The Amazing Healing Properties of Raw Manuka Honey and Cinnamon!

Raw, organic Manuka honey from New Zealand is the queen of honeys for healing. It is reputed to have the highest anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-viral, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of all honeys. Manuka Honey contains additional antibacterial properties not found in other types of honey, making it even more effective for treating infection. Manuka Honey’s main claim to fame has been wound care and treating even the hardest to heal infections such as MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant conditions. It has also been clinically proven for healing diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation and a variety of other disorders.

It is important to only use an active, medical-grade Manuka honey with a UMF rating between 10 and 16. Also you want to use raw Manuka honey because it is packed with active enzymes while pasteurized honey has lost many of the active enzymes.

The health benefits of using Manuka Honey and Cinnamon:
For cinnamon, only use Ceylon Cinnamon (Verum) because Cassia Cinnamon or Saigon or Chinese Cinnamon have levels of coumarin at 5% whereas Ceylon Cinnamon has only .0004%.

How to prepare: There are instructions below for specific health issues. For general health, take one 16 oz. jar of Manuka Honey and 4 T. Ceylon Cinnamon, mix in a larger bowl and return to the jar. Take 1t/day for general health; or 3 t. daily for therapeutic purposes. Use on toast or dissolve in a cup of warm water.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can take 1 cup hot water with 2 t. Manuka honey and Ceylon cinnamon power, daily, morning and night. Or, add 2 t. cinnamon to a quart of water, boil and simmer for 20 min and strain. Add 1 T. honey. Take 2 t./day for 40 days. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be improved greatly.

In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week out of the 200 people so treated practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread or toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and strengthens the heart and heartbeat. In the U.S. and Canada, several nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as we age the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; Manuka honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

INFECTIONS: Take Manuka honey alone for any upper respiratory infections including sore throat, colds, sinus or ear infections, canker sores, fever blisters.

WOUNDS:  The anti-bacterial properties of Manuka honey are excellent for wounds, burns, leg ulcers, bed sores, MRSA and septic wounds. Use without cinnamon.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL: Mix 1 T of honey and 1 t. of Ceylon cinnamon in a cup of warm water morning and night. It will reduce the level of cholesterol in the body – if taken 3 times a day, any chronic cholesterol is usually cured.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic coughs, colds and clear the sinuses.

INFERTILITY: In China and Japan, women, who do not conceive and need to strengthen the uterus, have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.

Men should take 2T of Manuka honey before going to sleep for infertility.

DIGESTION: Honey taken with cinnamon powder is reputed to cure stomachache, acid reflux, heartburn, h-pylori, gastritis, IBS, gum disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

Manuka honey has also been clinically proven for healing diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation and a variety of other GI disorders.

Indigestion: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

GAS: According to the studies done in India & Japan, if honey is taken with cinnamon powder, the stomach is relieved of gas.

A healthy digestive system is essential for general well-being. Manuka honey stimulates the growth of probiotics, and the presence of these good bacteria in the body helps to maintain a healthy digestive system.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the body to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that raw honey contains a natural ingredient which kills influenza germs and reduces the severity of the flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age. Take 1 t. cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea, add 4T honey. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of Honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts for eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections. You may also use honey alone.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder dissolved in one-cup water. If taken regularly it reduces the weight of people who are over-weight. Drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. When taken during the afternoon when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, it will increase the overall vitality of the body.

ANTIOXIDANTS: The antioxidant activity of Manuka honey protects against free radical damage. Manuka honey’s antioxidants fight and neutralize harmful free radicals, which may otherwise cause cell damage and accelerated aging.

TYPE II DIABETES: Cinnamon improves fasting glucose, increases insulin receptivity and insulin production and is recognized as a glucose regulator to even out sugar spikes. It helps those with Type II Diabetes maintain steady blood sugar levels.  Add 2 t. cinnamon to a quart of water, boil and simmer for 20 min and strain. Add a T of honey and a T of Chia seeds (lower blood sugar). Take 2 t./day. After 40 days, this lowered blood glucose levels up to 29%, triglycerides up to 30%, ldl cholesterol up to 27%, overall cholesterol 26%.

YEAST INFECTIONS: Cinnamon has demonstrated an ability to stop medication resistant yeast infections.

BOOSTING ENERGY: The sugar content of Manuka honey makes it a great natural source of carbohydrates, which provides strength and energy. The glucose in Manaka honey is absorbed very quickly by the body, providing an immediate boost of energy. Energy levels are maintained by the low glycemic index of honey, which stops hunger from developing.

ASTHMA: Right before going to bed, take a mixture of 1 tsp. honey with 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in a cup of warm water.

Clean and Purify your Home, Office, Dorm with Pure Essential Oils

By Kathy Thorpe, MA, CHom

It’s time to get rid of toxic cleaning supplies in the home and replace them with fragrant essential oils. Certain essential oils can clean, disinfect, purify as well as refreshen your home making it a healthier, more enjoyable place to live. Essential oils can also dramatically change the energy of your home to create an ideal environment for relaxation, fun, romance, focus, new beginnings or meditation.

The following essential oils are perfect for cleaning and have been proven to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-mold, and anti-septic properties. They can also get rid of any unpleasant odors.

Lemon

Clove

Rosemary

Eucalyptus

Cinnamon

Oregano
Lavender

Tea tree

Here are some recipes to get started with.  Then experiment on your own!

Basic Kitchen Counter Disinfectant:
In a 16 oz. spray bottle, add pure water and 10 drops each of the following essential oils and shake well. If you don’t have a spray bottle, sprinkle a few drops of these essential oils on a damp cloth. This creates a good anti-bacterial and anti-fungal disinfectant for the kitchen.

Lemon

Lavender

Oregano

Spray and wipe down all the surfaces in the kitchen: counter tops, stove, appliances, and sink. Also spray it on any cutting boards. Enjoy the incredible smell when you’re finished and you will have purified your kitchen.

All Natural Scrubber

This is a fun easy one: use half of a lemon and rub it in baking soda.  Use this as your scrubber on grimy, dirty areas when needed.

Hardwood Floors

To a bucket of warm water add a cup of white vinegar and the following oils. Use a natural mop or sponge and clean the floors.  For extra dirty or grimy floors, add a squirt of an all-natural dish soap.

Spruce or Pine

Lemon

Tea Tree or Oregano

Window Spray

In a 16 oz. spray bottle mix the following and shake well before using.

1 c. Vinegar

1 c. Water

10 drops Lemon oil

Bathroom Cleaning Spray:

Because there are often many germs as well as mold in the bathroom, try this fabulous combination. Spray down any surfaces and wipe them clean.  Don’t forget to save a few drops of lavender for your next relaxing bath!

Lemon or Grapefruit

Eucalyptus or Tea Tree

Lavender

Clove

Bathroom or Kitchen Deodorizer

Put distilled water in a 4oz. spritzer bottle, add one of the essential oils combinations below and shake well.  Spray when needed to deodorize and purify a room.

Purifying Deodorizer & Disinfectant – also excellent to have during the cold & flu season

10 drops Lemon

5 drops Grapefruit

5 drops Rosemary

3 drops Eucalyptus

Citrus Deodorizer

10 drops Blood Orange or Litsea
5 drops Cinnamon

5 drops Clove

Essential Oil Room Fragrance

You can change the energy or ambiance of any room in your house with the use of essential oils. These ideas for essential oil sprays will change the environment in your room to make it more conducive to relaxation, higher energy, meditation, fun, focus and romance! For these sprays, fill a 4 oz. spray bottle with water and add the appropriate essential oil(s). You can also use these oils in a diffuser.

Meditative Spray for your bedroom:

Lavender

Clary sage

Sandalwood

Frankincense

Office Spray: for focus and concentration.

Lavender

Melissa or Basil

Cedar wood

Romantic spray for the bedroom:

Rose or Jasmine

Sweet orange

Sandalwood



Pure organic or wild-crafted essential oils are available at Six Persimmons Apothecary, 840 Pearl Street, Boulder. 303 583-0179

Nutritious Spring Soups

As we start to see gorgeous spring vegetables such as sweet new carrots, fresh asparagus, green garlic, turnips, spinach, kale and Swiss chard crop up at the market, it's easy to get excited about all the spring soup possibilities. And, if you have prepared your stocks in advance, a delicious meal is only a few minutes away. 

Use these base ingredients and add the vegetable(s) of your choice:

2-3 T Ghee or olive oil

1 Onion chopped and 2 shallots

1-2 Leeks chopped

Minced fresh ginger

1-2 cloves garlic

Health Enhancing Broth:  Homemade chicken, bone or vegetable stock – make a big batch on the weekend and freeze it in quart containers. (see recipes below)

¼ c. cream, coconut milk or a dollop of crème fraiche (optional)

Vegetables: asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, cauliflower and potatoes, beets, peas, turnips (about 1 ½ lbs for 4 cups of soup)
3-4 scallions sauted in ghee or oilive oil
Parsley
Salt & pepper

Directions: Caramelize onions, leeks and garlic in ghee, add 2 quarts stock (chicken, bone or vegetable), add fresh vegetables, simmer for 30 minutes or until tender and then puree. Add sauteed scallions and parsley, and add salt and pepper to taste. An option is to add cream, coconut cream or a dollop of crème fraiche to boost the body.

Health Enhancing Bone Broth
There is nothing better for your health or immune system than homemade stocks. 

Begin with these basic ingredients:

1 chicken (organic or free-range) or
2 - 5 pounds of bony parts such as necks, backs, feet, chicken or turkey carcass

You can also use beef marrow bones 

2 Tablespoons vinegar (any kind)
1 - 3 ribs of celery (optional)
1 - 3 large onions (optional)
1 - 4 medium carrots (plus tops)
1 head of garlic (just toss it in whole!) (optional)
several slices of fresh ginger (optional)
1 teaspoon of turmeric (optional)

1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
1 bunch parsley (to add last 20 min of cooking)

1 - 1 1/2 Tablespoon(s) sea salt (to add last 2- min. of cooking)

For a supreme immune broth add 1 ginseng root and 3-4 pieces of astragalus

Cover chicken with filtered water in large stainless steel pot, add vinegar, and bring to a boil, reduce heat, skim off any foam that surfaces, cover, and simmer on lowest setting, for 12 - 24 hours. The longer you cook the broth, the more flavorful and the more it will be chock full of valuable minerals and nutrients.

If you use a whole chicken, take the chicken off the bone as soon as tender, storing the meat in the fridge and put the bones, fat, and skin back in the pot to continue simmering.

20 minutes before the bone broth finishes cooking, add fresh parsley (for additional mineral ions) and salt.  Strain and store in 1 quart containers (1 week in the fridge or freeze). Use anytime you need stock for soup or recipe that calls for stock, water, liquid -- excellent for stir fry.

Perfect Vegetable Broth

This rich, full-bodied stock tastes similar to a light chicken stock and can be used in any soup recipe to enrich the flavor. Avoid cabbage, beets, or broccoli. If you have time and want a richer flavor, roast the vegetables before adding them.

Basic Ingredients:
1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
2 large yellow onion, quartered
2-3 large carrots, coarsely chopped
2-3 celery stalks (including leaves), coarsely chopped

Leaks, mushrooms, shallots, scallions, fennel (optional)
8 quarts water
6 large potatoes
6 garlic cloves, left unpeeled, crushed
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

1 bunch coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 teaspoon salt 

Heat the oil in the stock pot and add the onion and celery. Cover and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the water. Thoroughly scrub the potatoes and peel them thickly. Add the potato peels to the stock; save the potatoes for another use. Add the garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours. Add salt and parsley during last 20 minutes.

Strain the stock, pressing against the solids with the back of a spoon. Cool and refrigerate for up to 3 or 4 days. Freeze in 1 qt. containers for a month.