Is Food Elimination in Your Future?

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Sarah Wadleigh

Identifying and eliminating “problem” foods completely from your diet can greatly speed weight loss and increase healing and vitality.  You will look and feel a lot better, and your moods will improve dramatically. You will sleep better, reduce or eliminate bloating and digestive issues, lose that weird puffy look, and gain muscle easier.  Your clothes will fit better.  You’ll make better decisions.

How do I know?  Been there, done that.   I had all the early markers of dairy intolerance:  ear infections, sore throats, infected tonsils, boils, dairy addiction – all of which went on for years.  I did NOT have a problem digesting dairy at all, so just kept eating it.  Hey-yogurt has friendly cultures – right?  Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, is it not?  In an effort to assuage my guilt (due to an unacknowledged suspicion, I’m sure), I switched to raw goat milk, yogurt and cheese a couple years ago.  Certainly that would be good for me.  After a few months, I intuitively and dramatically tapered off (about six months ago).  So no more dairy in the refrigerator.  Still, I was getting small amounts of dairy at our favorite Mexican place once or twice a month, and from partaking of samples at the cheese department in the local grocery store (hey, it was just three little cubes of cheese!).

All the while, I was still feeling “off” and kind of crabby and stressed (a very familiar feeling).  Wondered why I wasn’t feeling better (since I had improved my diet and was taking numerous supplements), but went on my merry way, sampling cheese and consuming cheese and dairy in foods when we went out to eat.

Then the holidays came and we received a package of fine goat cheeses from a relative (they not knowing about my dairy intolerance)..  And hey – it was goat cheese!  Ate a few pieces the first day.  Things seemed ok.  A cheese binge once in a while would be fun and uneventful!  Or so I thought.  Then we made a corn meal crust pizza the next night to “use it all up”.  Ate it that night, and the following morning for breakfast.  Tasty!  Two days later, I started feeling very depressed and anxious.  By Saturday, I was feeling frantic, tearful and very unresourceful.  My cervical spine became inflamed, and I got a headache that would not go away.  I was having a reaction to dairy – proof positive that it was intolerable to my system.  It took three weeks for the inflammation to subside – I took epsom salts baths, drank a lot of water, ate a lot of greens, took some liver-supporting herbs.  After the inflammation subsided, I was still foggy, fatigued and cranky for a few weeks following that.  I also experienced a lot of sadness, having to acknowledge that dairy products will never again be a part of my diet.

At this point, I freely admit that it’s not easy to give up something you love to eat, and have probably eaten on a daily basis for pretty much your whole life (for me, almost 60 years!).  And you should know that once you do a 6 or 8-week elimination of a food that really isn’t working for you, the re-challenge reaction from your body can be much more dramatic and unpleasant than your original reactions, which may have been quite subtle, or just something that you got used to.  When you habitually eat an “intolerable” food, your body adapts to daily consumption and processing of this problem food (while still causing long-term problems at a consistent, low level).  Once the food is completely out of your system, and then re-introduced, your body has done a lot of cleaning, and, on re-challenge, will give you a very clear message that this food is definitely NOT for you.  That’s what happened to me over the holidays (even though I had not completely eliminated cheese), and has happened to many of my fellow clinicians, as well.  After that experience, I surmised that if dairy can cause that much pain in my body and soul, then it’s definitely not something I want to ingest ever again.

Bottom line, though, is that I feel much better without dairy.  Since that traumatic holiday cheese event, I have eliminated ALL dairy, and in fact, have eaten only our home-prepared food since that time.  My weight loss, which had been happening pretty steadily in the months before this (due to other food elimination), has now accelerated, and I can feel myself losing weight and am definitely feeling more vital.  It’s still happening slowly and steadily – just more apparent now.  So even though the holiday event was dreadful and even though I sometimes miss that grilled cheese sandwich, I’m thankful that I know so that I can honor and nourish my physiology and mental well-being.

Posted in Food Elimination, Food Intolerances, Health & Nutrition, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Good Food = Good Energy

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Sarah Wadleigh

Feeding species-appropriate food has amazing benefits for your dog or cat.  Feeding real meat and vegetables instead of food from a bag or can may  sound complicated, but is actually easy.  Well-nourished dogs are happy and energized!

Oz and Lily sharing some of their good energy…

Your Companion’s Digestive System 

Dogs and cats have very short, acidic digestive systems designed to quickly absorb nutrients from whole, unprocessed food.  This type of food is enzyme- and nutrient-rich – the food most easily converted into energy, health, healing and rejuvenation.

Switching to a simple whole food diet very often resolves digestive issues quickly and permanently – I have seen it happen hundreds of times. Why?  Dry and canned foods have been heated to high temperatures, destroying all enzymes and many of the most important vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients. The heating process also binds the proteins and carbohydrates, making them much harder to digest than raw, dehydrated or home-prepared food.  Simple, but true.  This applies for even the “best” dry or canned food.  Heat-processed food is treated as a foreign substance by the weak or out of balance feline and canine digestive systems, while whole foods (meat and vegetables) are species appropriate and easy to digest.

Having spoken, over the years, with hundreds of people about digestive disorders in dogs and cats, the common denominator in 99% of these cases was consistently heat-processed dry or canned food!  Sadly, this is something that is almost always overlooked by traditional veterinary medicine or made even worse by the recommendation of yet another dry or canned food.  Add on antibiotics  and steroids and you have a never ending cycle of misery for the dog or cat that can go on for years, if not for the entire life of the animal.  I have many examples:

A 5-year old Maltese had experienced chronic diarrhea and digestive disorders for most of her life.  She was now vomiting blood.  Prescription drugs did not resolve the imbalance, nor did prescription food or other dry foods.  This dog was switched to a diet of raw stew meat mixed with Sojos Europa Grain Free dehydrated food as the vegetable-and-greens part of each meal.  The dog’s digestive system recovered over the course of a week, and she has been happily digesting her food since that time.  Discoloration around her nose and mouth (which was not mentioned in our initial consult) unexpectedly and completely disappeared (after 5 years).  Many other improvements were noted, and her human companions breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Lacy, a rescued Weimeriner, had chronic diarrhea, sometimes explosive, for the first 18 months of her rescue.  She was very thin and nervous. Other disorders included frantically eating her own poop and stealing food from other animals in the household. After trying a long list of dry and canned food, including prescription food, and almost as a last resort, Lacy was switched overnight to a raw diet. No gradual change, just switched to raw.  The next day, Lacy had her first normal bowel movement.  The trainer working with Lacy called her owner the following afternoon wondering what happened, as he had never seen Lacy have a normal bowel movement!  Lacy’s digestion has fully stabilized and has been normal since that time.  She now eats a variety of whole foods, including raw, freeze dried, dehydrated, and home-prepared, with no further problems. The rapid transition and recovery demonstrate just how compatible a whole food diet is with the canine digestive system.

An 8 year old feline with chronic diarrhea and steady weight loss for more than six months was switched, overnight, from dry/canned food to raw and dehydrated meat (which was rehydrated before serving), and the problem resolved within days.  Prior to this, she had been switched from one dry/canned food to another with no relief.  After her amazing and rapid recovery, the owners hastily switched back to canned food and the problems resurfaced immediately.  This feline is now on an exclusive diet of raw and dehydrated food, supplemented with greens, and is doing very well.  Again we see how feeding species appropriate food can heal quickly.

Once you begin introducing whole, unprocessed foods that are loaded with the proper nutrients, you will notice a difference. Look for clear eyes, white teeth, soft shiny fur and good energy!

Posted in Cats & Dogs, Food for Dogs & Cats | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Greens – The Best Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Sarah Wadleigh

What is the big deal about greens? One word pretty much sums it up: phytonutrients!  Phyto means “plant” – thereby the word “phytonutrients” defines the nutrients that are specific to plant life.  They are some of the chemical constituents found in roots, leaves, flowers, fruits and vegetables that help create the vitality of plants, and, additionally, help protect them from predatory insects, fungal and viral infections, and even from UV radiation.  Interestingly, when consumed, these same vitalizing, protective and healing qualities are passed on to the lucky consumer.

Beet Greens and Zucchini

Yes, the phytonutrients in plants have amazing health-promoting properties, and what is even more incredible, these miracle chemicals are very easily digested and absorbed by our bodies – dogs and cats included. Why, it’s almost as if our bodies are craving phytonutrients!

Which nutrients are fundamental for maintaining vibrant health or for recovery from illness or injury? Along with phytonutrients, plants also contain micronutrients, namely vitamins and minerals, which are are crucial elements that fuel the healing and cleansing chemical reactions that happen in a healthy or healing body. Without all of the vitamins and minerals required by the body, the ebb and flow of healing enzymes and energy becomes slowed, and the body cannot process and release incoming nutrients to the areas that need rebuilding and repair.  Mineral balance in the body is vital for efficient rebuilding and repair.

Interactions of Minerals in the Body

Lack of vital nutrients can allow a backlog of toxins from the environment, medications and processed food (damaged oils and proteins, artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners) to accumulate and build up in the body. Over time, this buildup can create skin irritations, allergies, joint pain, and many other forms of inflammation, imbalance and discomfort.

To help keep the vital healing energy flowing in the body, an ongoing supply of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and protective phytonutrients is incredibly beneficial.

Following are nutritional profiles of some of my favorite herbs and foods.  Each one contains many healing constituents.  This list shows only the most plentiful nutrients in each food.

Barley Grass: nutritive, antioxidant; high in Calcium, Chromium, Fiber, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Riboflavin, Selenium, Thiamine, Vitamins A and C.

Chickweed: beneficial for circulatory, respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems; high in Calcium, Cobalt, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Vitamin A and Zinc

Dandelion: nourishes the liver, kidneys, gall bladder, pancreas, and circulatory systems; liver tonic; high in Phosphorus, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C

Fennel: supports digestive, urinary and respiratory systems; antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial; high in Calcium, fiber, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Riboflavin, Selenium, Thiamine, Zinc

Ginger: helpful for digestive and circulatory systems; stimulating, anti-inflammatory; high in fiber, beneficial fats, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Potassium, Silicon

Gotu Kola: beneficial for brain and nervous systems, calming and nourishing, contributing to longevity, anti-inflammatory; high in Calcium, Fiber, good fats, Magnesium, Niacin, Riboflavin, Selenium, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Zinc

Hawthorn: affects and benefits circulatory and digestive systems; cardiac tonic, sedative; high in Chromium, Dietary fiber, Selenium

Irish Moss: benefits the digestive system; demulcent and healing, iodine source; high in Calcium, carbohydrates, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Selenium, Vitamin A and Thiamine

Kelp: nourishes and heals the digestive and thyroid systems; nutritive tonic and blood purifier; high in Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, Vitamin A

Milk Thistle: supports and strengthens the liver; high in Chromium, good fats, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium, Vitamin A, Zinc

Nettle: supports and heals the urinary and respiratory systems; high in Calcium, Chromium, Cobalt, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamins A, C and Zinc

Oatstraw: general nutritive nervine tonic; high in Calcium, Chromium, fiber, Magnesium, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium

Parsley: benefits and nourishes urinary and digestive systems, including liver; high in Calcium, good fats, Magnesium, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Riboflavin, Vitamins A and C

Peppermint: supports and heals digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems; high in Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Riboflavin, Selenium, Thiamine, Vitamins A and C

Pumpkin Seed: supports and nourishes the digestive and urinary systems; high in protein, containing hard-to-find amino acids and myosin – a chief protein constituent of nearly all muscles in the body

Rosehips: a general whole body tonic; nutritive, antiseptic, antispasmodic; high in Chromium, crude and dietary fiber, Manganese, Riboflavin, Selenium, Sodium, Vitamins A and C; Natural source of vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, strengthening capillaries and connective tissue.

Echinacea growing between two mints

Now that you know how fantastically nutritious plants can be, incorporating them into your diet will allow you to experience the vital force and clarity that phyto- and micronutrients have to offer.  The addition of greens can make a difference when no other changes are made to diet and lifestyle.  Once the body becomes more well-nourished, it begins to crave healthier foods and change becomes more natural.

Next time, we will talk about the benefits of culinary herbs.

Norton’s Gold Oregano

Bibliography/Recommended Reading

Bergner, Paul. The Healing Power of Minerals, Special Nutrients, and Trace Elements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Pub., 1997. Print.

Jensen, Bernard. Foods That Heal. Garden City, NY: Avery Pub., 1993. Print.

Pedersen, Mark. Nutritional Herbology: Including the Nutritional Profiles of 106 Commonly Used Herbs and Foods. Bountiful, Utah (P.O. Box 761, Bountiful 84010): Pedersen Pub., 1987. Print.

Puotinen, C. J. The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care. Los Angeles: Keats Pub., 2000. Print.

Tilford, Gregory L., Mary Wulff-Tilford, and Mary Wulff-Tilford. Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life. Laguna Hills, CA: BowTie, 2009. Print.

Posted in Cats & Dogs, Food for Dogs & Cats, Health & Nutrition, Herbal Magic, Herbs for Dogs & Cats, Plants & Gardens | Leave a comment

Resolving Allergies with Species-Appropriate Foods

Posted on July 21, 2012 by Sarah Wadleigh

Allergies constitute a common health issue in both animals and people.  During the 12 years that I worked in the animal wellness field, I heard about allergies in both dogs and cats every single day – it was the most common topic.  Often, the people I spoke with had been trying for months or even years to resolve the issue without success.

When something is so common and troubling, I look for answers.  I read every holistic veterinary book I could get my hands on, including those by Dr. Pitcairn, Dr. Belfield, Dr. Goldstein, Martin Zucker, Dr. Khalsa, and many others.  Within these books I  found a common theme.  The following quote from  The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care sums it up best:

“Most allergies in pets are caused by poor nutrition. Well-nourished animals don’t get allergies and animals that have them often get rid of them if they eat a well-balanced, natural, raw diet. This is not to say that the cure works quickly, for just as diet-related allergies are slow to develop, they are slow to reverse. … Cortisone and other drugs may mask or suppress allergic symptoms, but they don’t reverse them, and, over time, the condition of drug-treated animals usually deteriorates.”

“Even if your pet’s allergies seem unrelated to food, they are probably connected. Hot spots, skin eruptions, inflamed toes, anal itching, inflamed ears, lick granulomas, most digestive problems and several immune system disorders have their roots in diet. Because nutrition is such an important factor in treating allergies of all types, changing to a raw, natural diet is the single most important step you can take to improve your pet’s health. Once your pet is eating whole, natural foods, taking nutritional supplements and herbs that improve digestion and the activity of beneficial intestinal bacteria, drinking pure, uncontaminated water, dining from glass, ceramic or stainless steel dishes, getting the right kind of exercise, spending several hours per day exposed to natural light and enjoying a life of reduced stress, his or her allergic conditions should improve and gradually disappear. The other strategy most recommended by holistic veterinarians is the elimination of annual revaccinations.”

The most telling tale is that I witnessed, over and over again, dogs and cats recovering very quickly from allergies (as well as many other imbalances), by simply switching to a whole-food, species appropriate diet.  Other things happened, too.  Dogs and cats achieved their ideal body weight – not by restricting calories or feeding “diet” dog food, but by simply feeding a whole food diet consisting of high quality protein, greens, and vegetables.

After witnessing the miracle of a whole food diet and nutritive herbs for animals, I went back to school and became a Clinical Herbalist and Nutritional Consultant, and guess what I found out?  The same principles apply to people!  Our bodies want to be healthy and vibrant – we simply need to supply the vitamins, minerals and nutrients needed for achieving health and well-being!  Same for our animals.  We need to think about what human beings and animals would eat “in the wild” – in their natural state.  What were we designed to eat?  What kinds of food really “work” for us?

During my herbal and nutrition training, fellow students who eliminated “problem foods” changed dramatically and quickly.  Skin cleared, weight was lost, and emotions smoothed out.  Menstrual cramps disappeared, digestive disorders resolved, including constipation, indigestion and other chronic health issues.  Chronic inflammation lessened dramatically or resolved altogether.  Was it really that simple?  I experienced many dramatic changes myself, including losing weight that had been impossible to lose before.  Other personal changes of note:  better digestion (no more bloating), resolution of long-standing skin issues, major reduction of chronic inflammation, better posture, more energy, improved attitude, and a greater sense of peace.  Not bad for someone who’s heading for 60!

Now my focus is on achieving the highest level of health and well being – for myself, my family, and my clients – be they people, dogs or cats.  I encourage people to focus on foods that really work for them, while gradually and steadily eliminating those foods that do not contribute to their well-being.

It’s important, while moving toward that perfect way of eating, to make sure the body is getting all of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that it needs to achieve a vital state of being.  Our bodies need protein to rebuild, so make sure you and your animal companions have some high quality protein every day.  Vitamins, bioflavonoids, enzymes and minerals are most plentiful and available to our digestive systems from sources such as greens and vegetables.

Which brings me to why I became such a fanatic about GREENS!  During my years as a canine/feline nutritional consultant, I saw firsthand the amazing, energizing, healing benefits of green supplements and nutritive herbs.  The results were so compelling, that my motto became “Greens with Every Meal” – for dogs and cats, and now for people, too.

It’s not always easy to eat a lot of greens and vegetables in our society today.  Many people have an aversion to vegetables, or don’t know how to prepare them deliciously.  An e-book is coming soon to remedy that!   In the meantime, though, incorporating a green supplement into your everyday food intake is a fabulous way to begin to create health for yourself!  Add to soups, sprinkle on salads, make a smoothie with powdered greens.  Make sure your animal companions are getting their greens, too.

In a later blog, I will discuss which greens are the most nutritious, and how to incorporate them into your everyday intake.

 Bibliography/Recommended Reading

Belfield, Wendell O., and Martin Zucker. How to Have a Healthier Dog: The Benefits of Vitamins and Minerals for Your Dog’s Life Cycles. New York: New American Library, 1981. Print.

Brozyna, Kelly V. The Spunky Coconut Cookbook. Longmont, CO: Apidae, 2011. Print.

Fallon, Sally, Mary G. Enig, Kim Murray, and Marion Dearth. Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook That Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats. Washington, DC: NewTrends Pub., 2001. Print.

Gedgaudas, Nora T. Primal Body, Primal Mind: Beyond the Paleo Diet for Total Health and a Longer Life. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts, 2011. Print.

Goldstein, Martin. The Nature of Animal Healing. New York: Random House International, 2001. Print.

Kidd, Randy. Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dog Care. Pownal: Storey, 2000. Print.

Lipman, Frank, and Mollie Doyle. Revive: Stop Feeling Spent and Start Living Again. New York, NY: Fireside, 2010. Print.

Lipman, Frank, and Stephanie Gunning. Total Renewal: 7 Key Steps to Resilience, Vitality, and Long-term Health. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, 2003. Print.

Martin, Ann N. Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts about Pet Food. Troutdale, Or.: NewSagePress, 2008. Print.

Mayfield, Julie, and Charles Mayfield. Paleo Comfort Foods: Homestyle Cooking for a Gluten-free Kitchen. Las Vegas: Victory Belt, 2011. Print.

Pedersen, Mark. Nutritional Herbology: Including the Nutritional Profiles of 106 Commonly Used Herbs and Foods. Bountiful, Utah (P.O. Box 761, Bountiful 84010): Pedersen Pub., 1987. Print.

Pitcairn, Richard, and Susan Pitcairn. Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. [S.l.]: Rodale P., U.S., 83:. Print.

Puotinen, C. J. The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care. Los Angeles: Keats Pub., 2000. Print.

Sutherland, Caroline M. The Body “knows”: How to Tune in to Your Body and Improve Your Health. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, 2001. Print.

Zucker, Martin. The Veterinarians’ Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs: Safe and Effective Alternative Treatments and Healing Techniques from the Nation’s Top Holistic Veterinarians. New York: Three Rivers, 1999. Print.

Posted in Cats & Dogs, Food for Dogs & Cats, Health & Nutrition, Herbal Magic, Herbs for Dogs & Cats | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Hydrosols!

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Sarah Wadleigh

“Hydrosols do something rather unique.
They bring the aromatic compounds of plants to the healing process 
in the maximum amount possible to be homogenously dissolved in water.”

Suzanne Catty, Hydrosols, the Next  Aromatherapy

I first learned about hydrosols in a book by Kristen Leigh Bell called Aromatherapy for Animals. She cautions against using essential oils with cats, but feels that hydrosols are the perfect remedy in many cases for our feline friends.

In the book Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy by Suzanne Catty, I learned about using hydrosols internally, at 3 week intervals.  There are many other wonderful applications!

I’ve been distilling and experimenting with hydrosols for a few years now.  I started out with dried, fragrant herbs, such as Lavender.  Now I use, almost exclusively, fresh plant material.  Plants that make excellent hydrosols are roses, lavender, sage, oregano, mint, hyssop, rose geranium, and lemon verbena.

Hydrosols are:

• 30-40% stronger than an infusion

• Water-soluble for ease of absorption and ingestion

• Dilutable to homeopathic proportions

• Very gentle, but highly effective

MAKE YOUR OWN AROMATIC HYDROSOL
Gather plant material when it is highest in volatile oils 

Basic measurements and process:

3 quarts of purified water

10 oz of fresh plant material

This will yield between 1 and 2 quarts of hydrosol, depending on the fragrance of your plant material, room temperature, length of distillation time, and/or how much ice you have on hand.

To capture the most potent and complete plant essence, I recommend running the plant through the food processor and infusing in a jar of water the night before your distillation (or in the covered pot, as in directions below).

  1. Pour 3 quarts of water into the large pot
  2.  Mix in about 10 oz of fresh plant material
  3. Let infuse for several hours, or overnight, covered
  4.  Place your rock or “platform” in the center with collecting bowl on top
  5.  Cover, and bring to a simmer. Be ready!
  6.  At the first sign of steam, invert the lid + ice (or bowl + ice)
  7.  Adjust heat to medium – enough to keep a steady steam going
  8. You are now distilling a hydrosol! Monitor the ice meltoff…

As ice melts, pour off excess into bucket or garden (or just let it melt if using a bag of ice as shown to the right)

Distillation usually takes 90 minutes or so

Best to do this during the coolest part of the day or evening

When done distilling, turn off the heat and leave the lid or pan on overnight or for several hours, allowing the hydrosol to cool completely, and all of the final drops to be collected.

Pour the hydrosol off carefully and store in a sterilized bottle. There will be a strong herbal “tea” left in the bottom of the pan with the herbs.  I usually strain and use this tea in a bath, which is fantastic!

WAYS TO USE HYDROSOLS

The pH of a hydrosol can determine it’s healing qualities. Those of a more acid nature will usually be more astringent.

  • Spray undiluted on face and body to refresh, stimulate circulation, or cool down.
  • As a gentle and subtle perfume
  • As a conditioner or facial mist to draw moisture to skin and hair
  • Before, during and after exposure to sun, wind or cold
  • Undiluted, use for dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy, and cuts and wounds.  Several small applications a day – no less than three, as many as a dozen applications
  • Compress – Dilute 3-5 tbs of hydrosol in one liter of water.
  • For children’s internal use, dilute 2-3 tsp of hydrosol per liter of water
  • Soak a cloth and apply for aches and pains, infected wounds, scar tissue bronchitis, menstrual cramps, ear infections
  • Blend with aloe vera: Externally for burns, rash and dermal conditions; Internally for healing the digestive tract
  • Make up remover and toner:  Roman chamomile, cornflower and geranium are best;  Neroli, rock rose, yarrow and sage are toning, and also have antioxidant properties
  • As a beverage:  Add only enough hydrosol to flavor the water.  Makes water more appealing!
  • Therapeutic beverage: 2 Tbs hydrosol to 1 qt of water and consume over the course of a day. Alternate with plain water to consume a total of 2 quarts each day.  Repeat this process with the same hydrosol(s) daily for 3 weeks, take one week off, reassess.
  • Tonic or Remedy:  Take ½ – 1 Tbs of undiluted hydrosol 3-6x/day or as required.  Example: Eucalyptus hydrosol for coughs, Fennel for digestion, Chamomile for insomnia

Making “Aromatic Tinctures”

Combine hydrosols with alcohol or tinctures to create a more energetic medicine

Tincture the fresh plant in alcohol, then add 40% hydrosol OR tincture dried plant material in an alcohol/hydrosol 60/40 menstruum

Some suggested combinations are:

  • Melissa tincture w chamomile hydrosol
  • Milk thistle tincture w greenland moss hydrosol
  • Vitex tincture w rose hydrosol

Clearing space:
Declare an intention, ask for the help of the plant and its energy

Body work:
Put drops of hydrosol on acupuressure points

HYDROSOLS ARE SAFE AND DESIRABLE FOR CATS

Always dilute ½ tsp per quart of water for cats (for internal use)

Acute: ½ tsp of above diluted formula per 1 lb of body weight,
divided into 8 doses, given at intervals until condition clears

Chronic: ¼ tsp per 1 lb of body weight of above dilution (½ tsp/quart of water)
divided into 2 or 3 doses, given 3x a day for 3 weeks

Reasses and repeat if needed

HYDROSOLS ARE EXCELLENT AND EFFECTIVE FOR DOGS

Dilute 75% to begin with, and increase concentration as needed
Many uses both internal and external
Spray around head or on bed for stress – Chamomile, Rose or Lavender hydrosol
My dogs love Lavender Hydrosol!

Cooking

  • Use hydrosols to replace all or some of the water in any recipe
  • Orange juice with a spritz of Neroli
  • Freeze the hydrosols and add flavored ice to your water or other drink
  • Oregano hydrosol cubes in tomato juice, Peppermint hydrosol ice cubes in Lemonade

Cleaning

  • Incorporate hydrosols into any home cleaning formula
  • Sage, Oregano and Thyme are great for sanitizing, and also remove soap film

What more can I say?  Hydrosols are the bomb!

Bibliography/Recommended Reading

Bell, Kristen Leigh. Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Essential Oils and Hydrosols with Dogs, Cats, Horses and Other Animals. Forres, Scotland: Findhorn, 2002. Print.

“Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol | Rosa Damascena.” Organic Bulgarian Rose Oil (Otto). Web. 02 Apr. 2012. <http://www.bulgarianroseotto.com/rosewater.html>.

Catty, Suzanne. “Acqua-Vita :: Hydrosols.” Acqua-Vita. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. <http://www.acqua-vita.com/products/hydrosols.asp>.

Catty, Suzanne. Hydrosols: The next Aromatherapy. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts, 2001. Print.

Chishti, G. M. The Traditional Healer: A Comprehensive Guide to the Principles and Practice of Unani Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts, 1988. Print.

“Flower Waters (Hydrosols).” Hydrosols and Flower Waters From Mountain Rose. Web. 02 Apr. 2012. <http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/fwater/fwater.html>.

Green, James. “Distillation of Hydrosols.” The Herbal Medicine-makers’ Handbook: A Home Manual. Freedom, CA: Crossing, 2000. 118-22. Print.

“Hydrosols-Blending Nature and Science.” Blending Nature and Science. Web. 02 Apr. 2012. <http://www.theherbarie.com/Hydrosols-c-12.html>.

“Nature’s Gift HYDROSOLS.” Nature’s Gift Pure and Natural Hydrosols. Web. 02 Apr. 2012. <http://www.naturesgift.com/hydrosol_order.htm>.

“Organic Lavender Hydrosol.” Purple Haze Lavender Ltd. Web. 02 Apr. 2012. <http://phlavender.stores.yahoo.net/orlahy.html>.

“Rose Geranium Pelargonium ‘Graveolens’” Information on the Herb Rose Geranium. Web. 02 Apr. 2012. <http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-rose-geranium.htm>.

Rose, Jeanne. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. Berkeley, CA: Frog, 2004. Print.

Posted in Health & Nutrition, Herbal Magic, Herbs for Dogs & Cats, Plants & Gardens | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Welcome to my blog!

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Sarah Wadleigh

Tasha’s presence is always near

My background is diverse, and includes Reiki, Nutrition, Dog Training, Landscaping, Animal Communication, Acupressure, Clinical Herbalism and an ever-abiding interest in how we can achieve optimal health and wellness for ourselves and our animal friends.

I’ve done a lot of research, have consulted with hundreds of people over the years, and have a lot of hands-on experience, so within this blog you will find some eye-opening and important information that can dramatically improve your health and that of your animal companion.

 What we will be blogging about:

Species-appropriate food – for people, dogs and cats

Herbs – Nutritive and Medicinal

 Gardening – Growing Herbs and Food that Heal

Recipes – Paleo and More

Herbal Magic – Learn to Make your own Herbal Magic

Book Reviews – Be Informed

Posted in Book Reviews, Cats & Dogs, Health & Nutrition, Plants & Gardens | Leave a comment