Magic Mushrooms - and their Healing Powers!

Andrew and I had the pleasure of attending a free lecture last night by world-renowned herbalist, Roy Upton. My sweet husband gets the most credit for attending because I was the one most interested in going, and we gave up a more entertaining date night of dinner and drinks to attend!  Luckily, we weren't the only ones there on "date night." I saw many other couples there, but I'm pretty sure we were the youngest! Heehee. I'm happy to say that we both left enlightened and with a better understanding of medicinal mushrooms and other adaptogens that can help prevent illness and keep our mind, body, and spirit healthier and stronger than without them.  I'll cheers to that!

Roy Upton

A brief intro:
Roy has been studying herbs and adaptogens in depth since 1981, and he is trained in Chinese and Western herbalism. He is considered one of the best teachers in planetary herbs and medicinal mushrooms and has written a couple of books on the issue.

What I really enjoyed about his lengthy lecture was the connection we all have to Earth (of course) and the plants that depend on clean air, water, and food to thrive.  We, too, depend on these vital elements to keep us alive and healthy.  If the environment is polluted, then chances are, our bodies are too.

An astounding point he made about this comes from a study in 2009 researching umbilical cord blood and harmful chemicals present in the blood.  Over 230 different endocrine disruptors (natural or chemical pollutants) including the widely known BPA were found in the umbilical cord blood of infants showing that these harmful environmental pollutants cross the placenta and pose threats to our unborn babies.  What's more shocking is these endocrine disruptors are the main ingredients in pesticides to keep pests from REPRODUCING.  Until last night, my understanding of pesticides were that the spray actually kills the bugs, but that's not the case.  They are used to keep them from reproducing, not actually dying.

So what can we do to protect ourselves and our unborn children from these harmful pollutants, and what are these endocrine disruptors anyways?  Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) negatively affect the endocrine system of wildlife and humans.  Our endocrine system is a set of glands that secrete hormones into our blood stream affecting growth, development, behavior, and reproduction (see link for more info).  If these EDCs are known to be harmful, then what can we do to minimize their effects?  Eating organic, choosing the right herbs, and lifestyle practices like exercise promote health and longevity, and Roy and his research-backed approach is very promising and very real about the healing and preventative properties that these herbs and mushrooms provide.  It's a homeopathic approach that most Western doctors do not promote and/or know about it.  Before I get into the herbs and mushrooms he discussed, I would like to share some of the statistics about our Western way of medicine.


- In 2009, pharmaceutical meds SURPASSED cigarettes as the primary cause of death in the US > 400,000.
- Americans have the worst health stats of any other industrialized nation - heart disease, cancer, arthritis, obesity, diabetes, and reproductive failure.
- We have the most expensive health care on Earth.
- We have the highest infant mortality rate of any industrialized nation.
- In US, a doctor will only treat a symptom that's objectively measurable before they will treat you regardless of what ailments you may or may not have.
- In Thailand, 1 in 30 women has breast cancer compared to the states where it's 1 in every 8 women.
Is it environmental?  Roy seems to think so.

On to the herbs:
Roy Upton is proudly enthusiastic about the healing properties of herbs, but he says they should be used preventatively instead of as treatment alone.  Preventative measures, like taking herbs and other adaptogens (which help our internal system adapt to environmental factors), can aid us in many ways.  These herbs and adaptogens strengthen our immune and endocrine systems, can help regulate blood sugar levels, aid in blood flow, and enhance organ function among many other ways to help our bodies thrive. We can't have good medicine without good life, and he truly feels that by saving the plants and helping them prosper, we will end up saving lives. 


A few herbs and adaptogens discussed last night include:
Ginseng - Tonifies organs, strengthens spleen and stomach, benefits heart, calms spirit, generates fluid, is an antioxidant, and aids in anti-aging.  He cautioned young adults in excessive use as it is best to use for older folks.

Astragalus - One of his favorite tonics for the immune system and inexpensive too.  It's good for 101 diseases of children.  Linked to aid in cancer prevention and helps restore immunocompetency in cancer patients meaning that it helps the immune system recover from harsh cancer treatments like radiation, and the level of toxicity is so low compared to cancer treatments of today.
It can be added to soups and teas especially in the winter to "protect us from the cold" and build up our immune systems.

Lycii Berry (Goji) - Increases the production of red/white blood cells, suppresses cancer cell growth, contains lots of Vitamin A and beta-carotene so its great for our eyes too.  Also aids in male fertility.

Can be eaten raw or use in soups & teas.

Schisandra - one of Upton's favorites! Many wonderful uses include kidney and liver function, generate fluids (aids in thirst), quiets and calms spirit, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective. Very powerful adaptogen.  Like Witch Hazel is an astringent for the face that helps tighten cellular walls, for our inside cell membranes, schisandra does the same - it acts as an astringent for our fluids.  Wards off outside pathogens.  For men over 50, it aids in urinary incompetence and helps rest fluids among other aids.  Helps with sinus infections, mental function, mood, and also helps to regenerate liver function.

Bilberry and Hawthorn Berries - Hawthorns are considered a heart tonic, act as a sleep remedy, AND are used as ADHD remedies because of their calming effects on the body.  Bilberry aids in the vascular system and is good for arthritis and our eyes.  Both help a troubled mind and heart, and help to nurture, nourish, and calm mind and spirit.  Can't argue with that!

bilberry

Hawthorn

Mushrooms:
The "magic" power behind these mushrooms is that they contain very high levels of beta-glucan - super boosters for the immune system! 
Maitake - immune-enhancing and cancer-preventing properties.  Calms mind. Anti-cancer activities of this particular mushroom include prevention of many cancers (lung, prostate, lung, liver, breast, and brain) and aids to relieve side effects of chemotherapy. Also used in treatment of diabetes and aids in stomach upset problems.  Can be cooked in stir-fry or sauteed and eaten by themselves.

Before this lecture on mushrooms, my pediatrician already suggested that I give Maitake mushroom extract to Naomi orally or topically for molluscum (a viral infection of the skin that is contagious and often goes away on its own). I, once again, am reminded at how in love I am with Dr. Ramos!
Shiitake - immune support is number one for skiitake and all other mushrooms. Antioxidant, and excellent source of B vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

and my new favorite:
Reishi - "mushroom of immortality" a traditional tonifier that has been used for more than 2500 years.  Most widely used in Japan and was the most anti-cancer drug over all other conventional drugs for over ten years.  Supports immune system, moves fluids and energy and known to reduce tumor size.  These mushrooms have immunomodulating polysaccharides that contain antitumor and immunostimulating properties.  Lots of big words with an even bigger punch. They are also known to help diuretic activity, control blood sugar levels, and calm the mind.  Relieves anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations. 

Another wonderful perk of medicinal mushrooms is there really aren't any adverse reactions and no negative effects of efficacy. If anything, it increases efficacy of treatment and reduces side effects of others.  And if all others fail, at least there was no harm in its use.  

I am no expert by any means, and all of this research above is from note-taking at Roy's lecture and web follow-up this morning, but I find natural medicine fascinating.  What's even more fascinating though is the lack of support for a holistic approach in our country.  Of course, major pharmaceutical companies cannot make money off of natural herbs, so instead they bombard us with antibiotic after antibiotic and many other, often times, harmful meds.  Lots of medicines prescribed do a lot of good for a lot of people; I am not discarding that fact, but I do feel that we should all push for natural forms of medication when at all possible - even in conjunction with today's medicine.  Of course, it's always best to talk to a health care professional before taking on any new supplement, and hopefully, they can find the best herbs and adaptogens to suit your needs.  I hope you've found some of this information as helpful and useful as I have.  "Live Long. Laugh Hard. Love Forever."

**to find a naturopathic doctor with holistic approaches to medicine, check the site below.
http://www.naturopathic-guide.info/
another site I've found useful: http://www.wildbranchmushrooms.com/

Busy as a Bee

Hey yall!
Just wanted to give a quick update as to what's been going on in our neck of the woods. Even though Omi is well away from school age, the school year starts for many in just a few short weeks, so we have been busy getting together with friends and loved ones who have jobs and children going back to school (and I've been thinking more and more about homeschooling, but that's a whole other story to write!).  We had a play date in the park yesterday, and this weekend, we are invited to an end of summer party - that is after we help out at the Surfers for Autism event on Tybee.  Hope Andrew and Naomi are ready for this because I know I am! I've been looking forward to it since I heard they were coming to town, but we have to be there at 8am - busy weekend planned!

recent pics from Macon & the lake

always a princess

As for everything else going on, things aren't slowing down!  I got back this past Sunday from a much needed and enjoyable trip to Macon to help my mama with my Geemama.  Long story short, she is 85 and is getting to the point where she needs more care than she wants to allow.  It's hard to convince someone with short-term dementia who has been independent for the majority of her life and has always put others before herself to turn the tables and let us help her.  My mama and I are trying to keep her in her home of the last 50 years (where she is comfortable and knows her surroundings) and bring caretakers in, but she is having a hard time accepting the help.  We were superwomen last week though, and we have a fantastic caretaker with credentials to fill the job.  She is perfect with Geema and takes care of her like an old friend.  We are very blessed to have Ms. Allgood in our lives!

good for the soul - playing at "Mamie's playhouse" kept my mama in good spirits thru it all!

On the home front, we are in the process of many home improvement projects.  Just a few projects on the to-do list: removing the wallpaper in the kitchen and picking a paint color, getting quotes for replacing a couple of rotted beams on the front porch (and then finding the paint color to match!), and turning our dining room which has never really been a dining room - more like "computer room" - into a playroom for Little Lovie.  Our buddy Jason bought our over-sized brown corduroy couch (so thankful to get rid of that BULKINESS), and we moved the smaller couch out of the computer room and back into the living room. 

May not sound like much, but I am thrilled to have more space in our playroom, so that Santa can bring our girl a play kitchen for Christmas!  She helps me cook all the time banging away at the pots and pans and "tasting" what she stirs, so I am tickled pink thinking about the excitement surrounding this Christmas coming up! 


With Christmas seriously around the corner - for real, the school year is already about to start?! - I am creatively thinking of ways to up our Christmas fund.  I'm about to start whipping up some new headbands for the girlies, so keep an eye and ear out for anyone who may need to purchase some handmade bands for great prices.  I also have a few old collector dolls from my childhood that I am going to be selling along with a few other nicknacks around the house.  eBay isn't going to know what hit them once I'm through with 'em!  :) 


Our goal to have all of the home-improvement works accomplished is the first of October.  We've got friends and family coming in town for the highly anticipated Widespread Panic concerts the first week of, and I'm in a good friend's wedding before that - on the 2nd of the month. We'd like to have the needed housework done before family comes in town and before the holidays kick off (and I'd like to have all my Christmas shopping done by then too).  Shwooo. Too much too soon? Never! :)


In between here and there, we are taking a trip to the mountains to see the grandparents, a trip to Athens and to the lake to see some favorite bands (Drive-By Truckers and Stockholm Syndrome) in all their glory at the glorious new Georgia Theatre (which has been closed for the past two years due to a fire that completely pitted the place).  We saw lots of concerts there in years past, and we are pleased to be a part of the concert series that helps to reopen its doors.  Not even a week after Athens though, I am headed to St. Augustine for Sheppie's bachelorette weekend. This will be the first time Deddy and Naomi will spend the night together just the two of them - I think I can, I think I can....

 (these pics are kinda random to the post, but they are recent! I'll have pics up of home-improvement deals once they are done!)

Uncle Alex! Best. Part. of. the. Week!!

Omi and Lissa

Lake Day - Omi and Deddy

Yes, things are not slowing down but seem to be gaining momentum, which is good!  I'm hoping Andrew and our little lady can keep up! :)  Yall help me keep a look-out for a cute play kitchen (preferably wooden) that we can ask Santa to bring and also help look for bald-headed babies that may need a headband or two ;) Oh, and if you see a double-stroller for a good price, let us know! We may be needing one of those soon, as well! :)

something like this, maybe?

Don't freak out - baby number two is not in the works yet, but I've got my eye on this bad boy just in case:  :) Don't you think Naomi would be a great big sister??! :)

16 different ways to configure this little guy & can be a double or single - I love a good stroller!

Love you guys, and hope you have a FABULOUSLY great day!

they both have my heart!!

more pics from last week - so grateful to have Alex's face on the blog! :)

 

 

Walk on Home With Me...

Dolly, Pepper, and Fannie 2008

No one ever said it would be easy. But I don't think even the bravest and most courageous of men can find it any less than heartbreaking to have to say goodbye to an old friend.

From the first day our pets enter our lives, they are more than just pets.  They are our companions - our bravest of buds. They don't ever judge or get angry with us, and they are always forgiving.  Sweet licks to the face and hands, jumps in the lake, tail wags, hand shakes and unconditional love are just some of the ways that these furry friends make being a dog owner such a joy.  It's the nature of our dogs to please us and to yearn for our happiness and companionship, and that, my friends, makes a great comrade.  We teach them, and they teach us.  They teach us that love, companionship, and loyalty will take us far.  There is no replacing that bond.

"Love her" :)

I first met Pepper in Milledgeville, just a little over six years ago when I was living with a mutual friend of Andrew's and mine (props to Jason for leading him to me!).  She was around the ripe old age of eight at the time, but if you had to guess it, you would've thought much younger.  She's always been a peppery, spunky little thing - heehee- excuse the pun, please!  Her name fits her well, and she's always been at the center of attention - never to miss a beat. If the dogs were hanging at the lake, you better believe she was the first one in the water.  Diggin in the backyard?  She was never much of a digger, but if the other two were gettin' into trouble, you better believe she was in the middle of it - paws and all!

I'll never forget the day Andrew and I came home from work early one Friday afternoon back in December of '08. We were hurrying to get in Jacksonville that evening to celebrate our first anniversary, and as we got home to pack the car, the dogs were no where to be found.  After roaming the neighborhood yelling for the pups, we reached our final point of desperation and called the pound.  Surely they were just gallivanting near the marsh somewhere - there's no way they took a ride to the county jail, but sure enough, they did.  We get there, and both Pepper and Fannie were covered in marsh mud and looked as guilty as ever.  So the story goes, the neighbors "called the cops" because two, vicious dogs were terrorizing the neighborhood.  Vicious?! Yeah right!! I bet they were just lovin every second of freedom in the front yard!

Salt & Pepper with Thomas and Andrew

Christmas 2007 - NC mountains

"Stay there!" lol - this has always been a favorite of mine! :)

Pepper was our Nana.  You know, like the pup from Peter Pan?  She was kind and loving and would never hurt a fly.  She's always been the sweetest thing with Naomi, and from day one, I used to kid that if we put her in a closet with our child and closed the door, they would be just fine.  In fact, I bet we'd find her snuggled close to Omi licking her toes and hands.  That's just the kind of dog she was - a perfect Nana, indeed. Loving, caring, and nurturing towards anyone to come her way.

Good ol' Pepper-dog will certainly be missed.  After 14 great years, it is time to say goodbye, and no matter how many times you do it, it will never be easy.  It's not easy to say goodbye or to lose a friend as grand as she.  Never to be replaced. Never to be forgotten.  Our other two dogs have big paw prints to fill, and that's a given.  She is a kind soul who will no doubt have a special place in heaven! Pepper, you will be missed more than you ever know. We love you, sweet girl!

**C.Brown: This is a favorite song of ours for it sums up how we feel about our furry kids.  Other people can get us down, but "in our hearts we know that sometimes a dog is as good as any man."

I also found this below from another blogger.  Life lessons from a pooch's perspective. We could all learn from this!

What A Dog Teaches You

A dog teaches us a lot of things, but we never seem to take notice. These are some of the lessons you might learn…

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

• When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
• Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
• Take naps and stretch before rising.

• Run romp and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.

• On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
• When you’re happy dance around and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you’re scolded don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm, stop when you have had enough.
• Be loyal.

• Never pretend to be something you’re not.
• If what you want lies buried dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day be silent, sit close by… and nuzzle them gently.

Blockbuster hits

Move over Harry Potter 7 1/2, there's a new summer blockbuster in town!  It's taken me just about all day to upload these bad boys, so go ahead. Grab that popcorn & a cold drink & enjoy the show. :) Ok, well maybe not the summer blockbuster to some, but Gramama sure will think so. At least we do! :) The second one makes me chuckle.

Recently

Naomi Garner is a hoot yall.  Little Miss Personality has us cracking up all the time now - accessorizing with anything she can get her hands on, making the smooshy face as she walks around the room, "feeding" her baby and bunny CONSTANTLY, sitting on the potty, giving anyone and everybody kisses that will let her, laughing at herself, laughing at us, laughing at the dogs - seriously yall, she laughs ALL THE TIME!  Sweetest kid ever.  Here are some pics as of recently. Hope you like em. We'll be getting up videos soon!

goofy girl with her "necklaces"

4th of July wkend at Lake Sinclair

"Baby's first fishing hat"

watching the boats go by

with Mamie and Melissa

good ol' Pepper dog

Naomi lovin on Pepper

givin kisses

Peek a Boo with her cousin

mama's big helper!