Non-Chlorine Pool Treatment

Q: I can't swim in chlorinated pools/hot tubs because the chlorine makes me ill, and damages my hair and skin. I have also heard that chlorinated pool water damages the environment when pools are drained into the sewer system. I recently moved into a house that has a hot tub. Are there any alternatives to using chlorine for treating swimming water?

A: There are several options out there that provide clean and safe pool water without the harmful effects of chlorine. Generally, these alternative treatments are cost effective, and they don't pollute the environment and harm your body like chlorine.

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best alternative choices for treating pools, but it breaks down really quickly compared to chlorine. Although many people use hydrogen peroxide alone, others choose to combine hydrogen peroxide with either UV treatment or Ozone treatment to make it longer lasting.

I have provided a few links that I think are helpful and informative. This is by no means a comprehensive article on hydrogen peroxide. It is just a jump start into the subject for those who are interested.

Article #1

Article #2

Article #3

The last half of this article is about H2O2 for pools, the first half is for your entertainment/education.

Article #4

Essential Oils Article

I have been informed that the Essential Oils Article does not print well from this blog. If anyone is interested in a copy, I can e-mail you the original Publisher document for easy printing. Sorry for the inconvenience.
janaeolsen@hotmail.com. or hit "contact me" link.

Nut Pulp Questions

Q: Could you tell me where you got your cheese cloth to strain your nut milk? I do have some but it is a VERY loose weave - is that what you use?

A: To strain my nut/rice milk, I either use regular cheesecloth (you can purchase it at most grocery stores or at Walmart/Target), or a nut milk bag. The cheesecloth way is a royal pain, but it works in a pinch.

Cheese Cloth Method: Take the cheesecloth, fold it so it is 4 layers thick (more if you want smoother milk) and about 12-18 inches square. Let the middle of the cheesecloth sag into a pitcher or jar so only the edges are secured around the jar’s edges. Pour the nut slurry into the cavity and either let the milk drip out or if you are in a hurry, squeeze the cheesecloth until the pulp inside is dry.

Nut Milk Bag Method: I prefer to use a nut milk bag. These are much more secure, easier to clean, and more convenient to use. If you purchase them online, they cost between $6 and $10. I purchase mine at The Raw Food World. It’s the best price I’ve found. These are also great for making your own juice and other stuff.
If you are inclined to sew, It is simple to make your own. Use organic/non bleached muslin and sew a square with a hole at the top. Hem the edges and seams in a manner that will prevent residue from accumulating in the seams over time. You can make your own for less than a dollar. See the link to get an idea of what sizes and shapes are available.

Which ever option you choose, be sure to wash the bag/cloth out immediately after use. If you let it sit around, it gets crusty, ferments, and ruins the cloth. If you clean it right away, it only takes a few seconds to rinse out. Use a little soap if necessary, just make sure you rinse it out well.

Q: What do you do with your rice/nut pulp after straining? I don't want it to go to waste.

A: If you are making Rice Milk, just discard (compost if possible) the pulp. It is generally not worth saving unless you want to get really creative. You can add it to hot cereal, pancakes, muffins or other baked items where you want to increase the dietary fiber.
Making Nut Milk is significantly more expensive, and the pulp still has a lot of nutrition left in it. Refrigerate your nut pulp and use it within 3 days to make some yummy, nutrition packed dishes. I will post several nut-pulp recipes on my Cafe Janae Blog.

Q: Can I have your Raw Egg Nog Recipe?

A: You bet! I'll post it on Cafe Janae. (Click the Link)

Grow Your Own Wheat Grass

Here is a short tutorial if you want to know how to grow your own wheat grass at home. If you click the links below, they should take you to the videos in You Tube. I will post other information on all the fabulous things to do with wheat grass juice later.
I am having some technical problems with my videos.... please be patient and they will improve with time.
As always, I encourage you to post any questions or comments to help me improve this blog. If you have not already subscribed, it may be a good idea, so you can be alerted whenever I post.

Wheat Grass Part 1

Wheat Grass Part 2

Taija wanted a shot at stardom. Here's her version of the Wheat Grass tutorial. Enjoy.

Mini Me

The Wonders of Wheat Grass Juice: An Editorial by Taija.

The Dirt on Wheat Grass Juice

To Your Health!
Janae

Essential Oils

Hi Everyone!
I am posting my article (Essential Oils for Nurses) online so you can view and print it if you desire. Just click on the individual pages to see them full size and print them.
I am attending a Nursing conference in June, where I will be presenting some of my research on how essential oils can be used by nurses in and out of a hospital setting. Although this article was originally for Nurses, I think the content is applicable to anyone who wants to begin using essential oils to improve their physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual well being. Please e-mail me with any specific questions you have about using essential oils and I will go into more detail as I get questions.
Please remember, essential oils are very powerful. Use them with caution, and make sure you know what you are doing. I don't say this to discourage anyone from using essential oils, I only want to encourage you to use them carefully. Using essential oils is an amazing way to improve your health on many levels.

Here are a few of the ways I use essential oils on a daily basis.

• A few drops of essential oils in the bath to relax my mind and body. Using essential oils during relaxation rituals can create a conditioned response of relaxation during and after the ritual. For instance, I always put jasmine in my bath. The bath is a pleasant and relaxing experience. When I get stressed out and I need to relax but don't have time for a bath, just smelling jasmine helps me de-stress automatically.
• A few drops of essential oils in carrier oil to give my daughter a bed-time massage. Whenever I massage my daughter for a few minutes before bed, she sleeps so much better. She falls to sleep more quickly, and has fewer nightmares and awakenings. This ritual also creates a conditioned response.
  
• A drop or two of essential oil rubbed in my hands and in my nostrils to protect me from cold and flu germs when I am in public places. Essential oils are powerful antibacterial and antiviral agents. They can be effective for hours. This is very effective to use on kids before they go to school. I mix up a concoction in a spray bottle (see article for instructions) and spray my daughter's hands and face before she leaves for school and when she gets home. This cuts down on how often she gets sick.
  
• Applied to cuts, sores, burns, irritated skin, rashes, etc. Essential oils are wonderful for relieving minor skin problems. I have used them for everything from acne, sunburn, athletes foot, and lice to dry skin and boils. There are certain oils that work best on specific conditions. Consult an essential oil guide book or a professional for advice.
  
• Diffused in the air of my apartment to freshen the air and uplift the mood. Also great to use if someone in the house is sick and I don't want everyone sharing the airborne pathogens.
  
• A few drops in food to enhance the flavor and add nutritional value. Essential oils are some of the most powerful antioxidants known. Ingesting them is very beneficial. I love using peppermint, orange, oregano, and cinnamon to flavor different dishes. Essential oils are very heat sensitive, so add them AFTER the food is cooked.
  
• A drop in the mouth to freshen breath, open up sinuses, relieve congestion, or relieve upset stomach. Peppermint is great for freshening the breath, and it really clears up the nose if I have a problem breathing. Eucalyptus works great if I am nauseated or have an upper respiratory problem.
  

• Several drops as a disinfectant, odor eliminator, or stain treatment. When I clean my bathroom or kitchen, I use baking soda mixed with a few drops of lemon oil. This kills bacteria AND makes everything smell fruity. If your drawers or closets smell stale, use essential oils to freshen them up (see article for ideas). Peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil work really well for getting stains out of things. Test a small area first to see if it will work. I've used the stain treatment on furniture, clothes, carpets, etc.

I highly recommend three companies for supplying the highest quality THERAPEUTIC GRADE essential oils.
Young Living, www.youngliving.com
Primivera, www.primiveralife.com
Shirley Price, www.shirleypricearomatherapy.co.uk/company/company-p5.html
I am sure there are others, these are the ones I am most familiar with.

That's all for now. Good luck as you experiment with essential oils. May you have a happy and healthy life!

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