Making Greek Yogurt!

First off you'll need to make regular yogurt with your fresh raw milk, following the instructions on a previous post:  Homemade Yogurt Recipes and Instructions.   Then before refrigerating, follow the instructions below:

The next part is really quite simple, you just need to find something tight weaved to pour your yogurt through so it can drip and release any excess whey and moisture.  This is what gives the yogurt a nice greekish consistency.  See below:

This is a large flour sack towel, which is quite a bit thicker than cheesecloth, but not too thick for the liquid to pass through, and it also won't leave lint in your food.   You can usually find these at a cooking store, or anywhere you can get canning supplies.   Or you can order them on Amazon.com

This process usually doesn't take more than an hour to hour and a half, at which point I dump the thickened yogurt into a container, and scrape the excess off the towel with a spatula, then put it in the refrigerator to cool and solidify some more.  

You can add fruit, maple syrup, Agave, or any other mix ins you like and get that creamy, rich flavor you get from other store bought greek yogurts, while knowing that yours is much healthier.  Enjoy!

PS, if your'e looking for another great yogurt maker, I recently purchased the Dash Electric Yogurt Maker from Amazon, and it has a mesh strainer included for making greek yogurt!   Love it!

Goat Birthing and Kid Care

Knowing when a goat will kid can be very difficult if you don't keep track of the breeding date.  Just ask me, I always do things the hard way.   I mean to write it down, and then a week goes by, and then two, and pretty soon I can't remember, was that last Saturday... or was it 2 Saturdays ago?   Its even harder if your doe is bred accidentally by a young buck you didn't think was up to it yet, or an escaped male who hops a fence.   Whatever the reason, you need to figure out when to expect your kids.

PattyCake, our Saanen, and her babies, Larry, Mary and Curly  (My daughter would not let me name a Girl Moe)

While there is no way to predict the exact date, there are a series of signs and symptoms you can watch for leading up to the event.   Usually the goats "pooch" or hind end will be swollen as she gets closer to delivery.  You may also see yellowish discharges off and on.  Very similar to when they are in season, except that the swelling accompanies it.   They will tend to "flag" almost nonstop in the last month or more of pregnancy as well.  Flagging is when a goat walks around with her tail up.  This is not a sure sign though, as I've had goats who flag often.  They will also loose a "mucous plug" similar to humans once, twice or even multiple times in the weeks before birth.

Your goat may paw the ground, and nip at her sides, in effect talking to her little ones, and preparing her birthing area.   She may be extra whiny or vocal, and seem stressed at times the closer she gets.   But unfortunately there are many goats who do none of these things.  One of my does that delivered showed many signs, but she never seemed stressed until just moments before she lay down and started pushing.  Also she is a very noisy girl, and she actually quieted a lot the last week or so.  And even after her kids were born, she talked to them in very sweet hushed tones.  It was so pleasant to watch her interact with them.

Lucy and Ethel our 2013 Nigerian Kids

Another sign that is more definite is the loss of ligaments on the hips right before the tail.   If you feel on their rump, you can feel a nice tight ligament going down each side.  24 hours before birth, this ligament becomes so loose that its like it has disappeared.  This is in preparation for the babies to pass through the birth canal.

Mary

Baby goats are one of our favorite things about having a farm.   We look forward to the babies every year.  I personally let the moms care for their kids, and nurse them as I believe in doing things the way nature intended it.  Not to mention it is much less work for me.   I do watch closely the first few days to make sure kids are latching on and eating regularly.   If your babes are born too early in spring, or more like winter, sometimes you'll need to provide extra heat in the barn for the first week or so.   You can do this with a heat producing light bulb, OR an outdoor heater.   Just don't use one that use propane unless you can be sure theres enough ventilation and minimize the risk of fires.

At about 2 weeks of age, if you desire, you can start separating the kids from their moms at night.   I usually do this by putting them in an enclosure right next to their moms so they can still see and interact, and I've even locked them in a large dog kennel inside their moms Pen before, and that works too if you only have a couple kids.  They started going in there one there own to sleep after a few days.   This allows your doe to fill up with Milk all night, and then you can milk her out in the morning and let the kids back on her during the day.   This is how you increase milk production, and especially "train" a new milker to produce well.  Don't worry that the babies won't get enough milk.  Mom will hold back a little for them, and also with the new demand, she'll begin to produce more.

It is also crucial between 2-3 weeks of age to have the horns burned if you do not want to deal with Horn issues.    If you wait past 3 weeks the chance of the baby having scurs is higher.

To grain, or not to grain?   Personally I don't think it is necessary as long as the babies have access to good clean water, hay or pellets, and loose minerals.  I have only ever grained one baby and its because she was getting picked on and not getting enough to eat.

Minerals are super important for goats.   I know a lot of people who have had nutrition deficiencies and problems because they either do not use minerals, or had let the minerals run out for even as short a time as a couple weeks.   Mineral blocks or salt licks are not as effective as Loose minerals.  This is ESPECIALLY Crucial at delivery time and for several weeks if not months after.  I use the Meat Maker Minerals from Sweetlix, technically made for meat goats, but its the best nutrition for all goats.   I feed it free choice in a bucket that is attached to the wall of their stall.

 

We raise goats mostly for the milk, so we are very careful about what goes into our goats mouths because we are sustaining ourselves with what they produce.   I try not to feed too much corn, and I've heard that Purina doesn't use any GMO's in their feed.  I still have yet to verify this, but I am using the Purina Goat feed for graining at milking time.   Quantity of grain directly affects quanitity of Milk, keep that in mind and don't be stingy on the grains if you are looking for good milkers.

We only had a single birth on the farm this year.  Born to our yearling, Boo, a 1/2 Saanen 1/2 Nigerian Dwarf cross which is becoming widely known as a Mini-Saanen.   She had a big baby boy, of course.  :-)   He's adorable though, and came out eating.   He found the food within minutes of getting his legs under him.   Here is Boo right as we noticed she was in Labor:

I put these photos in small so you don't have to look closely if you don't want to, but above left you can see her mid contraction, body tensed, and the mucousy liquid just starting to come out..

She had the baby out within about 20 minutes of this, and I just moved him under her nose so she could clean him, and bond, etc.

This is the afterbirth hanging out.   Usually it is much bigger, probably with multiple births.   And it can hang on for days.   Whatever you do, never PULL it out.  It will usually take care of itself within a day or so, but sometime takes a few.

IF you want to watch a normal kidding, I have links to that below:

Sugars First Kidding, May 4, 2013 

Sugars First Kidding, Part II, Breech Doeling

Baby Chicks 101

Well, its that time of year again!  Tax season!   Ha ha, just kidding.... well it IS, but I leave that stuff to the hubster!  What I'm excited about is the pitter patter of little feet.   Little baby chick feet that is.   Or even ducky feet, or gosling feet. (I'll get into those on another post.)

Have you been thinking about adding fresh eggs to your diet?   There is no more "enriching" way to do it than having your own backyard chickens.   Does the thought seem overwhelming?   Then quit thinking so much... (he he he).  I am not one of those "plan out every last detail" kind of girls.  

(Check out the "Chickens" tab above ↑  and read the story of my first baby chicks here, and then you'll really believe me.) 

Some of our baby chicks hiding behind the waterer.

Most local feed stores start getting in baby chicks about now through April. And my theory is the sooner you get some, the sooner they will grow up and the sooner you'll have eggs.  People worry about raising babies in the Winter, but really thats the best time. You have to have them under a heat lamp for the first few weeks anyway, so it doesn't really matter the outside temps. 

So what kind should you get?   Well... what are your goals?   Are you only interested in keeping birds for the eggs, or do you think you'll enjoy discovering the different breeds and colors, and want some variety to your flock.   Personally, I think keeping chickens is more fun if you have a good variety of birds both for color, and production quality.

Black Star or Black Sex links as they are commonly referred to, are one of my favorites for egg production.
They lay a Jumbo brown egg EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR if conditions are good in the coop. Plus their feed to egg ration is one of the lowest.   Meaning they don't eat as much as other birds, but still produce big beautiful eggs.   Below, one of my Black stars with a few of her babies.   I have at least one or two who go broody (sit on their eggs) every year.

Other good layers with similar qualities include:  Red Star, Rhode Island Red, Black Australorp, White Leghorn, etc.  

I also have a thing for Colored eggs, my favorite being green.   So adding some Easter Eggers, or Americanas as they are often called, is a great idea.  PLUS they lay very dependably as well.     I also like the French Black Copper Marans with the feathered legs for a nice Chocolate colored egg. (Do not buy these from hatcheries or you'll be disappointed in egg color.  Get them from a local breeder.)

About a 3-4 days worth of eggs when we were in full production a few summers ago.   Notice all the color variations?   Green, white, brown, and Chocolate.

The "light sussex" breed is one of my favorites to look at, and they are what is called a good quality, dual purpose bird.   They lay a nice pinkish egg every day, AND have white skin so they make a good table bird as well.  Below are a few examples, left is my favorite rooster ever, a light sussex we affectionately named "foghorn leghorn"... what a specimen!   And on the right a beautiful Lavendar Coronation Sussex, who hatched these adorable babies and raised them for 3 months!  Isn't she beautiful?

 




OK - LETS GET STARTED!
The first question is, where are you planning to keep them until you get a coop built? Or do you already have a coop?  You may think you can keep these critters in a box in the kitchen for now... (and lots of people do) but here are 2 things to think about.

1.) You'll have to clean their box daily if you don't want to be turned off by the smell at dinner time. 
2.) Make sure you have a screen or something on top, they can jump out even at a young age. 

I actually created a little invention for easy care of baby chicks, and I'm sure YOU are totally creative/handy enough to make one yourselves.... here's the basic idea: 

I got a Plastic Container/Box that is pretty big. Like the storage containers at Walmart. You want it at least 12" deep, and get the biggest one you can find, seriously, trust me on this. They outgrow the box so fast. And if you don't want to spend money, just use a Big Cardboard box for now, but if you think you'll EVER do this again, its worth getting the plastic one. Then get a whole 10' or 12' piece of 1/2" PVC and build a frame that fits PERFECTLY into the bottom of the box. You want the four sides, and then you want two supports down the middle, longways, to set the food and water containers on. Then you cover this frame with a piece of 1/2" mesh. Metal or plastic is fine, I prefer the black plastic mesh (in the fencing area of Home Depot) I just used wire ties to attach it.  Also, creating a mesh frame for the top is a good idea, or use an old screen you have lying around.  I know this sounds like a whole lot of work, but let me tell you the benefits of having this. 

 1.) It gives the chicks a sure foundation to grab with their feet.... preventing all the leg problems that can happen with babies. 
 2.) Its a piece of cake to clean. I line the bottom with Newspaper, lay the frame over, and the poop falls through the mesh.  When you need to clean it, you just pull out the frame dump out the box and contents in the trash, (after of course moving the babies to a cardboard box temporarily) and then hose it out if necessary.  Let it dry, or dry it out with a few paper towels and replace the newspaper and frame.
3.) It just makes having chicks more doable in my opinion.

This has been the best setup we've had for small amounts of baby chicks - up to 10 I would say.

If you are going to start out bigger from the get go, I would recommend building a brooder out of wood right from the start.  Its going to function very similarly in that it needs a mesh bottom, and usually I do a mesh front too so the little ones can see the babies well.  Then the other 3 sides out of pressboard (too keep it light weight)  And a hinged top, light weight as well.    The only other thing I do, is run some 2x4's accross the legs under neath, on the inside of the legs, about 2 inches or so under the bottom mesh,  and then I can slide a peice of plywood or pressboard, lined w/ newspaper to catch the poo, and help keep the heat in.

Baby chicks are usually fully feathered by the time they are 4-5 weeks old. If you lift their wings and they have feathers everywhere on their body, they are good, and should be able to regulate their own temperatures at that point as long as they have a place to keep dry.  Of course you wouldn't want to put them out in freezing temperatures, cold turkey... but you can safely introduce them to the cold over the course of a week or two.


WHAT SHOULD I FEED the BABIES?:

It is pretty standard these days to start chicks on chick feed that is laced with Antibiotics.   They claim it keeps them healthy as they are growing, but I personally don't recommend using medicated feed, as I am in favor of natural and where possible, organic feeds.  You'll have to look a little harder to find non-medicated feed, but just ask your local feed store clerks, and get to know them, they can be a great help.   I know the guys in my IFA and Cal Ranch stores by name, and they know me and are happy to help when I come in.   I also go directly to a mill when I have  lot of chickens I'm raising and buy the feed in bulk.

Another option is sprouting wheat, oats and other grains and feeding your birds what is called "fodder."   Do a google search on this for now, and I will do another article on it in the future.   Its a great way to feed your birds healthy nutritious food, and give them a great start.  You can use it as a supplement to regular feed, or in place of it altogether.

WHAT ELSE?:
Other than food, of course your birds will need a clean source of water.   And they are messy critters so you'll likely have to clean and change the water daily.

Also a heat lamp will be helpful in keeping them at an approximate temperature of 85-90 degrees.

Of course you'll need to purchase an inexpensive waterer and feeder from a feed store, or you could order online.   I believe these are all FREE SHIPPING:

A Good Basic Feeder for 8-10 Chicks (Add a Mason Jar)

  A good versatile convertible feeder/waterer order 2 for  a set.

 1 Gallon waterer for larger brooder  12-30 birds.

Larger Feeder for 12+ Birds

My cute niece, gently holding a baby chick.

And this is harsh, but beware of kids....they will love those babies to death if you're not careful. Teach them right away how to hold a baby chick... you wrap one hand gently over the wings and body, then they can't flap the wings. And then pick up the bird and set it on your other hand... keeping the one hand over the top. Show them how hard to squeeze by squeezing their arm with your hand. Tight enough to keep the birds from flapping wings, but not too hard to squish them, right? Its important to keep the wings contained. If they can't move their wings they can't get away. If one of the kids is holding them and they jump out of their hands, they can break their legs, or get hurt. 

Most importantly, HAVE FUN with your adventure!!

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below, and we can start a discussion.   I have been raising chickens on and off for over 12 years now, so hopefully I can help with any concerns you may have.  

Our First Anniversary, and a GIVEAWAY!

I just realized that yesterday was the first anniversary of this blog!   I can't believe it has been that long! I hope that you feel that the articles and information that I have started "building" on this blog are useful and that they have helped you in some way.   It seems like I have been blessed with extra opportunities to contribute even more information this year than I originally planned as I learned how to take care of all my own personal health crisis' naturally.  There was that shoulder thing, and then my knee went out, and then my tooth trauma, asthma attack.... well anyway... we learned alot this year, don't you think?

I can see by the numbers on my Stats page that people are reading my posts.   Lots of people actually, but the one thing my blog is missing, is YOU!  Please don't hesitate to share YOUR thoughts in the comment section of each post.   What truly will help to make this blog a successful community of like minded people is YOUR comments, advice, and experience relating to the topics I am writing about.   I know I am not the only person here with good ideas, so lets come together, take a minute, and start adding your knowledge to this growing database of good information!

To start this off, I am doing a GIVEAWAY!  

Every person who 

1.) Leaves a comment on THIS BLOG POST (not on facebook) with helpful ideas, friendly suggestions (NO URL's or advertising)  AND 

2.) Shares the FB link to this article on their wall (be sure to set privacy to public so I can see the share) 

will be entered into a drawing to receive a FREE 

*Bottle of Lavendar Essential Oil from Ancient Legacy Oils, 

*A packet of Heirloom vegetable seeds, AND 

*a few other random Non- GMO health product samples and goodies from a fabulous company I have been learning about recently, Youngevity.  (These guys even have clean, NON GMO food storage that actually tastes good and will last 25 years on the shelf! ) I am very excited to have found the product line of over 400 products that meet such high clean food standards. 

(GIVEAWAY Valued at $30+)

Giveaway runs from January 31 through February 14th!  That's right, I'll announce the winner on Valentines Day!  So SHARE, SHARE, SHARE this with your friends!   Lets drive some traffic here!

  

To acknowledge the Elephant in the room, yes, I might occasionally receive commissions for many of the products I recommend here on the site, but I can guarantee you, I have not sold my soul for the sake a 2% here and 1 % there.   I ONLY recommend products I would use myself and feed to my children.   And lets be honest, it can be HARD to find good quality, clean food and supplements that are NON GMO.  So  as I have the need for me or my family, I am simply sharing that with you.

Going forward this year, you will find updates on the Bees, greenhouse gardening, and pictures of our new baby goats that are due anytime!  I Love Springtime!   I will also be sharing with you any health information I acquire, new recipes, prepping information, and MORE!

So let me hear your thoughts!   Any topic requests?  What types of posts would you like to see more of?  I would also be happy to research and post my opinion on any subjects that you have questions about.  Let's learn together this year, and have a great time doing it!

To your health!

~Shelley

6 Grain Overnight Waffles

6 Grain+ Overnight Waffles by Shelley

This is my own recipe.   I have made some yogurt waffles before, they help to lighten and fluff the waffle.   But I wanted a very healthy recipe with Protein and whole grains.  So after some experimentation, this is what i have come up with.   They are are sweet, tasty, and lighter than a traditional whole grain waffle, while still very filling and hearty.  You could also substitute in a Cup of Regular Rolled Oats for 1 Cup of the cereal, adds yet another grain.

Plus I like that i can start them at night, and they are ready to cook as soon as we wake up in the morning.  This makes a HUGE batch.  Approximately 40+ waffles.   I like to make ahead and freeze. 

I buy the Honeyville 6 Grain Rolled Cereal, available here.  It contains:  Whole Red Wheat Flakes, Whole White Wheat Flakes, Barley Flakes, Oatmeal, Rye Flakes and Sunflower Seeds.

Ingredients:
6 cups uncooked  6 grain Rolled Cereal OR Rolled oats (Not Quick)
6-8 Cups Boiling water
3.5 cups Multi-grain flour or Whole Wheat flour
1/2 C. Coconut Flour 1.5 Cups of Plain or Vanilla Yogurt w/ Live active Cultures
2 T. Vanilla Extract 4 T. Cinnamon
3 t. Nutmeg
2 T. Ginger
5 t. baking powder
2 t. baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 
12 large fresh eggs 
3-5 cups goat milk (We have milking goats at home, you can use any milk you choose, even a non dairy version.)

I always grind my flour at home.   Click here for a tutorial on making your own Multi-grain flour.
Also, spices give such good flavor.  Don't skimp on them!

Directions:
Measure out the 6 grain cereal in LARGE mixing bowl, and add about 6 Cups boiling water.   Cover and let stand for 1-2 hours.  If it is really dry, add more water, just until moist.
Add remaining dry ingredients.

After it has cooled some, or if you need to cool it sooner, (after at least 1/2 hour) add the milk and mix well.  It must be under 100º before adding Yogurt.   Mix in Yogurt and let stand overnight.
In the morning, Add eggs, mix well and its ready to cook.
Preheat a waffle iron and wipe down w/ Coconut oil. Pour the correct portioins of the batter for your specific waffle press and cook until golden. Serve with butter and syrup, or fruit, if desired.

You can also just cook these as pancakes, if you prefer.  I would just thin out the batter first with more milk.

Dental work? or Tooth Trauma?

It's amazing how personal trials and experiences drive you to learn more both about yourself and about natural healing.   I really do believe that the body can heal most any problem if it is given the right tools. Therein lies the problem.   What are the right tools?

Lets talk teeth.  I have had an abscessed tooth for about 4 months now.  (Yikes)  I have taken 2 antibiotics, prescribed by my dentist, I have used essential oils, Burned the inside of my mouth with Garlic several times, and did an occasional Oil Pull.  Now for the record, I have been incredibly inconsistent.   I'm a busy girl... and lots of other excuses.  I'm sure I would've paid more attention to it if it was causing me pain, but it really wasn't.  

2 weeks ago, my Asthma came back with a Vengeance! I have been super sick.  It occurred to me that this may have been caused by the occasional oozing of the Abscess, which we know to be incredibly toxic.   So I have decided to finally get serious and take care of this problem.    And just to make sure I did, I was blessed with yet another toothache on Sunday.  A bad one!  The tooth was wobbly, the gum saggy, and any contact with food or another tooth was excruciating!

I had to get back on my Asthma meds post haste, just so I could breathe.  And I was taking Motrin for the toothache, as well as rubbing Theives/ On Guard  and Oregano Oil on the gums.  I did get a little relief from clove essential oil, but not enough to stop taking Motrin.

I finally started oil pulling regularly on Sunday night.  I have done it twice a day for the last 3 days, and as of yesterday, my mouth was much less achy, and I could even sleep on that side of my face.  Before I couldn't touch that cheek to the pillow or lay on it.   This morning, I noticed I was chewing my waffle on that side, and as I realized it I got super happy!   I looked at the gums, and the tooth is much less wobbly, and the sagging seems to be improved just a touch.   I expect within a couple more days I won't have any more problems with that tooth.   I have watched my abscess shrink by about 1/2 in the same time frame as well.  I will continue to report my progress, but the main purpose of this blog is to share some of the things I have learned as well.

I have a GREAT dentist, as dentists go.  She is kind, VERY good at what she does, and open minded to my natural views.  She's always willing to work with me and give me time to work issue out on my own, while providing her advice and opinions on the situations.

My oldest son was going to need a Root Canal after he went in for 18 fillings last year-- One of them acted up a few months later.   I didn't feel good about it, so I brought him home and started him on Dr. Schulze "tooth and gum" formula.  WITH my dentists blessing.   She said, "Sure, go ahead and try it, it would be great if it worked."

Within a few days, the pain was gone, and he hasn't had any problems since.  That is HUGE to me. And it did get me thinking.  I had experienced a similar thing a few years previous.  However, this formula on its own was not enough to handle the severity of infection that a tooth abscess causes.  (Yes, I have been using it.)

Today, I think I found what i'm looking for on subject.  A book entitled "Cure Tooth Decay- Remineralize Cavities and Repair your teeth naturally with good food."  by Ramiel Nagel

This guy is extremely dull in his video, but lots of good information on his site.

http://www.curetoothdecay.com/Tooth_abscess.htm

I searched for his book on Amazon and its available for much less on Kindle ($10) so I bought it.  Has lots of good reviews.  Will start reading today.

CURE TOOTH DECAY - Kindle Edition

Hardbound Edition

It's amazing how even WE who KNOW that natural is better, are still submitting ourselves to this kind of "trauma" for tooth care.   I have recently had the feeling that all these problems were caused by the " TRAUMA" that I underwent at the dentist in having all my cavities filled.  Both the teeth in question were filled at some point.   This word was MY description of what had happened to my teeth.   But in his 3 minute video, Nagel confirms what I was thinking.  He says Bacteria is not what causes a tooth infection, it is diet, lifestyle and TRAUMA from previous dental work.  I don't necessarily agree with all his diet recommendations because I think he's cutting out a lot of foods that are essentially good for you, and that you can heal your tooth other ways, but still interesting.   I realize now, that my tooth was not hurting because the tooth itself was not weak, dead, or otherwise.  When I saw the x-ray, all of the infection was in the sinus passages.  WHY would I need a root canal, which essentially kills the tooth, just to get rid of sinus infection?   The thought process on this is ridiculous, and yet its commonly practiced and the ONLY recognized cure for an abscessed tooth, medically speaking.   Well, there is that other thing... you could EXTRACT your perfectly healthy tooth, because that makes even more sense?!?!

Tooth Remineraliztion

Also another key word I have been coming across as I learn about teeth is something called demineralization… and remineralization of teeth.  This is crucial to tooth health.  (Click on Image above for more info.)

The DoTerra Toothpaste claimed remineralization of teeth, which is why I bought it.   You can make your own with oils, but this is affordable enough, and available to me, so I will be using it from now on, and making my kids use it too.   I also purchase several of my Essential oils here, through Youngevity. They have a medicinal grade line of oils, called Ancient Legacy, that is both affordable, and effective.  I am NOT brand loyal, so long as the oils are certified high grade oils.  

I'm also having good success with the oil pulling.  This is day 3 I think… and I can already chew on my other tooth that was really bugging me on Sunday.   It was loose, and EXTREMELY painful  if I accidentally  bit down on that side.  Today, just slightly sensitive, and much tighter.   I think Oil Pulling "remineralizes" the teeth as well, from what I'm reading. 

I feel so bad that I put my son through all that Trauma on 18 of his teeth.   But the important thing is that I have learned from it.   I can now give him the knowledge he needs going forward to take care of his teeth.  I have also heard talk of tooth regeneration on many sites, and DO think it is possible, but I think true overall health need be attained first.

Fascinating subject!

Here is a list of other sites that had good information regarding natural Tooth Care:

Truly Natural Dental Care

Excellent article on understanding Demineralization of Teeth HERE

How to Eliminate the Dentist from your Life

Also see my Pinterest board:

http://www.pinterest.com/shellrae77/health/ 

Knowledge is power.   Don't you feel empowered?  We will definitely visit this subject again.

Now just to cover my @$&  I need to say that these statements have not be evaluated by the FDA and that this information is not intended to be used as medical advice as the author is not a physician.  My advice is not intended to supersede the advice of a licensed Dentist.  Blah blah blah, yadda yadda... :-)

Barley Water for Asthma and…..

I recently did some research on Barley water, and found some good information.   This information is not easy to find, nor common so I thought I would share what I learned.   I was initially searching for Asthma remedies when I came across this.  But it would appear that Barley water is actually a "magic potion" of sorts.  Don't discard your cooked barley afterwards either, as the barnyard animals would love to take care of it for you.  This is just a compilation of different recipes and thoughts that i found on the matter.  I have not authored any of this, or claim any rights to the info.

I also found a great article on the difference between Hulled and Pearled Barley here:

---------------------------------------------------------------

There is a booklet that is out of print, "Cookies for Dinner" by Faye Parker Reeves, and I have heard so many fantastic things from it. (I can no longer find a copy, but I spoke to the author today and it is currently being updated and a new version will be out soon.) My mom sent me this recipe out of it:

Faye’s method: 

 1½ t. to 1 T. barley 

 1 quart clean water, preferably distilled 

 After pouring off the cooked liquid, add 1 t. cream of tartar. Or add ¼ t. per cup 

when you drink it. 

Faye heats the water to almost boiling; pours it onto the barely; and lets it sit from 3 

to 24 hours. Then she pours off the liquid and drinks it throughout the day.

Ruth’s method: 

 Ruth cooks her barley like rice, adds a gallon of water, keeps it in the refrigerator so 

she has a week’s (or more) supply. Ruth drinks one cup of barley water with ¼ t. 

cream of tartar every morning and is now off her asthma medication. 

(Posted w/ permission from Faye.)

Home-made Barley Water

Barley water is a traditionally acclaimed drink which will support and nourish the kidneys in times of stress. It is an integral part of a kidney cleansing program, which will produce tremendous overall benefits.

You will need:

1/2 cup of whole barley

5 cups of water

1/4 of a Cinnamon stick

Grated Ginger

Freshly squeezed lemon juice

How to make:

Place the whole barley, water, the cinnamon stick, some grated ginger into a pan and simmer for 20 minutes.

After cooling, strain the mixture and finally add fresh lemon juice for extra flavour.

Drink between 1 and 3 cups daily

http://cookalmostanything.blogspot.com/ ... inger.html

Ginger and Lemon Barley Water

2 litres water

1 cup caster sugar

150 grams pearl barley, washed and drained

2 lemons

100 grams fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

Remove the peel from the lemons, being careful not to leave any pith on the peel. Once this is done, juice the lemons.

Place the water and sugar into a saucepan and on a gentle heat, keep stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Add the lemon peel, ginger slices and pearl barley and allow to simmer for 30 minutes before removing from the heat.

Strain through muslin to remove the barley, lemon and ginger pieces and allow to cool.

When cold add the lemon juice - taste, and if necessary add more sugar if desired. Store in the fridge and serve over ice.

Lemon and orange barley water

I make my own barley water, a humble water with a simple history, probably English, and very refreshing on those fine summer days.

1 cup pearl barley (I would suggest Hulled instead)

2 litres filtered water

rind of 1 lemon

rind of 2 oranges

brown sugar to taste (about 2-4 tbsp)

juice of 4 lemons

juice of 4 oranges

Method

Put the barley in a fine sieve and rinse under cold running water to remove dirt or dust. Place in a pot and cover with the filtered water. Bring to the boil then simmer on low, covered, for 40 minutes.

Strain, keeping the liquid and discarding the barley. While the liquid is still hot, add the lemon and orange rind and the sugar.

Stir well. Leave to cool, then stir in the lemon and orange juice.Strain, discarding the rind, and refrigerate. Makes 2 litres.

Lemon barley water 

It immediately conjures up the magical image of white-clothed tennis players sipping the refreshing cordial during the change of ends at Wimbledon. Time please …

Makes 1.35 litres

Takes 10 minutes to make, plus cooling

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Ingredients

2 organic unwaxed lemons

50g caster suger

125g pearl barley

1. Finely grate the zest from the lemons and place in a large glass bowl with caster sugar. Rinse pearl barley and add to the bowl with 1.2 litres boiling water. Stir well and leave to cool.

2. Squeeze the juice from the lemons and mix into the cooled barley water. Strain through a sieve and chill. Serve with lots of ice and the strawberry cream cheese sandwiches.

 I have tried barley water when suffering a severe asthma attack, and I can testify that it worked better and faster than an inhaler. (unsure who said this)

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FAQ:

* Does the water need to be stored in the fridge or is it safe on the counter? It is safe on the counter for the first 6 to 12 hours.

* How often should someone with breathing difficulties drink the water? As often as they want to. My sister drinks it every morning. After some friends learned about barley water, they don't drink anything else. It is food. You can't over dose on it. However, it may cause a cleanse and you may have symptoms for a while.

* What to do with all the barley you cook? My sister throws it away. My Chiropractor eats it. I used to save it in the freezer, and make beef barley soup. Maybe you can come up with another suggestion.

* Can you freeze the cooked barley? Yes, absolutely. I did freeze some, but I forgot to label it. My son threw it away. Thank you for the reminder. I do not drink it on a regular basis. So, I want to have some for emergencies, and having it in ice cubes would be the best way to do that.

Until Friday evening, I would have told you that the cream of tartar is very necessary. However, since then, 2 people have told me the barley water works wonders even without the cream of tartar.

I have never thought about sealing/bottling barley water. Yes, I think that would be great. Leave the barley in it. 

I made some rather strong barley water, put it into ice cubes, and planned to transfer them to a plastic bag. Before it got into the plastic bag, my son threw away the cubes from the tray. I guess I should try it again.

However, in an emergency, just pouring warm water on the barley, and drinking it will do something. My other sister throws a few kernels into a cup, pours hot water on it, waits 5 to 10 minutes, and drinks it. 

I just thought of another way to have this on hand, just in case of emergency mind you. Go to Harmon's and buy a bottle. It is expensive. But, one bottle would be enough to give us time to make a batch.

Be sure to get the raw barley. 

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Sooo, after reading this 2 plus days ago, I came home and soaked some barley overnight and have drank my barley water, cream of tartar mixture for 2 mornings now. I love it! No, I don't have major breathing problems. I am stuffed up all the time just to make life a little miserable. I can smell things again!! Thanks so much 

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In the recipe to make Barley Water, it calls for a pinch of salt. 

Leave it out. 

When cooking any grain, salt toughens the outer layers, and keeps the minerals from being released. If you want the taste of salt, add it after it is cooked. This rule goes for all grains, including rice.

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I have to say this stuff is great. I was having problems breathing all night and this morning was having a mild asthma attack (first one in over 3 years).X and XXX helped, they had some and both I and my husband drank it down and within minutes I could breathe again without feeling like my lungs would explode!!

Cream of tartar is  a very good source of Potassium 

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Most of the above info came from the following thread on a forum:

http://gods-wr.ath.cx/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=1751#p6827.