
Millet is considered an ancient grain. The most common varieties are Pearl, foxtail, Proso, and Finger millet. Millet belongs to the Poaceae family (the grasses) and is grown in semi-arid regions, drought-tolerant, and annual warm weather crops.
The nutritional benefits of millet are noteworthy; high in Protein, fiber, phosphorus, magnesium, B-6, and iron. Gluten-free, alkalizing, great for the bones, and balanced for blood sugar levels.
Millet Loaf is a favorite of mine. Millet is paired nicely with a homemade mushroom gravy seasoned with thyme and any green veggie. Make some mashed potatoes if you want this meal to scream comfort food, or make a holiday vegetarian holiday meal: Millet loaf, a homemade mushroom gravy seasoned with thyme, carrots sauteed with ginger, Yukon mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green beans.
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The Arizona Mesquite has always been my first tell-tell sign for planting in the garden; patience and waiting for the mesquite tree to bud and blossom before planting is best. The mesquite is the desert dweller's wisdom bringer of actual knowledge, also known as the frost-free barometer; usually, the mesquite will let us know in late spring or early summer. I'll wait for your wisdom, Dear mesquite; I sit in quiet anticipation until you give the sign. The way is clear.
The most common species of the native mesquite trees growing in Arizona are:
(1) Prosopis glandulosa – commonly known as the honey mesquite or Texas mesquite
(2) Prosopis velutina – commonly known as the velvet mesquite, being the largest of these mesquite species
(3) Prosopis pubescens – commonly known as the screwbean mesquite
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The Citrus Family
Chinese New Year is my personal favorite New Year Celebration!
January 22nd–January 29th, 2023. Year of the Water Rabbit.
Legend has it that Buddha summoned all the animals; those who made it to him first would represent the twelve animals in that order - Rat was first, Ox/Buffalo second and Pig/Boar last. Rat being of a practical intelligent nature jumped on Oxen/Buffalo's back to get there with swift ease and Pig/Boar a bit lazy and smelling every little thing I imagine along the way (distractions), came in last! Oxen/Buffalo most likely hadn't a clue or idea that Rat had jumped upon his or her back.
(Rat-Ox/Buffalo-Tiger-Rabbit/Hare-Dragon-Snake- Horse-Sheep/Ram-Monkey-Rooster/Cock- Dog- Boar/Pig)
The Entry or front door to your home is what people see first, this symbols the face, and how the world views you. Is your entryway welcoming, clean and uncluttered, and symbolize how you would like others to view your way of being in this world?
A renewal and rejuvenating practice each Chinese New Year for bringing in clarity, prosperity, and intentional manifestations for the New Year - physically cleaning and clearing the area and door to your entryway, making sure your doorbell works, all the lights work that illuminate your entryway. The emphasis is on bright and clear energy in your entryway, refreshing and rejuvenating old outdated clutter, things that do not function or represent your way of being. Making way for the NEW in your life in the coming year!
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Anise Raven
Latin Name/ Ravensara anisata
Family/ Lauraceae
Plant Part used: Stems and Bark
Anise Raven is a borderline hot essence. Anise Raven assists hormonal concerns like moon cycle distress, and peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms and is estrogenic in nature; supports the female reproduction system thereby facilitating harmony for the mother-to-be during labor, delivery, and lactation. Anise Raven assists hormonal skin disharmony during puberty such as acne for both females and males.
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Geranium
Latin name: Pelargonium graveolens
Family: Geraniaceae
Plant Part: Leaves, Flowers, and stems
Plant origin: Egypt, Morocco, Madagascar, France
Geranium stimulates balance, warms, and uplifts the physical and emotional body; even though geranium smells flowery the majority of the essential oil glands are found in the leaves. Geranium has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, deodorant, sedative, and vermifuge properties. Geranium radiates the feminine “Venus” qualities of sensuality, creative intuition, emotion, and protective character, balancing to the adrenal cortex assisting hormonal issues such as pre-menstrual syndrome, menopausal, premenopausal, moon cycle distress, and sore swollen breasts before or during the menstrual cycle.
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CINNAMON BARK (Internal use) hot toddy for viral, flu, and cold symptoms: One tablespoon of honey, a few drops of CINNAMON BARK essential oil and fill a cup with hot water. W/CORIANDER SEED
To heal sprains or broken bones rapidly: ELEMI
This will ease pain, and assist inflammation and bruising caused by injury. The results are incredibly amazing! Remember castor oil wraps also, you can either add castor oil after the essential oils or wrap with castor oil in between the essential oil wraps.
(Generous drops of each are applied to the affected area and let dry somewhat between each essential oil application.)
Applications of ELEMI, LAVANDER, SPRUCE, MARJORAM, and Peru BALSAM. Apply Peru BALSAM last, as the varicosity is a bit sticky. Then wrap the area with a cotton gauze roll and spray cotton gauze with FRANKINCENSE or HELICHRYSUM hydrosol. Remember the golden rule: Ice, Elevate, and Rest. Three to two times a day until you achieve the desired effects and relief.
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Nurturing the Self via the Plant Kingdom
The most important relationship we will have in this 3-D life experience is with ourselves. Realization of the right relationship with our self requires mindfulness and self-awareness of our individual needs within the realm of nurturing our body, mind, emotional and spiritual levels of being. There is one essential oil within the plant kingdom that comes to mind as the Grandmother of ALL, speaking Love with high vibration and nurturing qualities with gentle self-assurance. So below I will share my writings on Rose however feel it important to mention; all flowers speak to our deepest emotional concerns and various levels of LOVE. Wishing you the Joy of remembering what makes your heart sing.
Rose
Latin Name: Rosa damascena - Family: Rosaceae
Plant Part: Flowers
Plant origin: China, Crimea, Bulgaria, and Turkey
Rosa damascena exceeds 500 chemical components with the main constituent being citronellol. The complex chemical nature of rose in itself is phenomenal and explains the ubiquitous therapeutic and medicinal applications of rose on all levels of being.
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