In Your Cupboard, Good For You - Split Peas

Pease Porridge hot, pease porridge cold....either way, Split Peas are one of the most inexpensive super foods you can have in your cupboard.

Split Pea dishes are easy to make, either as a soup, dahl (sauce/dip), or even dessert (see below).

So what makes Split Peas so good for you?

Example: 1 cup of cooked split peas provides (approximately):
- 16 grams of protein
- 41 grams of carbohydrates (as starch & fiber)
- 16 grams of fiber (both soluable & insoluable)
- less than 1 gram of sodium
- low on the glycemic index (great for those wanting to lose weight or balance blood sugar levels)
- B vitamins
- both Magnesium & Potassium (high amounts of each, plus other minerals)
- lutein (important antioxidant for eye retina health & blue light absorption)

And another great benefit of split peas, they chelate (bind to) heavy metals (especially lead, mercury & cadmium) & help remove them from the body. Split peas also come in a variety of colors (yellow, red, green) which makes them a 'fun' food.

Example: I like to use yellow or green split peas for an everyday type of soup, red ones for dahl & green for a hearty soup to serve on Halloween. (I add whole small black pitted olives & thin/julienne strips of red pepper to the green Halloween split pea soup when it's ready to be served.)

Split Pea Soup can be made with any favorite recipe. Mine is simply done with organic split peas, cooked in organic chicken broth until the peas are alnost tender. Then I add diced organic celery, carrots, onions, garlic & spices like sea salt, pepper, & my favorite curry spice mix & finish cooking until the peas are soft (& the soup is medium thick) & the veggies are tender.

Some people also like to add cooked diced ham or bacon and so on. (Note: for those people who don't want to use salt in the cooking liquid, small pieces of Kombu seaweed will also help the peas cook better. It doesn't give a fishy flavor to the peas & it adds trace minerals.)

When the soup is done I like to top it with grated cheese & plain yogurt (plus sometimes a sprig of parsley or cilantro) & serve with toasted rice cakes/crackers. Other good toppings are Brewers or Nutritional Yeast (which adds more B vitamins & a slightly salty flavor), a sprinkle of ground Cayenne, sour cream, croutons, or cheesy popcorn.

Dahl is a Mid-Eastern dish, in which the split peas are well cooked & either mashed or put through a sieve so they have a smooth texture. Various spices/curry, tomato paste, etc., is added & it's either served as a dip or sauce, depending on the thickness one wants.

Split Peas have also been used for a 'sweet dish' (dessert) since before recorded history. People in the mid- east would sweeten the cooked peas & then add dried fruit, especially dates.

When Europeans were introduced to spit peas, both wealthy people & peasants would use them both as a main dish & a sweet treat. They quickly realized the peas were both nutritious & filling, & the gelling property of the peas made it easy to vary the texture of a dish, so it could be either everyday fare like a soup, or something special like a thick pudding.

Hence, the old 'Pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold, pease porridge in the pot nine days old.' (And no, I don't recommend eating nine day old food, even a dish made with split peas, unless it had been properly stored/frozen for later use.)

If you had Split Pea Soup as a kid & didn't like it, I suggest trying a different recipe, making it either thinner or thicker & amping it up with other spices, add-ins, toppings, and so on. As mentioned above, split peas are one of the best inexpensive 'healthy, good for you foods' you can eat.

Sources: www. wikipedia.org, www.fiberfoods.com, www.webmd.com, www.nutritiondataself.com

All rights reserved. All pages, blogs, and photos on this site are copyrighted and may not be stored, retrieved, copied, shared, or sold without express permission.

The information contained in this site is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure. Nor is it intended to replace the advice of your primary care provider. No libality is assumed by the author or editor for the use or misuse of any of the information contained herein.

In Your Cupboard, Good For You - Black Pepper

Piper Nigrum aka Black Pepper.

The wonderfully pungent spice so many of us have as a companion to salt. However, there is so much more to it, which makes it one of my most favorite spices and something I never leave home without. (It's always included in my First Aid Kit when I travel.)

Black Pepper is simply the unripe fruit of the Piper Nigrum plant (white pepper is the ripe fruit). Most sources list India, or Southeast Asia, as the original source where Black Pepper came from. Nowadays, Vietnam is generally given credit as being the largest producer of Black Pepper. This now common spice still accounts for approximately 1/5th of all spice trade, and can be found as whole peppercorn (for pepper grinders), an essential oil, and pepper spirit (natural flavoring).

Historically, Black Pepper was referred to 'Black Gold' due to it's usage as collateral and/or payment for other expensive trade goods. It's been said that it was used for everything from food preservation to the mummification process. (Black Peppercorns were even found in the nostrils of Rameses II!)

As Black Pepper made it's way around the world and into modern times, both it's use and the knowledge of it's properities have been greatly expanded. This ranges from using both the oil and spirit for everything from cosmetics to medicines.

Some of the more interesting uses are for: constipation, diarehhea, heart disease, tooth decay, insomnia, earache, congestion, sinusitis, arthritis and nerve pain. And, of course, Black Pepper spirit is also part of the Coca Cola formula. Other more cutting edge/medical uses are for: vitiligo (skin pigment/coloration loss), weight loss, stop smoking aids and cancer treatment. And in cosmetics it's generally used as an antimicrobial to prevent product contamination or irritation to other ingredients.

My most favorite ways to use Black Pepper are:
- as a spice, nothing beats it as a seasoning on fresh baked squash or potatoes.
- tea for congestion (couple quick grinds in a cup of hot water, let sit for 30 seconds or so, or until you see the yellowy black oil on the surface of the water, then drink.)
- remedy for food poisoning symptoms (like some other people, I can't take charcoal for indigestion/food poisoning symptoms & discovered Black Pepper works really well. Make tea, like above; however, if food poisoning symptoms don't begin to improve within a few minutes, seek immediate medical care.)
- remedy for sunburn, cuts, scratches, or scrapes (put fresh ground Black Pepper directly on area of concern and bandage lightly. It does not burn or produce a burning sensation. This is the reason doctors now suggest it topically for arthritis or nerve pain. Like anything else, if the sunburn, scratch, cut or scrape doesn't improve in a short while, or discolors around the edges or streaks show under nearby skin, seek immediate medical attention.

Again, like I said, Black Pepper has a long and varied history, which medical science and research continues to verify all the amazing properities it has; so for all the above reasons, it has a place of honor in my kitchen and First Aid Kit.

NOTE: Like any other spice, Black Pepper can, and does, lose it's flavor, odor, and potency due to evaporation. So keep it properly stored, or as much away from direct heat and light as possible. (A few feet away from the stove or on the table/island is better than right next to, or on, the stove.)

I can also be found at:
http://www.uberreiki.com (all things Reiki, including How To Photos & ongoing blog)
http://www.facebook.com/uberreikigirl
http://www.twitter.com/uberreikigirl
coming soon: Three Twisted Sisters Studio.com (unique/fun arts, crafts, & minerals)

Sources: www.webmd.com, www.wikipedia.org, www.indianetzone.com, and www.kew.org

All rights reserved. All pages, blogs, and photos on this site are copyrighted and may not be stored, retreived, copied, shared, or sold without express permission.

The information contained in this blog/site is not intended to diagnosis, prescribe, treat, or cure. Nor is it intended to replace the advice of your primary care provider. No libality is assumed by the owner, author, or editor for the use or misuse of the information contained herein.

Wheat Free Brownies, package mix

In Your Cupboard, Good (Better) For You - Wheat free Brownies

This box of wheat free brownie mix came from the local Walmart, and cost about $3.50 which is a bit higher than most brownie mixes. It's not organic, however there's no junk ingredients, like propylene glycol, artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or additives. (As seen in the photo of Nutrition Facts/ingredients.)

Like all brownie mixes, it does have a bit of sugar in it, so I made sure I ate some protein before I had a piece or two. (Of course 2 tblsp. of plain or chocolate protein powder could be added to the mix to neutralize some of the carb count, along with another (approx.) tblsp of butter, oil, water or milk to offset the dryness of the protein powder.)

I did add walnuts, but you could leave them out or add whatever you like, such as raisins, cranberries, etc. The first batch I made according to package directions & turned out fine, except a bit crispy around the edges. For the second batch I used a couple of big tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt (in place of the butter), and the third batch I used olive oil in place of the butter. These batches also turned out very well.

The best part was all three batches tasted like regular brownies! (I feel the price is a bit high; however it seems like all wheat free items are higher, even in health food stores. However, as a once in a while treat, it's not bad.) So if you are wheat sensitive, or have a friend or family member that is, and they miss having brownies, give these a try.


This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure any known or unknown disease.

All rights reserved. All blogs and photos on this site are copyrighted, and may not be stored, retrieved, copied, or sold in any form without express permission.

Stress Junkies

Are you a Stress Junkie? Do you have too much going on, or put pressure on yourself to get everything done? Being a Stress Junkie is kind of like those who are addicted (and/or co-dependent) to adrenaline highs, only to stress instead.

Recently, while working with some clients, and discussing this with my collegues, we realized this is seriously on the rise.

We all know what too much stress does; however many people aren't aware they're actually becoming so dependent on a stressful way of life, that they can't imagine, or live any other way. And before you know it, we've actually piled on more things, thinking or saying "It's okay, I can handle it..."

In fact, many of us can't, as is obvious by the rise in depression and the all time highs for diabetes, blood pressure and heart problems, and cancers. It's also a medical/scientific fact that cortisol (the 'death hormone') rises dramatically when we're under stress, especially from chronic/ongoing stress of any kind. Cortisol literally kills other (including healthy) cells, producing inflammation, free radicals, and toxins; which can, and does, produce a whole host of health problems.

Too much stress doesn't have to be physical, such as with an athlete or prolonged sitting; it can also be mental, emotional, spiritual, and energetic. All of which can, and do, produce a wide variety of related, and more importantly, non-related symptoms. So when you don't tell your massage therapist or energy worker, nutritionist, or doctor all your symptoms, it makes it that much more difficult to appropriately treat the cause and you, as a person.

Example: Get stressed and the body responds with high alert. Afterwards, our energy is decreased. We feel depleted and our senses and mind can't focus properly. We over-ride this by eating or drinking something, taking over the counter or prescription meds, or recreational substances. Or worse yet, we start a radically new diet or exercise program, or week-end activity to 'de-compress'. All the while thinking/saying it's to help with stress. Then we take on or volunteer for something else, because that new thing is going to lower our stress; so, sure - we can do a little bit more.

After our energy/alertness is drained again, we repeat this. I'm not saying any of these things are bad/wrong, just that if we address the source (the reason we have or need so much stress and/or the types of stress), many people would actually have more control in their lives - and less stress. Those who are beginning to kick the habit report feeling better on all levels - mentally, physically, emotionally, energetically, and spiritually.

We've all heard the many non-medical things we can do to alleviate stress, such as relax (easier said than done many times); get therapy of some kind (massage or energy work, counseling); take a hot shower or bath, meds and/or vitamins; and generally chill out (again, sometimes easier said than done).

And by now, you're probably asking what does this have to do with "In Your Cupboard, Good For You". A lot! (Nice lead-in, huh?)

One of the first things is Vanilla. Yes, real Vanilla Flavoring or Vanilla Essential Oil. Vanilla is a known relaxant and mood leveler. A small amount used in cooking, boiled in a small pot of water, dropped into the bath/footbath, or sprayed into the shower can really help. (I never recommend synthetic Vanilla or Vanillin, as synthetic scents/flavorings have exactly the opposite effect. While they may initially smell or taste okay, they can give even non-sensitive children/people headaches, sinus congestion, and/or produce sneezing or allergic reactions.)

Milk - any kind, animal, vegetarian, powdered, etc., can be very soothing. One to two cups per bath/footsoak helps relax the body, plus soften the skin. (Milks contain naturally occuring Tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps relax the mind and body, and it's slight acidity smoothes the skin.)


Epsom salt: Epsom salt is actually Magnesium Sulfate, rather than sodium, and Magnesium naturally relaxes and helps detoxify the body.


Computer, smart phone, or phone book - to look up massage therapists, aromatherapy, health food stores, and doctors, if needed.

The following sources (both companies and people) are ones I suggest/recommend for these two important reason: quality and affordable prices. (I only make personal recommendations when I've actually received body or energy work from the person, and/or used their products on my own, and not by affiliation or payment.)

Wal-Mart - Yes, I know how some people feel about Wal-Mart, however their Spring Valley supplements are good quality for lower price.

Dollar Tree (or other Dollar type stores) - These stores carry a wide variety of products that can be used to help one relax, including cds of soothing music.

Super Supplements - both brick and mortar stores and on-line. While their on-line shipping can be a bit high, the very low prices of their products make up for it, plus they carry numerous brands, all related to health and well being.

Samara Botane - http://www.wingedseed.com (1-800-782-4532) Snohomish, Washington, owner Marcia Elston. This company offers the best certified Essential Oil and Aromatherapy products, plus they give an online and professional discount. I've been using this company's products for many years, and highly recommend them.

The Assembly of CEH - http://www.reikiranch.blogspot.com (1-360-748-4426) Non profit, in Chehalis, Washington, ran by Taylore Vance and her husband Roi Halse, (Reiki Masters and entrepreneurs) that teach Reiki classes and sell products, including related books, Magnesium Oil (for health and relaxation), and Silver Water (detoxifier, etc.) Their Mg Oil and Silver Water are two of my favorites.

Heart of Massage - Owned by Karen Donald, Licensed Massage Practitioner. Located in the Queen Anne part of Seattle, Washington, Karen is one of Seattle's best therapists. The name of her practice says it all. And I say this, not only because Karen's one of my best friends, I've also received body work from her. http://www.facebook.com/Karen-Donald

Carlson Method - Developed and owned by former massage instructor & student clinic supervisor, Scott Carlson, who's one of the best in person and at distant energy workers I know. Besides being a long time friend, Scott is one of my first and personal go-to people for energy work. Scott is on Facebook, with the Black Knight on war horse as his current profile photo.

Three Tree Wellness Center - Owned and operated by Shari Courtier and her partner Scott Carpenter, in Burien, Washington. They offer a variety of services at very reasonable prices, and I highly recommend them. I've had the privilege of receiving work from Shari, including Reiki, and she's really good! http://www.threetreewellness.com (1-206-257-4765)

And me, Pam Taylor, of course. I've been practicing, teaching, and writing about body/energy work, and health and well being for a long time. Besides my blog here, you can also find "how to" photos demonstrating Reiki, and other fun and interesting Reiki things on my web site. Plus I'm on Facebook, and Twitter.
http://www.uberreiki.com
http://www.facebook.com/uberreikigirl
http://www.twitter.com/uberreikigirl

NOTE: An essential amino acid, (such as Tryptophan) is one of the building blocks of protein. Humans can't make it in their own body, and have to get it daily from an outside food or supplement source.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure any known or unknown disease.

All rights reserved. All blogs and photos on this site are copyrighted, and may not be stored, retrieved, copied, or sold in any form without express permission.


The information contained on this site is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure. Nor is it intended to replace the advice of your primary care provider. No liability is assumed by the owner of this site, the author, or editor for the use or misuse of the information contained herein.

In Your Cupboard, Good For You - Baking Soda

Almost everyone has a box of Baking Soda in the cupboard, fridge, or laundry room. And I do as well, as Baking Soda is one of my 'must haves' for everything from cooking to first aid.

There are numerous web sites devoted to Baking Soda, all of which list what it is, what it's good for, and so on. For those who've never looked up any of this information, here's a little background.

Baking Soda is what's known as an alkaline chemical salt, which basically means it's really good at neutralizing things. This is why so many people use it as a deodorant, toothe paste, odor absorber, as well as to soak up oil spills on a garage floor or putting out oil/grease fires in the kitchen.

Since Baking Soda is a natural salt, it's not only 'green', it's also just abrasive enough to scrub out metal pots and pans, including copper ones, without damaging them. Plus it does an excellent job on dirty sinks and tubs.

'Bicarbonate of soda' (Baking Soda) has a long history as a remedy for reducing redness, swelling, and itching from bug bites/stings, hives, and rashes. It's also used as a natural treatment for reflux and indigestion.

Other popular ways to use Baking Soda are as a fabric softener, 'dry' shampoo, in science projects, mixed with salt to make ant repellent, and with a little help from vinegar, to clean out drains.

Baking Soda's most common usage, though, is in cooking. It acts as a leavening agent, which simply means it makes the dough or batter rise. And since Baking Soda is a neutralizer, it can be used to de-acidify foods like tomatoes. This simple thing is very helpful for those who like to eat acidic foods, but have indigestion or reflux afterwards.

My Mother was this type of person. From childhood til about her mid 40's, whenever she'd eat tomato soup, chili, or spaghetti, she'd get an upset stomach. Then she learned a neat trick that allowed her to enjoy them once in a while, and not feel bad later. The following recipe was one of her favorites.

Homemade Tomato Soup

2 - 3 tblsp. olive oil
2 gloves garlic (crushed)
1/2 c. diced onion
1/2 c. diced celery
1 tblsp. Baking Soda (see Note below)
2 lb. can of tomatoes (whole, diced, or crushed, see below)
2 - 3 c. milk (dairy or unsweetened plain soy, rice, or almond milk, see below)
salt and pepper to taste
2 tblsp. butter (optional)
toppings: plain yogurt, sour cream, grated cheese, or crumbled turkey bacon

Note: Omit garlic, onions, & celery for anyone who can't eat these, & instead season to taste with a low/no sodium soup or salad blend like Mrs. Dash.
Since Baking Soda is alkaline, too much can produce a 'soapy' flavor/taste, so you can start with as little as one teaspoon and increase as needed; however, less Baking Soda equals higher acidity.

Pour tomatoes (with any juice) into a medium sized bowl. Add Baking Soda, & stir to distribute it throughout the tomatoes. (If using whole tomatoes, cut or mash them up.) Within a few seconds the tomatoes & juice will begin to foam, as the Baking Soda starts to neutralize the acid. (This also keeps the milk from curdling when added to the tomatoes.) After 5 - 10 minutes the foaming will stop & they'll be ready to use.

Put olive oil, garlic, onions, and celery in 3 qt. pan on medium heat. Stir garlic, onions & celery while they cook til desired golden color or softness. Add neutralized tomatoes & juice, stir to mix. Carefully add/stir in milk (start with only 2 cups of milk & add extra only if soup is too thick). Turn heat down to simmer (stirring as needed to prevent scorching) and let simmer til soup is desired temperature. Season with salt & pepper, & add butter, if desired. Ladle into cups or bowls & top with your choice of yogurt, sour cream, grated cheese, or turkey bacon.

This recipe serves two to four people, depending on cup or bowl size, plus it can easily be halved, doubled, or tripled. Homemade Tomato Soup is great served by itself, as a little pick-me-up, or can be a main dish backed up by hearty sandwiches.


References: www.armandhammer.com, www.wikipedia.org, www.webmd.com, and www.bakingsoda.com

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure any known or unknown disease.

All rights reserved. All blogs and photos on this site are copyrighted, and may not be stored, retrieved, copied, or sold in any form without express permission.


The information contained on this site is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure. Nor is it intended to replace the advice of your primary care provider. No liability is assumed by the owner of this site, the author, or editor for the use or misuse of the information contained herein.