Stuff I Swear By - Kale

Mmmmm, leeeeaaafffy greeeeeens.....

Okay, I know not everyone shares my passion for a head-sized bowl of plain ol' steamed kale, and I'm okay with that. But if you find yourself running in the other direction at the thought of this amazing and much-maligned vegetable, please slow down a sec, Sam-I-Am, and hear what I have to say about it.

It's good for you. Yes, I know I sound like your mother. But here are some specifics:

Kale, like other dark leafy greens, contains chlorophyll. You know that, um, BO problem you're having? Anything more offensive than natural sweat is usually a sign of toxicity in the digestive tract. Same with bad breath. Chlorophyll neutralizes the odor. (Wonder why that sprig of parsley is sitting on your plate at a restaurant dinner? Cleanses the palate after eating... more conducive to after-dinner smooching!)

Kale contains:

• blood-enhancing iron
• cancer-preventing phytonutrients
• pro-vitamin A (which I just learned can actually help prevent the adverse effects of smoking or being around smokers)
  
• vitamin C for immunity and protection against rheumatoid arthritis
• lots o' calcium (great for vegans or lactose-intolerant folks!)
• vitamin E which can help to slow loss of mental function.
  
• Oh, and fiber! Gotta have the fiber...

The iron and calcium content, by the way? Great for relieving some PMS and menstrual symptoms...just saying....

Kale is a hardy vegetable, meaning it loves a little frost. This gives it a bit of a sweet flavor (when grown in the north). I learned this little tidbit while watching my Florida-dwelling mom cook the crap out of a pot of kale, and she told me it would taste bitter otherwise. Ahh, the stuff grown down south would, because it's not kissed by that bit of frost. (And surprisingly, her overcooked kale with a ton of garlic was quite tasty, but that's the magic of my mom..)

How I eat it: Like I said, lightly steamed, and with a splash of olive or flax seed oil, and gomashio (a condiment made of crushed toasted sesame seeds and sea salt). I also chop it up and add it to soup, stir-fries, my kids' beloved ramen, on boat with a goat, in the rain on a train...

You're a raw foodie? It can prepared thusly as well...the exact recipe escapes me, but I remember some marinating in olive oil, lemon juice and a little cayenne being involved. I'll have to search for that recipe. It's a bit tough to break down otherwise without the marinating or steaming. (I have thrown it in my juicer too, with carrots and apples...)

Already a fan? Join the club! And if you're not, (yet) read more. Or better yet, just taste some! Go on, it's good for you!

Other stuff I swear by:

My Caddie Knife

Nettle Tea

Ayate Washcloth

Kale Chips

PMS Survey

A few months ago, I made this small ebook about PMS and menstrual relief based on what I've learned through practicing shiatsu, and also what's worked for me over the years. And then I got it in my head that it might be more user-friendly with a workbook or course of some kind. But as a responsible and compassionate marketer, I should hand over the mike to my readers to see what was needed.

So I created this survey. (Feel free to chime in... it's only three questions..)

Click Here to take survey

And when only the first few responses came in, I knew that one, I was on the right track, and two, there is a great deal of suffering going on out there. Perhaps needlessly.

One sweet woman hesitantly but graciously offered her input even though she has "PMDD", which admittedly I had to look up. She was concerned that the extremity of her symptoms might skew my results, and I must say I did have to stop and think for a moment. I had to consider whether what I was taking the intensity of some women's cycles seriously enough and question whether my offering could stand along side the claims of prescription meds.

My brief research into PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) told me that it's a severe form of PMS, with emotional and physical symptoms that can disrupt your relationships and your life.

I recognize that women in this category need (a lot) more support than whifty visualizations and whimsical illustrations. I worried that my own relatively easy experiences with PMS might blind me to what women really need. And I've also learned, as with conditions like fibromyalgia, the idea that your mindset might need to be addressed sounds way too much like being told that your problems are all in your head. This is not at all what I've been saying, though I will emphasize that I believe healing does begin in the mind.

Also, upon further pondering of this topic last night, I was amazed at how easily one forgets, namely me.

In the previous paragraph, I stated how my own cycles were relatively 'easy'. After reading the PMDD descriptions a few more times, I was transported back to a time between 10 and 18 years ago when I was positive I was going insane, and that I was posing a potential serious threat to my children and myself. In a future post I'll go into this further, but I remember coming to the realization that this insanity was not only temporary but cyclical, though I still had not made the connection between it and my menstrual cycle.

Duh.

Anyway, I'm on a mission. And I'd like your help. Please take my short survey... tell me what's going on with you.. help me discover how I can help you. And in return, I'll include you in my review group when my offering comes out. The first twenty people who include their email address in the survey will be given a free book or course, or whatever this thing shapes up to be.

I'd really love to hear from you.

Click Here to take survey

Stuff I Swear By - Nettle Tea

By the quart, baby. 'Cuz that's how I roll...Yep. Urtica dioica. The stinging variety. But, not to worry, when dried or cooked the sting is deactivated.

Nettle tea, or more like an infusion in this case, is one of the suggestions I make in my PMS ebook, and I gotta say, while I had gotten away from making this for a while, I did get back to it this past month, and what a difference I felt in my cycle. Little to no mood swings, only one or two cramps, a brief drowsy spell easily alleviated by a quick nap. Unlike the all-day dragging I typically feel.

Was it the tea? Who knows? But nettle is rich in chlorophyll, and iron, which makes it ideal for that time of the month.

Because nettle is is a nutritive herb, it's gentle enough to ingest regularly and it is packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, B complex vitamins, C complex, vitamins A, D and K. It's long been traditionally used to strengthen the kidneys and adrenal glands. Perfect for so many of us who are stressed and now being diagnosed with yet another vague label, 'adrenal fatigue'.

Here's a cool article about nettle and how to use it, called "The Glory of Nettles".

As you can see, I make mine a quart at a time, as per Susun Weed's method (which you can learn about here). I drink it throughout the day and if for some reason, I don't make it through the whole jar (you will notice after about 12 hours, the liquid will turn a much darker green, and lose some of it's potency..after which you can use it as a nourishing hair rinse. (Healthy hair is a reflection of healthy Kidney chi... see how that works?)

How does it taste? Had to describe. Very mild though, and I usually put in a small amount of honey, though I think it would fine without it.

Where do I get nettles? Well, I do have a flourishing nettle patch in my yard (much to hubby's dismay) but when I've had to get it elsewhere, I order from Heartsong Farm Healing Herbs in New Hampshire. I buy it in bulk, because when you make it regularly and by the quart, it goes pretty quickly.

Heartsong is a little pricier than other places, but let me tell you, when you hold their stuff up next to, say a larger supplier whose product you find in health food stores, you will be amazed at the difference.. in color and texture, and in flavor. (And if herbs are processed in such a way that they still retain their vivid color, then you know they essential properties are still intact.)

**(Okay a quick check shows that they are currently out for now.. another drawback of dealing with a small family farm.. but get on their mailing list, and in the meantime, check your local stores for what's available...)

Other benefits of nettle?

• Nettle shoots (eaten during the spring) helps to clean body of toxins
• Nettle tincture, started taken six weeks before allergy season hits is said to make that ordeal easier
• Reduces symptoms of goat and arthritis by improving the excretion of uric acid
• Used for treatment of urinary retention caused by enlarged prostate

PMS Got You Down?

I am thrilled to announce the 'release' of my first ebook.. pictured here.

Yeah, to the left.

"Dancing Through Your Cycle" is 20 fun-filled pages (well, 17, if you don't count the cover, the introduction and the legalese) .. 17 fun-filled pages of acupressure points, stretches, recipes and mindset-shifting dealing with that 'dreaded time of the month'.

Whether you do, indeed, dread it, or even just want a more empowered means of navigating PMS and your period, "Dancing Through Your Cycle" translates the discomforts of your menstrual cycle into "shiatsu-ese" and give you the tools not only for relief, but for harnessing the power of this highly intuitive time.

Just $10 (but as you can see below, SO worth it at that price)!

Cool, huh?**Here's what some nice people are saying about it:"Wow Gina... this book is amazing! It's packed with so many great insights and useful info, and I love the very personal tone of writing, as if you are really speaking to me. The pictures you used are so quaint and appropriate as well. You've done a superb job. I think this book is going to be a hit for your women clients and anyone who has PMS problems. Well done!" ~ Lena Chen, Holistic Therapist"I can honestly say this is a wonderful book - and for $10 - it's a steal. This book provides fantastic insight that will help you move through your cycle with ease and grace. Because of this book, I've got a different outlook on all the "fun" things that go on for me as a woman. The advice Gina provides is solid. And the self-care techniques are easy to do and really do provide relief."Jenn Givler, Holistic Business Coach "...may I say what a wonderful resource this for women?" ~ Suzanne Tucker, Co-Owner of Brentwood Center of Health