Holistic Quick Dives

Welcome to our holistic quick dive section. Our intention with this page is to give you brief but informative research on topics that we find help our everyday lives. This section will continue to be built on in the coming months and turn into a quick holistic directory on all topics to help our health and well-being!

  • By Jess Lilah from @homeoilblend.co

    Colloidal silver products are made of pure tiny silver particles suspended in a pure water.

    Colloidal silver is said to have broad antibacterial and antiseptic effects when taken orally or placed on a wound. It's unknown exactly how colloidal silver works. However, research suggests that it attaches to proteins on the cell walls of bacteria, damaging their cell membrane.

    Colloidal silver is a traditional remedy that people have used for centuries to treat a variety of ails, including pneumonia, skin rashes, sinus infections, flu, and more. It’s a suspension of particles of silver suspended in a medium, usually water and less commonly in a gel. The particles measure about 1/10 to 1/1000th of a micron, and they generally remain suspended in liquid. Eventually, the particles will settle to the bottom of the liquid medium, but a quick shake will disperse them again

    The antibacterial activity of silver has long been known

    For easy application you can find colloidal silver in several forms such as a liquid, ointment, topical spray, or nasal spray.

    In a test tube study, colloidal silver acted like a broad-spectrum antibiotic and it was anti-fungal against certain strains. That shows potential as a possible remedy for athlete’s foot or to disinfect a small cut.

    Scientists observed that treatment with colloidal silver caused damage to the cell walls of cultured bacterial strains such as Salmonella, e. Coli and others. The “pits” on the outer covering weakened the cells and led to bacterial cell death.

    Research showed that colloidal silver was effective against the smallpox virus in an animal study.

    Scientists also observed that silver nanoparticles prevented HIV from attaching to host cells.

    Hospitals use silver today in wound dressings and surgical bandaging to prevent infection and speed healing.

    One study showed silver’s action against antibiotic resistant microbes, which hospitals are particularly motivated to control.

    In the recent past, hospitals used to administer silver nitrate in the eyes of newborns to prevent conjunctivitis and blindness from a mother infected with gonorrhoea. Silver nitrate drops and ointment tend to irritate the eye membranes, so hospitals typically use gentler antibiotics nowadays.

    Another mainstream use of silver is that manufacturers weave it into “no stink” workout apparel and athletic gear to keep microbes and their odours to a minimum.

    You can’t patent silver because it’s a chemical element, so there’s no profit motivation to direct research funding toward colloidal silver. It’s one of those things that is likely safe enough for cautious occasional use, but you should seek the guidance of a qualified professional. As with anything you’re unsure about, consult your medical doctor before using it regularly

    We use colloidal silver whenever we need it, it’s always in our first aid kit. We use the Nasal spray, and when seasonal threats come we use a capful of colloidal silver liquid into a smoothie or water. I also used colloidal silver for my son when he had a school sore, we used it internally and topically and it helped a lot, we also consulted this with our homeopath. It’s so versatile and we have only had good benefits from using it.

  • Tongue scraping is an ancient Ayurvedic daily self care practice that goes well beyond oral hygiene.

    Tongue scraping helps to eliminate particles that build up on your tongue over time from food, beverages, personal products, our environment and EVEN unresolved emotions. ⠀

    Tongue scraping can assist in:⠀

    • Removing debris, bacteria, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue ⠀

    • Improving taste⠀

    • Improving breath ⠀

    • Promoting overall oral and digestive health ⠀

    • Gently stimulate internal organs⠀

    Tongue scraping involves setting the rounded end of the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue then slowly pulling it forward, toward the tip of your tongue [never the other way]. After each scrape, use a washcloth or tissue to remove debris from the scraper. Repeat until you've scraped the entire surface of your tongue. One to two scrapes across the same area is usually enough. Wash the tongue scraper with warm water and soap, dry, and store in a clean, dry area.⠀

    For a relatively inexpensive and simple task, the beauty is in the detail of self care and conscious attention to our wellness practices. ⠀

  • Fire Tonic: by @thechangeadvocate or better known to us as Jess Cahut .

    Fire cider, master tonic, there are many names by which this vigor liquid goes by. Tonic dates back to medieval Europe, from the era when people suffered from all sorts of epidemics and diseases. This tonic has helped many people cure many viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal diseases. Its power should not be underestimated! Made up of made of a combination of raw garlic, horseradish, turmeric, ginger, onions, hot peppers, lemon and apple cider vinegar. These raw ingredients have pretty amazing medicinal properties on their own, and combined they give you a potent natural remedy! There are many, many recipes online for this, some with less ingredients and some with more.

    When selecting ingredients, choose the best high quality organic you can find. Choosing organic ingredients ensures that no GMO’s or pesticides will end up in your healing brew. Now is the time to try, especially on my side of the world (Australia) as we have just come into the colder months. You can take this as a shot when you can feel something coming on, in a tea, in salad dressing, soups or when and however you feel necessary. I have purchased the Hilbilby FiRE TONiC from The Source Bulk foods for about $23 and about $20 to refill. You could also purchase from the Hilbilby online store. I also found a recipe from Pete Evans, if you would like to make your own. I will link all these below, if you are interested!

    I did recently try to make this with some off cuts of lemons, ginger, chilli, orange and added in some extra turmeric, chilli & ginger from the freezer. However, I, for some reason put this in the slow cooker, when I should have let it sit in a warm place for 2 week to about a month. Nevertheless, next time I know. Hot Tip: You could also utilise your essential oils! The ones I would consider using are, lemon, wild orange, lime, oregano, thyme, juniper berry and on guard. I am sure there are plenty more!

    Sending you all the health & happiness

    Jess xx

    @thechangeadvocate

    https://thesourcebulkfoods.com.au/

    https://peteevans.com/recipes/fire-tonic/

    https://www.hilbilby.com.au/

  • A cleansing technique which involves swishing a specific oil (each oil has properties that achieve specific results) in your mouth for 20 minutes each day. The main purpose for the ancient old practise is to 'pull' bacteria & toxins such as heavy metals & microorganisms out of the body.

    Some other benefits include:

    Improved gum health

    Whiter teeth

    Reduce (gum) inflammation

    Clear, healthy complexion

    Reduce bad breath

    Improve cellular health

    Better immunity

    More energy

    Prevent cavities

    Adding essential oils such as lemon, on guard, spearmint, peppermint, turmeric or frankincense can help target specific concerns & add further benefits. Oil pulling should be done first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (prior to consumption of any food or liquid).

    Choose your oil; some common choices are sesame, olive or coconut (most common). Add about 1 tablespoon (or the right amount for you) of swishing oil & 1-2 drops of essential oil to your mouth, 'chew' until it melts & swish around & through your teeth for 20 minutes - if you can stomach it. If you can't reach that time that's okay, start with 5 minutes & work your way up, 20 minutes is just the general rule. I like to do something around the house while I do it to make time pass.

    DO NOT swallow the oil, you don't want to swallow the toxins you are drawing out of your body!

    Your jaw should be relaxed, it shouldn't get sore to do. It is said that, depending on the oil used, it will change to a milk-like colour & consistency when it is saturated in toxins. When complete, spit the oil in the bin, not down the drain as it can clog it, rinse with salty water or mouth wash (salt adds more antimicrobial benefits & can sooth inflammation/irritation) to remove toxin residue then brush + floss as normal.

  • Casually trying to upstage bulletproof coffee with this totally IMMORTAL number here (which I did healthify & veganise). It’s still in that same super creamy, kind of fatty category. I’m a fan of it when I need to get going in the morning and I need a good bit of fat to go with my caffeine so that I don’t succumb to ultimately unsatisfying options. Another reason I like adding a bit of fat to my morning coffee is that my body gets a boost of HEALTHY fats straight up. That fat also helps slow down the absorption of the caffeine and provides a more stable and prolonged source of energy for the day ahead. It will help the effects of caffeine last longer too, so you should never feel like you want a second or third cup. Also, by adding these good fats we help neutralise the acidity in the coffee (coffee tends to be quite acidic) making it more gut and digestion friendly plus MCT oil has anti-inflammatory properties too. So many wins!

    I will disclose that this version is super rich! Dial back the MCT oil and nut butter if you think it might be too much for you. If you're not a coffee drinker fuel yourself with coffee-free bulletproof goodness and add a little adaptogen so that you can NATURALLY sharpen your mind. Think Bulletproof Matcha or Bulletproof Cocoa. You can easily sub out the coffee.

    RECIPE

    Brew 1.5 cups of your favourite quality coffee.

    1 Tbs cashew OR almond butter.

    1 Tbs MCT oil.

    1 Medjool date (optional).

    In an upright and vented blender (like a Vitamix) combine the HOT coffee, cashew butter, MCT oil, date and any optional extras. Slowly bring the speed up to high and blend until coffee is totally creamy, frothy and smooth. Pour the coffee into your FAVE mug and enjoy.

    Optional extras.

    Up to 1 tsp of an adaptogen powder. Think I am Gaia, Chaga, Reishi or Ashwagandha. See Superfeast if you're looking for a quality adaptogen.

    A splash of plant-based milk such as coconut, almond or oat milk.

    Organic stevia. Maple syrup. Medjool date or another natural sweetener of choice.

    Up to 1/2 a scoop (15 g) vegan vanilla protein powder.

    Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or a drop of essential oil of choice.

    Enjoy x

    Simone E.

Veg Scrap Broth

  • Words by @thechangeadvocate or better known to us as Jess Cahut

    Do you often find yourself throwing out or composting a lot of offcuts or unused veg that is “at the end of its life”? Well, fear no more, you can get one last use out of those veg before disposing (I would highly suggest composting). What is the difference between a broth & a stock I hear you ask. While they are pretty similar, they are actually two different things. There are three important factors that differentiate stock & broth: the ingredients, cook time, & the presence (or lack) of seasoning.

    Unlike stock, broth is typically seasoned. It finishes as a thin, flavourful liquid that doesn’t gel when chilled, & is used in all the same ways you’d use stock, including soups, sauces, & braises. Since it’s seasoned, it is flavourful & delicious sipped on its own.

    Ok, lets get down to business. You can basically use whatever veg you have laying around. I tend to steer away from starchy veg & things like broccoli & zucchini as I find it give a bitter taste. However, you do what works for you. Some examples of scraps I may have are; parsley, carrot, celery, tomatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, capsicum, spinach. Honestly, it is endless.

    Hot tip! I do like to keep these in a container in the freezer until I have built up enough to make a good batch of broth. (& obviously don’t use anything that is dirty or mouldy)

    Now, for it to technically be a broth, you can add things like, salt, pepper & any other herbs you have laying around. Another way to give it that extra boost it is to add some SuperFeast tonics like Mason’s Mushrooms (ps, you can read more about SuperFeast here + we have a discount code for these! use “wildmummas” at checkout!)

    Put everything into a large pot on the stove (or in a slow/pressure cooker), top with filtered (or cooled boiled water) & let that simmer for a few hours (average 2-3 hours). Strain & distribute between jars. You can either use this throughout the week or freeze & use as needed.

    It’s a win win, you get to use your otherwise unused veg, give them another life & you get a beautiful broth to add to a variety of things!

    Sending you all the health & happiness

    Jess xx

    @thechangeadvocate

Elderberry Syrup

  • Created for you by Ali Caley

    Elderberry syrup is just one of the many tools that I have in my holistic health regime. I truly believe that health comes from nutrient dense foods and living a healthy, toxic free lifestyle..

    Cue Elderberries.

    Due to its antiviral and immune boosting properties this is something that my little fam takes daily all year round. Elderberries have been shown to be one of the most effective natural remedies for strengthening the immune system, preventing colds and flu’s as well as reducing the duration of them, easing allergy symptoms, reduce stress & decrease inflammation.

    Straight up.

    Pub med told me so.

    At least two different studies have concluded that elderberries are effective at reducing upper respiratory symptoms along with the durations of colds and flus due to viral infections.

    It’s also full of antioxidants, Vitamin C and all the good stuff, like raw honey, clove, cinnamon and ginger.

    No junk or synthetic crap.

    I also think it taste like Christmas in a Jar.

    Heres one simple way to make this delicious tasting syrup to add into your wellness routine.

    I cup of organic dried Elderberries

    2-4 Cloves OR 1 drop Clove EO

    4-6 Slices of fresh ginger

    2 Cinnamon Sticks

    1 Cup local raw honey

    4 Cups filtered water

    - Add everything except the honey to a medium saucepan

    - Bring to a boil, then lower heat & Simmer for 30 minutes

    - Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to release more liquid (that stuff is gold!

    - Let the liquid cool to warm & then add the honey in

    - Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 3 months.

    - 1 TB a day for adults & 1 TSP for smaller humans

    For those fussy babes why not switch it up and turn the syrup into super cute gummies

    1 cup Elderberry syrup

    1/4-1/2 cup juice (freshly squeezed orange pairs well)

    1/4 cup organic gelatin powder

    - Combine syrup, juice and gelatin in a saucepan

    - Let it bloom for a few minutes before turning on the heat and bring it to just before a boil

    - Remove off heat, whisk together and then place in moulds to set in fridge for at least 2 hrs

    Enjoy friends!

    x Ali [ Wildly_Wholesome ]

    Reference:

    -Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travellers: A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. PMID:27023596

    -Randomised study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. PMID:15080016

Medicinal Cacao

  • So, normal cocoa powder and chocolate have been chemically processed and roasted [once I understood this I really stepped back from traditional choc!] which destroys a large amount if not ALL of the antioxidants and flavanols (the things that keep you young and healthy).

    Non-organic cocoa (and non-organic chocolate) has also been treated heavily with toxic pesticides and fumigation chemicals, and may contain genetically modified (GMO) products. This is without adding the very very low grade ingredients they use + the palm oil issues.

    Raw Organic Fairly Traded Cacao in contrast has bountiful benefits, so you can add it to your diet with no guilt, just good old chocolatey deliciousness.

    We made the switch to better chocolate for our family and kids [in general years back and now I find it difficult to eat most standard choc - even my little boy will take a bite and say mum ‘it’s a bit sweet’].

    Did you know raw Cacao [what choc should be made with] has 40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries, is Highest Plant-Based Source of Iron at a whopping 7.3mg per 100g. This compares to beef and lamb at 2.5mg, and spinach at 3.6mg. Note the iron in cacao is non-heme (as is all plant-based iron), so to get the maximum benefits you’ll want to combine it with some vitamin C + it is full of Magnesium & it has more Calcium than cow’s milk at 160mg per 100g vs only 125mg per 100ml of milk.

    HUGE health benefits!

    It’s a wealth of nourishment for our bodies and one of my favourite ways to consume it [other than baking but I will share some recipes in another post] is a hot/cold cacao.

    So how do I have it?

    Brewing up a cacao is so super easy and it can be layered with super food add-on’s to really pack a punch.

    The 101 basic cacao:

    Add a heaped TBS of Cacao to a cup of plant based milk, a dash of a sweetener of your choice [I would head for either coconut sugar, maple syrup, monk fruit sweetener or something similar] and warm up. You can whizz it in the thermo, or with a stick blender to make some froth and you are done!

    But pimping it out - is so much better for you and I honestly think way more delicious so here are some amazing add on’s;

    Turmeric: anti inflammatory, antioxidant powerhouse [this can be added in either the EO or powder form].

    Fats: cacao butter or coconut milk/oils are our brain and bodies love language + they help bind too and carry many superfoods like Turmeric for better absorption.

    Maca: a powerful superfood known for hormone health and being amazing for oestrogen levels among many other befits its super grounding and stabilising.

    Medicinal mushrooms: one of my absolute favs to add to a Cacao is these, because they are amazing whole body supporters working to boost immune health, brain, heart and organ health - they are even amazing for things like sleep and anxiety. You can’t loose here.

    Pink or Celtic Salt [just a pinch]; abundant in minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium.

    Essential Oils: remember less is more but seriously these do some amazing things to the flavours and medicinal properties of your cocoa. I love cinnamon, cardamon, wild orange and even peppermint. I would say to you start with the toothpick swirl and work your way up to a drop. If I had to pick my favs for ‘benefits’ - it would be cinnamon or cardamon!

    Recipes I love:

    1 cup organic coconut milk

    1-2 tbs of organic raw cacao powder

    1 TBS of sweetener

    Pinch of Salt

    1-2 Cacao buttons [source bulk foods]

    1/2 ts each of Maca + Medicinal Mushrooms

    & one drop of doTERRA cinnamon [you can start with a toothpick swirl].

    Warm up on the stove gently for 5-10 mins [or pop into the thermo on heat 90, speed 4 for 7-8 mins!]

    Bliss!

    Or;

    1 tablespoon raw cacao powder.

    1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

    1/4 teaspoon dried ginger

    1/2 teaspoon dried turmeric (depending on your taste).

    Drop[or toothpick swirl] of cardamom

    pinch of sea salt

    1/2 cup coconut milk, warmed.

    1/2 cup water.

    Add raw cacao powder, dried spices, sea salt with the boiling water and sweetener and stir until powders dissolve.

    Pour in warmed coconut milk and stir to combine.

    Serve.

    or;

    The Superfeast Medicinal version:

    A great overall general health tonic, Mason’s Mushrooms helps to support the health of the nervous system, hormonal function, energy production, immunity and gut health. These potent adaptogenic herbs are revered in the ancient herbal traditions for their ability to encourage vitality and lightness within the body.

    This medicinal Hot chocolate will weave it's magic in your heart, body and soul.

    INGREDIENTS

    1 tsp SuperFeast Mason’s Mushrooms

    1/2 tbsp cacao

    1/2 tsp lucuma

    1/2 tsp mesquite

    1 tsp of maple syrup

    1/4 tsp vanilla bean

    1 tbsp coconut oil

    200ml tonic tea (or hot water)

    Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until frothy.

    [I will add, I love adding JING or I am Gia here especially around my cycle] but JING is seriously a super hero!

    or;

    This is the My Moon Box Version;

    1 cup oat milk

    2 heaped tbs raw cacao

    1 tsp Superfeast JING

    1 tsp coconut oil

    Pinch himalayan salt

    Sweeten with raw honey\

    Method:

    Place all ingredients into a pot on the stove, stirring on medium heat. Then blend till frothy or blend with ice to enjoy cold.

    Pour into favourite mug

    and finally, this is super handy too which I learnt from Loni Jane - making up a jar of your fav cocoa mix and having it handy! Her’s is';

    1 cup of cocoa powder

    1 heaping Tbsp of Mushroom powder (I like masons mushrooms) 1/4 cup of stevia powder or coconut sugar

    1 heaping Tbsp of Maca root powder

    1 tsp of cinnamon

    1. In a 500ml jar place in all ingredients, put the lid on and shake it up.

    2. Now you have yourself an easy to grab hot chocolate mix or a chocolate powder you can use for many things in this book!

    To make:

    1 Tbsp of Super hot chocolate mix

    1/2 cup of mylk

    1/2 cup of water

    1. In a small pot add in 1 Tbsp of the Super hot chocolate mix.

    2. Add 1/2 the mylk and water.

    3. Stir using a whisk and remove the hot chocolate just before boiling point and then enjoy/

    Hope this has been helpful!

    Sara [Mamma Rev].

 “Fall in love with taking care of yourself, you're heart and mind.”

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