out melon of one half. Slice it like a checkerboard. Make horizontal and vertical cuts for watermelon square chunks. Scoop fruit out and place in a bowl, add other fruit. (It works well with kiwi, grapes and other melons.) Mix in honey, lemon, and spices. Cover and chill in refrigerator. Serve in bowls and top with Greek yogurt or gelato. Serves 6-8. 

This watermelon fruit salad is easy on the eyes and good for you, too. Watermelon is low in fat and calories, plus it provides some nutrients, including vitamin C and disease-fighting antioxidants. A watermelon salad like this one makes a super centerpiece for a picnic outdoors, brunch, or after dinner dessert. It’s easy to make and will help you chill, and give you time to enjoy the water at Lake Tahoe or escape to British Columbia's waters during our heat wave. Enjoy.

Honey Powers Book Gets Another Bestseller Banner -- Walmart!

 By Cal Orey

By Cal Orey

The Healing Powers of Honey: The Healthy & Green Choice to Sweeten Packed with Immune-Boosting AntioxidantsUPDATE: Naturopathy - Walmart.com The Healing Powers of Honey has been graced with the Bestseller BannerUPDATE:  The honey book sold hundreds of copies -- all formats -- in the past two weeks! It's the must-have read for summer! The Healing Powers of Honey (Healing Powers Series) Kindle Editionby Cal Orey   (Author)  Format: Kindle Edition4.4 out of 5 stars    231 ratingsPart of: Healing Powers (7 Books)#1 Best Seller in Antioxidants & PhytochemicalsBy Cal Orey
HONEY CURES FROM YOUR KITCHEN

Discover Honey’s Amazing Bee- Healthy Powers

Did you know?... Known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” honey was praised for its healing powers as far back as 5,000 years ago by Egyptians.

Drawing on the 21st century honey buzz, health author Cal Orey reveals enlightening honey home remedies, straight from the book The Healing Powers of Honey: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Remarkable Nectar! (Kensington)

Here are 10 common health ailments from A to Z and amazing at-home honey cures. These are tried-and-true folk remedies based on scientific studies, real-life stories, medical doctors, researchers, and beekeepers. But caution, consult your health-care practitioner before putting to work any honey cure.

1 ALLERGIES (Stop seasonal misery): Dealing with annoying sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing is no picnic, thanks to seasonal pollen. But honey may come to your rescue.What Honey Rx to Use:  Try eating a tablespoon of locally produced honey. Proponents of honey tell me that your immune system will get used to the local pollen in it (it should be within a 50-mile radius from where you live).

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  By taking the honey cure, you may lose your allergy symptoms. It’s worth the effort and is less pricey than a visit to the doctor or an allergist. Honey may enhance the immune system to build up a better arsenal against airborne allergens—and help you breathe easier. Honeycomb may line the entire breathing tract.

2 ANXIETY (Beat the jitters monster): When anxiety hits (often worsened by stress) you know it like when an earthquake strikes. Anxiety can wreak havoc on your nervous system and up your odds of experiencing heart disease, stress eating, and other health problems.

What Honey Rx to Use: If you’re under pressure and feeling high anxiety or sense a stressful event is in the works, make a cup of chamomile tea. Put in 1 teaspoon of your favorite honey. Repeat twice a day as needed.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  Honey—all hundreds of varietals—is touted by folk medicine healers for its calming effects. The natural superfood can help sooth your nerves rather than put you in higher anxiety mode. The relief if provides may be due to its multiple vitamin B content—anti-stress vitamins.

3  COUGH (Outfox irritating hacking):  A cough is another unwelcome visitor and can make you feel terrible. Let’s face it, cough medicine can be pricey, doesn’t taste good, and may or may not do its job.

What Honey Rx to Use:  A teaspoon of buckwheat honey is recommended before bed. Or you can make syrup of 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Repeat each remedy as needed.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  A group of Penn State College of Medicine researchers discovered that honey may be the cure. The findings showed that buckwheat honey at bedtime was more powerful for curing a cough in children than a cough suppressant found in over-the-counter medications. It is believed that honey will act as a sedative to the nervous system.

4 ENERGY DRAIN (Beat low energy): Getting your cough under control is a good thing, but then what if your energy plummets?  Liquid gold may be the answer again.

What Honey Rx to Use: Each morning include a teaspoon of bee pollen in your breakfast. Go ahead and take it solo. Or try The Honey Association’s Energy Drink recipe:  ¼ pint orange juice, ¼ pint natural yogurt, 2 tablespoons clear honey. Place all the ingredients in a liquidizer and blend until smooth. Pour into two tall glasses. Serves two people.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: Honey is a source of natural unrefined sugars and carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed by the body. That means, you’ll get a quick energy boost with long-lasting effects. Athletes include it in their daily diets. It was even used by runners at the Olympic Games in ancient Greece.

5 HEADACHE (Bye-bye, pain): Fatigue and headaches are not to be taken with a grain of salt, because it can hurt oh, so bad. There are different types of headaches, and some kinds may benefit from the honey bee’s gift.

What Honey Rx to Use:  One cup of tea with 1 teaspoon of honey (the darker the varietal the better) is the remedy. Repeat as needed. Also, drink plenty of water and relax.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  “The way honey might work for tension headaches,” says New York Headache Center’s Alex Mauskop, M.D., “is by treating hypoglycemia, which can cause tension and migraines.” He adds that some antioxidants can help prevent headaches, as can magnesium and vitamin B. So turning to antioxidant-rich honey may be a sweet remedy.

6 INSOMNIA  (Find sweet dreams): Getting rid of a headache is a challenge, but not getting adequate shut-eye can have long-term effects, too.

What Rx to Use: Take 1 or 2 teaspoons of your favorite honey, especially before going to bed. Try sipping a cup of 2 percent low-fat milk with a dash of cinnamon. The tryptophan in milk will help to calm you.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  It’s a magic trick, according to The Honey Revolution author Ron Fessenden, M.D., providing needed glycogen to the liver so the brain doesn’t go in search of extra fuel in the earl A.M. hours when you should be in Dreamland. “Consuming honey before bedtime also reduces the release of  adrenaline, a catecholamine that raises blood pressure and heart rate,” adds the honey guru.

7 SORE THROAT (Take the sting away): Not sleeping is miserable, but a sore throat can drag you down, too, where don’t feel like walking or talking. Honey has been used as a home for centuries to help sooth one of the symptoms associated with a common cold—namely, a killer sore throat.

What Honey Rx to Use:  For relief of symptoms, take a spoonful of your buckwheat honey, as often as you need, to relieve irritation. In between, sip a cup of tea with honey. Also, try pure honeycomb and honey sticks. Don’t forget all-natural honey-lemon lozenges, which also coat the throat for quick relief.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: One, honey will coat your sore throat, the symptom of the cause. Two, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will help heal the culprit causing your pain.

8 WAIST WHITTLER (Blast belly fat): Twitches to tummy bulge… if you have a bulging tummy, you’d probably consider a sore throat is easier to get rid of. But wait; there are things you can do to get a flat tummy.

What Honey Rx to Use:  Both morning and night, drink an 8-ounce glass or mug of tea (dandelion or parsley boasts diuretic effects), with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Team this potion with grazing and watch your fat and sugar intake.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: Honey and apple cider vinegar contain the bloat-busting mineral potassium. Also, turning to honey will help you to eat fewer sugary treats and enjoy a flatter stomach.

9 WOUNDS (Heal cuts and scrapes):  Once you get a flat stomach, what do you do if you stub your toe or cut your finger? Honey is believed by scientists, such as Dr. Peter Molan to be one of nature’s most powerful wound dressings, which really works.

What Honey Rx to Use: Try manuka honey, available in many forms. It’s available online in lotions, creams, and bandages. Apply as directed.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: Honey can numb pain. It is osmotic and attracts water. Since bacteria are mostly made of water, they are sucked dry in the presence of honey. Bacteria are further inhibited by honey because the golden liquid produces hydrogen peroxide and is acidic (like vinegar). Honey activates the immune response by providing glucose for the white blood cells. It speeds up the healing process.

          So go ahead and use the type of honey advised or your own preference; all-natural, raw honey, dark varietals are recommended for best results. (Warning: To avoid infant botulism, do not fee honey to a baby who is younger than one year.)

GIFTS FROM THE HIVE

v Eating antioxidant-rich honey can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes—even help reduce body fat and unwanted weight!—and increase longevity.

v Pure, raw, unprocessed honey is a healthier sweetener than table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. It’s chock-full of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins—and only has 21 calories per teaspoon.

v Super “bee foods” (including nutrient-rich bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly) are used and touted for their healing powers by beekeepers and medical experts in the present-day.v You’ll also enjoy Cleopatra’s milk-and-honey beauty treatments and eco-friendly beeswax household uses—all made with the amazing honey bee’s gifts!