Remember those Cinnamon Buns?

Cinnamon is one of the world's oldest known spices. The tree is native to Sri Lanka where it was found thousands of years ago. It is the best spice available in terms of its nutrition and health. It contains unique healthy and healing property comes from the active components in the essential oils found in its bark. Cinnamon has extremely high anti-oxidant activity due to which it has numerous health benefits. Aside from being used as a medicine by other cultures since ancient times, the health benefits may also come from eating it which can be listed as follows:

1. Lowers Cholesterol:
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon included in a daily diet can lower cholesterol.
Also Cinnamon may significantly lower LDL "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood) and total cholesterol.

2. Reduces blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes:
Several studies have shown improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control by taking as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day. Improving insulin resistance can help in weight control as well as decreasing the risk for heart disease.

3. Heart Disease:
Cinnamon strengthens the cardiovascular system thereby shielding the body from heart related disorders. It is believed that the calcium and fiber present in cinnamon provides protection against heart diseases.

Including a little cinnamon in the food helps those suffering from coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.

4. Fights Cancer :
A study released by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Besides, the combination of calcium and fiber found in Cinnamon can help to remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells, thus prevents colon cancer.

5. Tooth decay and mouth freshener:
Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat toothache and fight bad breath. Small pieces of cinnamon can be chewed, or gargled with cinnamon water which serves as a good mouth freshener.

6. Cures Respiratory Problems:
Cinnamon is very useful home remedy for common or severe colds. A person suffering should take one tablespoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.

Cinnamon also found to cure flu, influenza, sore throat and congestion.

7. Brain Tonic:
Cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain and hence acts as a good brain tonic. It helps in removing nervous tension and memory loss.

Also, studies have shown that smelling cinnamon may boost cognitive function, memory, performance of certain tasks and increases one's alertness and concentration.
8. Infections:
Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties, it is effective on external as well as internal infections. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.

9. Eases menstruation cycles:
Cinnamon has also been found useful for women's health as it helps in providing relief from menstrual cramping and other feminine discomforts.

10. Birth Control:
Cinnamon also helps in natural birth control. Regular consumption of cinnamon after child birth delays menstruation and thus helps in avoiding conception.

11. Breastfeeding:
It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of breast milk.

12. Reduces Arthritis Pain:
Cinnamon spice contains anti-inflammatory compounds which can be useful in reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

A study conducted at Copenhagen University, where patients were given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month

13. Digestive Tonic:
Cinnamon should be added to most recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in digestion. Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. It is very helpful in removing gas from the stomach and intestines. It also removes acidity, diarrhea and morning sickness. It is often referred to as a digestive tonic.

14. Reduces Urinary tract infections:
People who eat cinnamon on a regular basis report a lower incidence of urinary tract infections. Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in secretion and discharge of urine.

15. Anti clotting Actions:
A compound found in Cinnamon called as cinnamaldehyde has been well-researched for its effects on blood platelets. [Platelets are constituents of blood that are meant to clump together under emergency circumstances (like physical injury) as a way to stop bleeding, but under normal circumstances, they can make the blood flow inadequate if they clump together too much]. The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets.

16. Natural Food Preserver:
When added to food, it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

17. Headaches and migraine:
Headache due to the exposure to cold wind is readily cured by applying a thin paste of powdered cinnamon mixed in water on the temples & forehead.

18. Pimples and Blackheads:
Cinnamon helps in removing blood impurities. Therefore it is often recommended for pimples.

Also external application of paste of cinnamon powder with a few drops of fresh lemon juice over pimples & black heads would give beneficial result.

19. Thinning of the blood and improves blood circulation:
Cinnamon is a blood thinning agent which also acts to increase circulation. This blood circulation helps significantly in removing pain. Good blood circulation also ensures oxygen supply to the body cells leading to higher metabolic activity. You significantly reduce the chance of getting a heart attack by regularly consuming cinnamon.

20. Toning of tissues:
Considerable anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that cinnamon may have the ability to tone and constrict tissues in the body.

21. Muscle and joint pain relief:
Those who eat cinnamon on a regular basis often report that their muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness, is reduced or even eliminated.

22. Immune System:
Honey and cinnamon paste is good for boosting the immune system, removing regular fatigue and increasing the longevity of an individual. It is also known to have anti-aging properties.

23. Itching:
Paste of honey and cinnamon is often used to treat insect bites.

24. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

25. Healing: Cinnamon helps in stopping bleeding. Therefore it facilitates the healing process.

Indeed, cinnamon has several health benefits as highlighted above that can be used to improve one's health and boost one's immune system. This is a great reason to keep some cinnamon around. Sprinkle it in your tea or coffee, over oatmeal or a sweet potato and, this will do wonders to your health.

[However, there's a word of warning to be taken that over dosage of cinnamon may be unwise. Also it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Also, people who have been prescribed medication to manage their blood sugar should not reduce or discontinue their dose and take cinnamon instead, especially without consulting your doctor.]

Dear Readers - May 26, 2011

I've been enjoying my work at the Optimum Health Insitute here in San Diego, helping in the kitchen with food preparation. The meals at OHI are very meticulously designed and prepared for optimum nutrition and balance, and it's all done with raw foods. It's an inspiratoin to observe this kind of care in food preparation and has given me a bunch of new ideas for meals when I get back home. I've listed some of my favorite recipes on my blog. Check 'em out!

Boyd had an opportunity to listen in on the Energy Tools Doctors' Conference Call today, and he reports it was fascinating to hear how excited the doctors have been lately about some of the latest formulas created by Dr. Kronn. The call was primarily about the use of the new and improved Stress Relief formula, and how it completely re-orients the body systems away from adrenal dependence. Clients have been treated with this formula and for the first time in 15-20 years are beginning to develop an energy reserve without adrenal exhaustion, allowing the thyroid to recover and blood sugar to get better regulated.

These are truly game-changing formulas, so if you haven't taken the opportunity to check them out, please do. They can change your life. We've been using many of the formulas for over a decade, and just can't imagine being without them.

Boyd also reports that he got the peas, beans, cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes all planted and coming up, so when I get back, I'll have plenty to work with!

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Shay Arave, President
Subtleenergysolutions.com

Clean Sweep - Energetic Pollution Spray from Subtle Energy Solutions

Clean Sweep - Energetic Pollution Spray from Subtle Energy Solutions - We now have the 2 oz. travel size! Clear out those cooties and old vibes fast from planes, trains, rental cars, hotel/motel rooms, airport terminals and restrooms. Indespensable for traveling!

Asian Black Quinoa Salad

Spicy, crunchy, and flavorful, this slaw is worlds above the cabbage-in-mayo concoction you may associate with "slaw." In fact, this dish makes a complete meal, with a wide range of veggies and protein-packed quinoa.

Ingredients

8 ounces black quinoa

2 cups water

2 cups red cabbage, shredded

1 cup snap peas, bias cut

1 cup carrots, shredded

1 cup scallions, bias cut

1 mango, diced small

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Sesame seeds, toasted, to garnish

For the dressing

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced

1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce

1/4 cup sesame oil

Instructions

Rinse black quinoa under cold water until water runs clear. Place black quinoa in boiling water and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.

In a small bowl combine orange juice, rice wine vinegar, ginger and Sriracha sauce. Slowly whisk in sesame oil to create an emulsion. Set aside to incorporate flavors in dressing.

In a large bowl combine black quinoa, red cabbage, snap peas, carrots, scallions, mango, and cilantro.

Fold in dressing and let chill in fridge. When ready to serve, garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Party time, just in time for Memorial Day!

Raw Hummus with Corn Chips...DIVINE!

1 cup dry garbanzo beans

3 tablespoons raw tahini

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup filter water

juice from 1 lemon

2 teaspoons Nama Shoyu

cayenne to taste

sea salt dash

1 tablespoon coconut oil

Rinse and soak beans for 12 hours or over night. Drain and rinse beans several times. Tilt at 45 degree angle for sprouting. Sprout for 36 to 48 hours, or until tail is about the same size as the bean. Rinse at least every 8 to 12 hours during sprouting process.

When sprouted, rinse beans well and place in blender. Add 1/2 cup filtered water and all other ingredients. Blend until creamy smooth, adding water if necessary.

Pour into serving bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley and paprika. Serve with vegetables sticks, zukes, carrots, celery and all the rest!


Corn Chips...a true crowd pleaser!

Vegetables

2 cucumbers, peeled and cut into large chunks

3 cups corn kernels (2 to 3 ears)

Seeds

1 cup sunflower seeds, soaked 3 to 4 hours

3/4 cup sesame seeds, soaked 1 hour

Seasoning

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 Tablespoon dulse flakes

1 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Puree cucumber in blender. Add corn and blend again. Add all other ingredients, blending until smooth and creamy. Using a tablespoon measure, place 9 dollops on teflex covered dehydrator tray. Tilt tray slightly and tap gently on counter causing batter to spread. Turn tray and tap again- do this on all 4 sides. Dehydrate at 105 degrees for 24 to 48 hours, or until crispy. Recipe makes seven to nine trays of crackers.

Dear Readers - May 19, 2011

In my missionary work here at the Optimum Health Institute, I see more and more people coming to OHI because of stress. Emotional stress, physical stress, emotional stress about physical stress. One medical practitioner I talked to said they are treating a record number of clients for stress.

And, who can blame them? Natural disasters, social upheaval, financial meltdown, and even a real nuclear meltdown with sickening radiation everywhere. People are crying out for help with their stress.

Luckily, at OHI, their dietary program with other healing modalities offered here can at least address the physical results of stress, but to really get to the cause of stress, you have to look at how you react to situations--the mindset of emotional expectations that create stressful mental and emotional states. One person can get all stressed out because of a flat tire, but another person can see it as an exciting opportunity to test out the tire changing equipment in her new car. One person can stress out because they catch a cold or flu, another welcomes it as a chance to detox and rest.

So, it's not about what happens so much as our reactions to what happens. Please check out Boyd Martin's article this week, "The Big Lie Behind Stress" for further insights into this uniquely human pre-occupation with stress.

Also, we offer some remarkable products that specifically address stress you can check out: E-1 Stress Relief Formula (ionic minerals bioenergized with subtle energy); Clean Sweep Energy Spray which can immediately de-stress any situation; Transformation Enzymes that help the body adapt and deal with environmental and other stressors; and our popular Meditation Gem Elixirs from Vital Force, to help you gain insight into your reactions toward stress.

Life is truly a dance with yourself. Acceptance of this Truth allows stress to fall away and puts you in the driver's seat!

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Shay Arave, President
Subtleenergysolutions.com

Dirty Dozen

Buy these edibles Organic, guide to pesticides

Celery
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Blueberries
Nectrines
Bell peppers
Spinach
Cherries
Kale/Collard Greens
Potatoes
Grapes

Always wash your edibles whether organic or not, ecoli thrives on fresh produce. Summer is coming our way, get out and visit your local Farmers Market, buy local, buy organic!

The growing consensus among scientists is that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during fetal development and early childhood. Scientists now know enough about the long-term consequences of ingesting these powerful chemicals to advise that we minimize our consumption of pesticides.

"Gallbladder Flush"

What you will need:
2 gallons apple juice
3-4 TBSP Epson salt
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 fresh squeeze grapefruit juice

It's best to do your Flush with as little in your colon as possible. If you are already on a 100% raw or juice fast that's good. I started mine off as 100% raw for 6 months but still did a 5 day juice fast.

Day 1-4
1. Fast on juices (beetroot, celery, carrots) for 5 days
2. Drink 1/4 gallon of apple juice per day

Day 4
1. Drink normal juice for Breakfast and lunch and have you 1/4 gallon of apple juice.
2. 4pm drink your 1st epson salt dose - I did mine by mixing 1 TBSP of epson salts with 1/2 cup of room temp water-BIG YUK!!
3. 6pm eat a nice fruit salad - best part of the day!!
4. 8pm another 1 TBSP epson salt
5. 10pm mix 1/2 cup of fresh grapefruit juice (squeezed from the actual fruit) with 1/2 cup olive oil and drink it (not too bad-taste like a nutty beverage). Go to bed. Try to sleep on your right side in a fetal position (knees up to chest). This is where the gallbladder is and by sleeping on it it will keep the gallbladder "open" and help pass the stones.

Day 5
1. 8am another epson salt drink. That's it. I passed 100's of stones starting from my 1st epson salt drink but most passed from 9am to 11 am. You may feel crappy especially during the night and morning but when they finish coming out you will feel awesome and full of energy.

I recommending repeating this procedure in a couple of weeks. The second time around is the best!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


ADDITIONAL READING FROM ANOTHER SITE: - very useful.

This comes from another site I visit and this is what they had to say on the subject of liver/gall bladder:

TOXIC WORLD

The greatest assault is from modern food. As you are probably aware,most of the packaged foods at the market contain chemical additives and preservatives.The list is as long as your arm and includes arsenic,hydroxide of ammonia,ascetic anhydride,sodium hypochlorite,calcium aluminum silicate and magnesium stearate,to name a few.

The most prevalent of these toxins are trans-fatty acids from hydrogenated oils,WHICH ARE IN ALMOST EVERY PACKAGED OR PROCESSED FOOD IN THE SUPERMARKET.These oils,artificially hardened by metal and hydrogen gas,produce fatty acid trans-isomers that are not natural,and your body doesn't know what to do with them.

You are the only one responsible for choosing what you put in your body.Liver toxins can be found in the food you were brought up on and that you love best!The good news is that the liver is very forgiving.Optimum liver function can be restored and even a damaged liver can be regenerated.

LIVER DISTRESS SIGNALS

Some of the signals of liver distress include:

high blood pressure
elevated cholesterol
weight gain
pot belly
cellulite
indigestion
abdominal bloating
irritable bowel syndrome
hot flashes
eczema
acne
rosacea
pimples
chronic fatigue syndrome
depression
brownish spots on the skin(liver spots)
compromised pancreas
irritability


The list goes on.
Most people don't get the message and treat the symptoms with OTC or prescription drugs,which just adds more to the liver's burden,while they continue their liver-destroying lifestyles.

BULK UP YOUR DIET

Fiber is an essential ingredient for a well-functioning liver.It's the garbage truck that carries away cholesterol.A diet that emphasizes legumes,whole grains,raw and lightly steamed vegetables will give you sufficient fiber to facilitate peristaltic movement.

As a rule I take about 20g of psylium powder a day,in addition to whatever fiber I eat,just to make sure.Fiber can absorb water up to 30X it's weight,so be sure to include lots of water.

When you drink water and don't consume fiber,the water will be expelled through the urinary tract without removing toxins.Toxins hamper the bile duct and pancreatic ducts and engorges the liver.This interferes with digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

Yet another problem caused by improper elimination is the probability of parasites.A toxic buildup in the bowel creates an ideal environment for parasites.Incubation time is about 36 hours.So if you go 2 or 3 days without eliminating,it's a good bet that the parasites have moved in-and are quite content!

WEIGHT LOSS

The liver is a fat burning machine and normalizes weight by pumping excess fat out of the body through the bile and into the small intestines.Fiber reduces the re-uptake of fat and toxins from the gut to the liver.When you eat a low fiber diet,the bad fats get back into the bloodstream.Adequate amounts of HDL are not manufactured and LDL attaches to blood vessel walls.

A roll of fat at the waistline can be a sign of a fatty liver.This is a liver that has stopped processing fat and instead,has become a fat-storing organ,engorged and swollen with greasy deposits.No matter how much you diet or exercise,removing this fat roll will be impossible until you improve your liver function.

FOODS TO REFUSE

The water from your tap is chlorinated and probably fluoridated.Both of these are toxic gases that your liver must deal with.Don't add them to your liver load!

You need to avoid hydrogenated oils,heat-damaged fats,preservatives,chemical food colors,chemical taste enhancers,pesticides,sugar in all it's forms,artificial sweeteners,caffeine,and the many non-food additives listed on labels.All of these are toxins,yet we still eat them.Your busy liver becomes overworked trying to filter out these poisons so that they do not get into the bloodstream.What a responsibility!

-Use sweeteners such as honey,maple syrup and fruit only in moderation.Refined sugar is poison.
-Most dairy products are processed through pasteurization and homogenization.They are no longer the food nature intended.

THE LIVER CLEANSE

This is a staple of holistic practitioners.It's a non-invasive method of removing toxins and gallstones from the liver and gallbladder.There are several ways to do this.First I'll describe the protocol that I've used.This was taught to me by my great-grandmother,who passed peacefully last year at the age of 103.She still had her gallbladder.

Most people should probably do a colon cleanse first,unless they've been consuming a high-fiber intake regularly.When you flush your liver and gallbladder,you want wide-open plumbing to eliminate through.The best way to achieve this is probably by using either colosan or oxy powder.They're both the same thing.


If you are still eliminating a lot of crap after 5 days,continue until you are not.
This protocol also calls for drinking 1-2 qt of apple juice a day for 5 days.The juice contains malic acid,which helps loosen the adhesions between the stones,breaking them them up,making them smaller and easier to pass.
The first time I did this,I passed a LOT of stones,ranging in size from a grapeseed,to a cherry pit.Throughout the day I'd say at least ¾ cup,if not more!I don't know how big a gall bladder is exactly,but mine had to be full to capacity.I can't tell you how relieved I felt to see that junk on the OUTSIDE.
There is the likelihood of some nausea and discomfort during this process,though it's probably not as bad as having your gallbladder removed.In fact, the more discomfort you experience the more you needed to do this.The first time I did this,I woke up during the night,feeling nauseas,although I didn't throw up,and went back to sleep fairly easily.A friend of mine did throw up,but he was still glad he did it when he saw the results.

Vibrant Living Newsletter - Dear Readers, May 12, 2011

Continuing my odyssey at the Optimum Health Institute here in beautiful, sunny San Diego, California. Boyd tells me it remains rainy and cool up in Portland, so I'm happy to be able to get some rays and warmth! He did say the couple of sunny days the last two weeks provided a window to get some peas, beans, lettuce and chard planted.

Boyd also reports that he attended a very interesting and inspiring workshop around the Tattvas Essential Oils (picture right). This is the second (Level II) class Boyd has taken from Aileen Halvorson. Aileen was trained by the originator of the Tattvas Oils system, Candice Covington, and Boyd says Aileen's enthusiasm and insight into the daily use of the oils for spiritual inquiry and discovery gave him a lot of ideas.

The workshops are based on Candice's book, The Panchatattvas, which is packed full of information about how the oils affect the five elements in a person's life. Conciously using the oils along with other techniques described in the book can lead to profound revelations and add deep meaning to everyday life.

Boyd said the workshop covered in detail using the oils with the Tattvas amulets to amplify the effects of the oils--with the amulets and oils working together synergistically. He also mentioned that by noticing which of the oils and amulets are most resonant at a given moment, they can be used as divination tools--determining which oils/amulets you are drawn to, then reading the meanings of the choices in the book--can provide additional insights into the psyche.

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Shay Arave, President
Subtleenergysolutions.com

Avocado Dressing

Place in blender

1 avocado
1 tomato
white onion
Cilantro to taste
1/4 tsp Mexican seasoning
a pinch of sea salt to out the flavors

Blend, add enough water to cover what is in the blender and VIOLA!

Fabulous on salad greens, great with a few chips, filled with good Omega 3's, helps support beautiful skin and did I mention, "it's a real taste treat."

Vibrant Living Newsletter - May 5, 2011

Wow, I'm having such a wonderful time here at the Optimum Health Institute. It's a lot of work, both physically and spiritually, but I feel like I'm really thriving.

Along the way, I've picked up some great raw recipes. Here's one that I've made a few times, and it's one that would be familiar to raw fooders, but it bears repeating!

Raw Seed Cheese

Ingredients

2 cups hulled sunflower seeds
1 cup unhulled sesame seeds
3 1/2 rejuvelac or 3 1/2 cups purified water ("Rejuvelac" is the lightly fermented seed soak water)

Method

Soak sunflower seeds overnight in water. Soak sesame seeds one hour before preparation. Rinse seeds. Place all ingredients in your Vitamix blender. Blend for about 1 minute, pulsating. Pour mixture into sieve and place over container to catch liquid and cover with a plate, set on counter for 6 to 8 hours, then place in refrigerator overnight.

If you like, you may season with all variety of flavors. I like to add a pinch of sea salt, fresh chopped herbs add wonder, curry powder, garlic, onion powder... whatever makes you happy.

This food is full of enzymes, B vitamins, and amino acids. It is a pre-digested protein, so it is easily assimilated into the system. Seed cheese is one of my most favorite foods, great with salad, steam veggies and straight up on its own. I love this food, fills you up and gives you plenty of energy.

Also, check out one of my favorites if you're on Facebook: Curried Quinoa Salad!

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Shay Arave, President
Subtleenergysolutions.com

Seed Cheese

Ingredients

2 cups hulled sunflower seeds

1 cup unhulled sesame seeds

3 1/2 rejuvelac or 3 1/2 cups purified water


Method


Soak sunflower seeds overnight in water. Soak sesame seeds one hour before preparation. Rinse seeds. Place all ingredients in your Vitamix. Blend for about 1 minute, pulsating. Pour mixture into sieve and place over container to catch liquid and cover with a plate, set on counter for 6 to 8 hours, then place in refrigerator over night.


If you like you may season with all variety of flavors, I add a pince of sea salt, fresh chopped herbs add wonder, curry powder, garlic, onion powder...whatever makes you happy.


This food is full of enzymes and B vitamins, and amino acids. It is a pre-digested protein, so it is easily assimilated into the system. Seed cheese is one of my most favorite foods, great with salad, steam veggies and straight up, on its own.

Curried Quinoa Salad

1 cup quinoa grains

1 cup organic jasmin rice

1 red onion, finely diced

1 cup sultana grapes

1 red and green cpasicum bell pepper diced

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 cup chopped celery

1 cup fresh corn

1 heaped teaspoon ground cilantro seed

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 heaped teaspoon ground tumeric

1 fresh red chilie, finely diced

1 teaspoon finely grated ginger

2 cloves garlic diced

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 cup roasted cashews

Method

Rinse quinoa and rice in cold water and drain

Cook quinoa and rice in boiling water using the absorption method or in a rice cooker for approx. 10 to 12 minutes to retain the nutrients. In a separate bowl combine cilantro, cumin, cinnamon, chilies, ginger and garlic and add oil and vinegar to make the dressing.

Mix the ingredients together with a spoon. Set aside. Combine all the other ingredients in a large bowl. Now fold dressing through. Garnish with cilantro and toasted cashews.