Cinnamon:

Not only is cinnamon tasty but it is also good for us too!

1)      Cinnamon has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. May help in fighting yeast infections, head lice, and stomach ulcers.

2)      When added to food it inhibits bacterial growth which makes it a natural food preservative.

3)      Anti-inflammatory properties.

4)      Cinnamon may actually help control type 2 diabetes and blood sugar levels.

5)      Smelling Cinnamon can help boost cognitive  function and memory

6)      It is a great source of magnesium, fiber, and iron and calcium.

Cinnamon Essential Oil:

Aromatic Description: Much richer in aroma than ground cinnamon. (Ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks is usually not cinnamon at all but is cassia.

Cinnamon Essential Oil is peppery, earthy, spicy, bright yet slightly woodsy. Oil distilled from the bark of the cinnamon tree is preferred over the oil distilled from the leaves. Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil, however, tends to be much more costly.

Cinnamon Oil Uses: Constipation, exhaustion, flatulence, lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, scabies, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 58-67.]

Safety Information: Cinnamon Oil is a mucous membrane irritant and strong skin sensitizer. Avoid in alcoholism, in hemophilia, in prostatic cancer, with kidney and liver problems and if taking anticoagulants. Only the oil from the leaf should be used. The oil from the bark is too hazardous.

*Cinnamon recipe:

Cinnamon Twists

Brush store-bought pizza dough with butter, roll in cinnamon sugar, then twist and bake for an easy treat.

Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes.

Warm regards and love,
Erin

Exfoliating!

Wow, if your skin is anything like mine during these cold winter months you will need to exfoliate often. Exfoliating not only keeps the skin smooth and silky it is beneficial for new cell growth and regeneration.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money or any money at all because you probably have most of these ingredients right in your house.

Here are a few all natural home remedies you can use tonight!

Milk

Milk is a smoothing remedy to dry, irritated skin that has been used for hundreds of years. In fact, historians claim that Cleopatra often used to soak in a bath of milk. While this type of a bath may not be time or cost effective for you, you can still get the benefits of milk. Soak a clean washcloth in a bowl of whole milk, wring it out and carefully drape the cloth over your face. The lactic acid that is found within the milk will help to exfoliate the skin–and the fat will help provide a softer feel. Keep the washcloth on your face for approximately five minutes, and then remove and carefully wipe off any remaining milk.

Olive Oil and Sugar

If you want to exfoliate your entire body, a mixture of olive oil and sugar may be a better choice. Start by combining two to three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with half a cup of white sugar. Use this as both a face and body exfoliant. This mixture can be especially effective if you are suffering from dry skin–the olive oil is effective in helping skin retain moisture while it is being exfoliated. Olive oil is safe to use anywhere on the body, and will not clog pores. Legend has it that some Mediterranean women applied olive oil to their faces before bedtime to prevent wrinkles and fine lines from developing.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is probably the most common natural way to exfoliate skin. Combine one cup of oatmeal with a sprinkling of dried lavender and process until it is very fine. Add a few teaspoons of water, and use as a facial scrub. This mixture is not only effective at exfoliating skin, but it is also very cost effective. For this exfoliant, be sure to use old-fashioned oatmeal–quick oats or instant oatmeal won’t produce the same results.

Pumice Stones

For especially dry, rough, or calloused spots on your feet and heels, a pumice stone may prove to be effective. Pumice is a type of stone that is made by volcanoes, and typically ranges in color from cream to light gray. You can find pumice stones in health and beauty supply stores, and even some specialty department stores. Use them on the roughest part of your heels while the skin is wet and soapy. Make sure to rinse the pumice stone completely after use in order to remove any dead skin, bacteria, or germs that may have gotten caught in one of the cracks of the stone. Using a dirty pumice stone can lead to serious infection.

Warm regard and love -
Erin

Chicken and White Bean Chili: recipe

Oh my word, this is so good!  I am not a huge chili fan but this is something I stumbled upon and tried and absolutely loved. It is hearty, healthy and is so tasty. I love it and I hope you do too -  Enjoy!

1 Tbls vegetable oil

1 onion chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

1, 14oz can chicken broth

1, 18oz can tomatillos drained and chopped

1, 16oz can diced tomatoes

1, 7oz can diced green chilies (optional)

½ teaspoons dried oregano and coriander

¼ tsp cumin

1 pound diced cooked chicken meat. ( I used a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.)

2, 10-15oz can white beans ( any kind will work ) rinsed and drained

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot sauté onions in vegetable oil until soft. Add garlic until fragrant.

Stir in broth, tomatillos, chilies and spices and bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes.

Add chicken and beans and simmer for another ½ hour to an hour. Cooking longer will not hurt this recipe. I also smashed some of the white beans before I put them in the pot to help thicken.

Serve with tortilla chips on the side or over rice.

Warm regards and love,
Erin