Blackstrap Molasses: An organic, medicinal superfood, even for diabetics!

 

Image via ASPhillips

Surprised?

I was, too, at least about the good for diabetics part. I think country-folk are largely in the know about the health benefits of maintaining blackstrap molasses in their diets. Not just for themselves but also for their animals.

Other than flavor, what’s it good for?

A lot! So much, I wish I’d researched it earlier, like before I had cancer and chemotherapy. You’ll see why in a bit.

To keep this as condensed as possible, I’m going with bullet points again. They’re both slow and speed-reader friendly! 

Blackstrap molasses is rich in the following nutrients, most of which are essential elements our bodies need to function.

• Antioxidants: Essential in protecting our cells from damage by neutralizing unstable molecules called free radicals, which helps lower the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's, supports healthy aging, boosts immunity, and promotes skin and brain health.

• B vitamins: Essential for converting food into energy, supporting brain function, and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nerves by aiding metabolism, DNA synthesis, and cell repair, with benefits like boosting energy, reducing stress impact, forming red blood cells, and improving mood. They work as coenzymes in numerous bodily processes, essential for overall vitality, though each of the eight B vitamins has specific roles in energy, nerve, and cellular health.

• Calcium: Essential in building strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction (including your heartbeat), nerve signal transmission, blood clotting, and releasing hormones, with adequate intake helping prevent osteoporosis and supporting overall bodily functions. Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption, and a deficiency can lead to weak bones in children (rickets) and adults (osteoporosis).  

• Iron: Essential for oxygen transport via hemoglobin, boosting energy, improving focus, and strengthening the immune system. It supports physical performance, brain development, healthy skin, hair, nails, and is vital during pregnancy for maternal and fetal health, helping prevent fatigue and anemia.

• Low glycemic index: Helps us with blood sugar control, sustained energy, weight management, improved cholesterol, and reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, all by releasing glucose slowly for stable insulin levels and increased fullness. These foods, like whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables, offer a steady energy supply and promote overall metabolic and cardiovascular health.

• Magnesium: Essential and involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, magnesium helps convert food into energy, supports muscle and nerve function, and helps regulate blood pressure and maintain brain health.

• Potassium: Essential in regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions (including the heart). It helps counter sodium's effects, moves nutrients into cells, removes waste, supports bone health by reducing calcium loss, and may prevent kidney stones. You get it from foods like bananas, spinach, potatoes, beans, and avocados, but it's important to balance intake as both deficiency and excess can be harmful, so always check with a doctor.

Image via Pexels of Pixabay

Process makes the difference
Molasses becomes blackstrap only after the third rendering (boiling down) of sugar cane juice. Blackstrap is very dark with a strong, bitter and almost salty taste, yet it still maintains about 45% of its sugar and is nutrient dense. 

Blackstrap is often an ingredient in many savory recipes, such as meat and vegetable glazes and sauces as well as a baking ingredient for brown breads, muffins, cookies and gingerbread.

With blackstrap, you can have your cake and eat it, too!

Image via Nordwing of Pixabay

Easy with the portions

Although it has a low glycemic index, being considerate of your portions is a must if you’re diabetic. One tablespoon of blackstrap is all most of us need in a day. How you take it is up to you. In my case, I put it in my coffee, stirring it in along with sugar free, flavored creamer. 

Readily available

Most grocery stores carry it, and there are several varieties available. 

"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." Genesis 1:29 KJV

The wrap!

Thanks for your visit today! Hope I’ve at least produced enough curiosity to at least try some blackstrap for yourself, if you’re not already familiar with it. If you’re already a blackstrap fan, please leave a comment below and share why and how you use it. Sharing is caring and knowledge is power. 

‘Til next time,

Shalom, shalom!

Angelia

Butterfly Kisses: Why to get cozy with the Live Monarch Foundation

 

Image via the Live Monarch Foundation

Who are they?

Having only recently learned of the Live Monarch Foundation and love the services they’re providing, I’m spotlighting them here so you can get acquainted with them and get excited about their work, too!

This group’s working hard to fulfill a perpetual mission and their efforts are blessing millions of us!

Their mission

Offering education, involvement, assistance and acknowledgment of persons directly acting to benefit the Monarch Butterfly and various native creatures who have suffered a decline in their natural habitats.

The foundation can provide free-to-low cost milkweed seeds, indigenous to your area, and about to show you why that’s awesome!

Milkweed growth has been in rapid decline in many areas due to habitat loss, especially where large amounts of pesticides are in use.

As of this writing, a few types are listed on the federal endangered species list.

A monarch butterfly...

Image via MatchyMatchy of Pixabay

Why are the monarchs sooooo important?

Important is an understatement.

They’re ranked as a flagship species due to their crucial role in pollination of both wildflowers (more on the wildflowers later) and food crop. These efforts help to maintain a much healthier ecosystem.

And what’s milkweed got to do with the monarchs?

From pollinator food to organic medicine, milkweed maintains as a crucial aspect of a healthy ecology. Below is your breakdown of this amazing plant and why to grow it...

• It’s the ONLY FOOD SOURCE AND HABITAT for monarch caterpillars. Without milkweed, the monarch butterflies cannot survive.

• Over 450 types of insects feed on milkweed. It’s nectar-rich, attracting major pollinators like bees and butterflies. 

• Is an organic, eco-friendly ingredient used in cleaning up oil spills. In fact, its natural absorbency factors outperform synthetic alternatives, making it an essential for toxic spill cleanup.

• Provides a defense for the monarch babies and adults via its toxin compounds that make them taste awful to predators. The monarchs also consume the milkweed nectar, providing them with fuel, an essential for both their long migration journeys.

For more than monarchs

Milkweed and us...

Milkweed has and continues to be used as an organic medicine

• Topically for warts, ringworm, bee stings and poison ivy

•  Its cardiac glycosides are used in modern medicine to treat heart disorders

• As a tincture it can treat coughs due to asthma, bronchitis and even pleurisy due to lung inflammation

• Can help with gut issues such as diarrhea, dysentery and as a laxative.

• As a diuretic it can reduce edema and as a diaphoretic, it can help produce sweating 

 

As food 

• Its buds, flowers, immature pods and young shoots can be eaten as vegetables in stews or fried, after they’re boiled to neutralize its toxins.

Materials

• Its fluff is used for bedding and organic oil absorbency.

• Its sap is used to make glue

• Stem and root fibres are used in making cordage

• Dried pods are processed into insect repellents

The Live Monarch Foundation is helping us to keep milkweed abundant and thriving by providing education and low-to-no cost milkweed seed varieties that are indigenous to our own areas. 

Help with restoration

Below are some linked images to get you to their site to learn more about their crucial work in helping to maintain quality ecosystems in our areas via their Plant a Seed Program.

(Images below are via the Live Monarch Foundation)

 

Just for fun!

Monarch swarming

I’ve only seen one in my whole life, and as I write this, I’m 61 years old. I was blessed to observe one for several minutes (wasn’t over but couldn’t stay longer) around a tree in front of the Post Office in Poseyville, Indiana. It was one of the most spectacular natural events I’ve ever witnessed. 

Another was a swarm of killer bees in Glendale, California, in a residential area, while I was out for a jog. Thankfully it was down the street, with two police squad cars parked in front of it to warn passersby, until they could get the area cleared and safe.

I dunno how.. Maybe a few bee charmers? 

If I never see a swarm of those types of bees again, I’ll be happy about it. The monarchs tho... BEAUTIFUL!!!

Monarch migration

The monarchs must migrate to survive. It allows them to escape freezing weather, deadly parasite infections and starvation. 

The long migration weeds out those infected with parasitic infections and increases the lifespans of the healthy ones up to nine months longer than the infected ones. 

Enjoy!

Below are two vids I hope you’ll take some time to watch, especially if you’ve never seen a butterfly swarm or their landing zone after fleeing winter weather. So cool!

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV

The wrap!

Growing up in a large aspect of America’s grain belt, and working within a generational, agricultural farming family, over the years I’ve learned the importance of good stewardship. It’s an absolute necessity. We really can especially conduct quality land management and be protective of the native plant and animal species within our areas, even as we produce food and other vegetation, without destroying the habitats of the native species that depend on them.

We can start with our own properties, be they little or big. 

Thanks for visiting and supporting independent journalism. Please feel free to leave a comment, especially if you have further information or personal experience you’d like to share.

‘Til next time,

Shalom from Southern Indiana!

Angelia 

FarmaCOPEia: The ancient science of forgiveness

 

Image via TotalShape of Pixabay

In case you didn’t know...

A few years ago, I was blessed with more stabilized health and was able to attend college again (remotely), this time with a focus on Biblical Studies. In the doing, I’ve also had to spend a good deal of time refreshing myself on some subjects I’ve not spent much time reviewing since the late 1980s—two being general and grief psychology.

This month, December, in psyche review, I’ve landed in the topic of  forgiveness. 

As always, God’s timing is perfect. 

Next, I’m not referring to anyone specifically, but many, manyyyyyy folks won’t even attempt to taste a bit of forgiveness pie. Others accept it but struggle with the chewing and swallowing. As my southern family says, “Sometimes, it be like that.” 

It’s kinda like kids and castor oil...

Image via ASPhillips

Some give up but others just do it, and begin to immediately reap the benefits of it.

Once more... 

In the research that prompted this post, I was yet again awed at modern science proving Biblical teaching to be accurate, especially in regards to mental health. 

Since this is the season millions celebrate the birth of Yeshua the Messiah, it provides an opportunity to maybe help some folks struggling with emotional challenges. Of those, many are sometimes a side-effect of unforgiveness.

Image via qimono of Pixabay

Unforgiveness: A mental health toxin 

I wanted to do my best to help anyone suffering from symptoms related to unforgiveness—that joy-robbing, spirit-dampening, soul-stealing toxin that some folks just don’t realize may be the very thing that’s causing life to feel foul.

Yup... It really is all that bad of a thing to be harboring, let alone nourishing.

Y’all know I’m not a fan of producing long posts, so, I’m gonna try and fit the info into a teaspoon-sized dose that will hopefully be an easy read that may be just the medicine you or someone you know is in need of. 

Here we go...

The Process Model of Psychological Forgiveness by Dr. Robert Enright, PhD

Core Principles

☙ Conscious Choice: Deliberately releasing negative feelings.

☙ Internal Processing: Deliberately changing your own internal (emotional) response to

a hurtful action by another, and not allowing that response to depend on them.

☙ Not Condoning: Forgiving because you choose to without condoning the actions of the offender.

☙ Emotional Release: Deliberate transitioning from feelings of hate and hurt to forgiveness and healing.

Stages and Components (Enright Model and more)

☙ Uncovering: Acknowledging the depths of the hurt and the anger and pain it caused.

☙ Deciding to Forgive: Committing to the process of making the deliberate choice to let go. 

☙ Working Through: Making a conscious choice to release and let go of unforgiveness.

☙ Deepening: (I’m not always in agreement with all aspects of this one, but including it to be reflective of the model) Allowing and cultivating empathy for the offender. Transitioning the focus from the event’s effects to renewed hope and personal growth.

Psychological & Neurological Benefits

☙ Stress reduction: Decreases anxiety, depression, anger, and rumination.

☙ Improved physical health: Forgiveness is linked to more stable, healthy blood

pressure and immune function.

☙ Relationship enhancement: Promotes, empathy, compassion and connection with others.

Important Distinctions

☙ Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation: Forgiveness is a person’s choice. Reconciliation is dependent on mutual efforts and restored trust.

☙ Forgiveness vs. Forgetting: One might not forget the event but one can alter how they relate to it.

The last one I’m abstaining from including here because I believe it to be erroneous and in direct conflict with the teachings of Yeshua, the most horribly injured (physically and emotionally) innocent man ever to have been assassinated. Yet, in His last moments of agony, and His few last breaths said, from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they have not known what they do.” Young’s Literal Translation.

Yeshua said...

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Whatever belief system anyone has ever adopted, or what good standards they work to live by, it was Him who set the ultimate standard of rightness (righteousness). It’s Him who helps me forgive, as I should. And that’s a wonderful privilege because if there’s anyone who should be willing to forgive, it’s definitely me. I’ve been one of the most undeserving recipients of forgiveness more times than I’ll ever be able to remember.

If you can identify, feel free to leave an “Amen!” in the comments. Hopefully, that's not many of you. 

The Wrap!

This hasn’t been a post about religion. As my little brother says, “It’s all about relationship. Religion never saved anybody.” Pastor Paul K. Cooper II, Missionary to Brazil.

No matter what religion you are or aren’t, forgiveness maintains as being a recognized organic and exceptional, ancient medicine. It may make you squint and pucker, but it’ll bless us if we just do it.

Hoping you're enjoying this season of reflection, love and definitely forgiveness.

Shalom, shalom

Angelia

Journaling: Enhancing emotional, mental and physical wellness

 

Image via freephotocc of Pixabay

‘tis the season

‘tis the season

In December of 2024, I published a post on journaling. (Click here to view it.)

It was good timing. November of this year is good timing as well for a post on the same topic but fueled by an entirely different reasons. 

Thing is, journaling is actually good for us! As in doctor-recommended kinda good. And, the reason it’s a good time for such a post is because even though it’s a beautiful time of year, for a whole lot of folks, it triggers an onset of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). 

Journaling can provide a nearly free source of help to alleviate that. It’ll cost a pen or pencil, and a notebook, so for most, it’s affordable.

When the high days of summer ebb to make room for the way shorter ones of autumn in her fancy leaves and chilly temps, not everyone is oohing and ahhing over the riot of color and the sun already yawning by early afternoon.

Here are a few shots I took earlier today that provide a good example of where we are in the season, at least here in our village. 

Sorry so many, but the weather was perfect for the shots I needed so, I admit to getting a little carried away.

For some, the colors and misty atmosphere are beautiful and invigorating, while others experience a less cheery effect.   

I’m sure most of us have at least one friend or family member who struggles with seasonal depression. It’s not just the physical season changes causing it, other aspects can play a big part in it. I’ll give you an all-in-one example...

Holidays

There are loads of reasons folks can be torn, or even dread the holiday season. For lots, it’s their first time to experience them without a loved one. Or their first time to go through them away from home. For essential personnel, staffing is often short which means longer hours for those filling the gaps. 

Back to the point

The point of this post isn’t the cause, but the possible help for it. And after my recent post on the physical and mental benefits of handwriting, I got curious and decided to follow an associated trail to see if there were maybe similar benefits to journaling.

I ran a couple queries and was rewarded with information impressive enough to bother sharing with you. Sharing is caring and I’ve been a life-long fan of journaling, so, it’s a win-win!

I learned that...

Journaling is more than writing down thoughts, ideas, feelings, desires, plans, etcetera. It also changes us by producing psychological and physiological responses–ones that are good for us and sometimes even helping to heal us.

How’s that happen?

Seems that journaling can produce multiple health benefits. I've compiled them into two categories for you below.

    Mental

        ☙ Creativity: Encourages the free-flow of thoughts and ideas, promoting creativity. 

        ☙ Emotional regulation: Helps writers identify and understand their emotions, leading to better emotional control.

☙ Goal achievement: A written record of goals and tracking the progress to achieving them increases enthusiasm, accountability and greater likelihood of achieving them.

☙ Mood improvement and stabilization: Writing about gratitude and positive experiences can produce feelings of well being and improved confidence. Also, studies show that journaling can help significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

        ☙ Problem solving: Writing down thoughts on problems can enhance identifying solutions and improve decisiveness. 

    Physical

        ☙ Better sleep: Off-loading concerns and ideas into a journal can grant stress relief that allows for improved rest periods.

        ☙ Boosts immune function: In short, journaling can strengthen your immune system. 

        ☙ Healthy blood pressure: Studies indicate journaling can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

☙ Natural analgesic: Journaling can help with managing chronic pain. The reaction is due to the writer having a safe space to express and process pain-related experiences. (I’m not all in with this one. Some pain nearly prevents breathing and thinking, let alone writing. However, I do believe it’s likely very effective with folks who are inclined to lean to the negative in thought and feelings, which are two components that bring about pain-related physical reactions.)

Further related information

☙ Journaling as a Source of Healing

☙ Journaling for Emotional Wellness

☙ BC/BS NC Wellness Journaling for Physical and Mental Health

On a personal note...

I’ve been both a sporadic and steady journalist for years. However, within the last year, I’ve required myself to be only steady, with exception to extreme time crunches and health setbacks. 

I’m happy to say though, that I’ve managed to be parked at my desk most mornings with instability. But most mornings, I’m parked at my desk with hot coffee and feeling enthused about a short journal entry right after finishing Bible study.

The pen (specifically for journaling) I found at the Dollar Tree and the journal was a birthday gift. It’s nearly full and I have a new one to begin already waiting in my bookcase. I loved writing at my old desk, and loving it just as much at my new one, but, truthfully, journaling can be fun nearly anywhere and the where can easily change the what of the content.

Journaling can be, but doesn't have to be an expensive hobby.

Where I journal most often, but nearly anywhere can be a good spot for journaling!

Usually, my entries are daily, short, and touch on the highlights near the time of the entry and whatever prayer request might be pressing on my heart. It feels good that I’ve communicated it verbally and in writing as well. That’s cause it makes me feel better, not because the Lord needs it that way.  

I also have a positivity rule that I stick to, which is keep the content positive. Even if it’s a topic that’s upsetting, I can remember when grace and mercy have covered me, and that’s the perspective I write from. If any of my friends, family, God-children, nieces and nephews should read an entry, I want it to bless them not upset them.

As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

How ‘bout you?

Have you tried journaling? If you did, are you still journaling?

I hope if you’ve not tried journaling, or had a go at it and decided it wasn’t for you, that you’ll maybe reconsider and give it another shot. Knowing what we know about it now, it might make some wonderful differences for you. 

If you’d like to weigh in on the topic, please leave a comment below. Participation is always appreciated!

The Wrap!

Thanks for tuning in this week! Hope you’ve found it interesting and helpful!

'til next time, shalom!

Angelia

Bad Ideas: Black plastics & food

Image via ASPhillips

 

And again, who knew?

I came across this info for the first time, only a few weeks ago. As I read through it, I was alarmed and annoyed. Why is this even an issue? 

Nearly everyone I know has multiple types of these items in their kitchens—meaning black, plastic cooking utensils. This especially applies to the youngers, you know, the ones setting up their first homes, or homes away from home, on a budget?

Another community that invests in these products are the nomads--perpetual campers. Their kitchens are often stocked with inexpensive, lightweight cooking utensils that are easily replaced if broken.

Nearly every Dollar (+.25) store in the US has at least half a wall dedicated to plastic cooking utensils and LOTS of them are black.

There are also small businesses, like daycares, food trucks and similar vendors and so on. Hopefully, most are investing in metal items but those who are... It’s a good guess they’re going for the more affordable plastic options.

Image via ASPhillips

The color issue

All plastic utensils, be they for eating or cooking, have the potential to leak toxins into your food. But the black plastics put consumers at greater risk because they’re often made from recycled computer parts. This is most likely to happen when the utensil gets hot. 

Wow! Even Google didn’t know!

I ran a query, hoping to find out about how many cooking utensils are made each year from recycled computer parts. Google had no idea and here’s why...

The products are dangerous, little to no data is usually produced to track what’s been made and the practice poses such a health hazard it’s globally condemned. Currently, there is a gross lack of regulation and transparency involving the production of these products. 

Regarding the global supply chain, products made from recycled computer parts are often not labeled, preventing consumers from being aware of the risks. Also, because there’s no formal data tracking the process, we don’t know how many utensils are being sold that began as computer rubbish.

What makes it toxic?

Plastics recycled from computer parts can contain flame retardants that can leach into your food, especially when the plastic gets heated. Kids are especially susceptible to this because they’re still developing.

Flame retardants have been linked to...

☙ Endocrine disruption

☙ Neurotoxicity

☙ Increased risk of specific cancers

Safer options

All’s not lost. We have some great alternatives–even organic ones.

☙ Bamboo: This is a personal fav. Not only is it organic, it’s easily replenished!

☙ Glass: Not always the safest but in careful hands, it works.

☙ Silicone: One of my favs. It’s resistant with easy clean up!

☙ Stainless steel: This option works for me, too! I even own, and actually use, a 12 cup, stainless steel percolator! Yup, I can set it on a hot rock or right in the camp fire without it melting or leaching nasty chemicals into one of my beloved java!

☙ Wood: Wood is another fav! It’s especially nice when you’ve been able to receive hand-me-downs from elders who pass along their own wooden utensils.

Truth–I eat 99% of my food with chopsticks. I have dozens of sets made of a variety of materials–bamboo, wood, resin and stainless steel. But, the set I use most often came from one of the Asian restaurants in Evansville, Indiana a couple years ago. 

 

They're comfy and don't take up much space.
A plus since I have most meals at my desk!

Most of the rest of my collection, stored within easy reach!

I love ALL of the ones I have and have three sets just for cooking! But, these are my go-to’s for most meals. The others, I break out for holidays and special events when my sister wants her table to look fancy. 

The Wrap!

Hope this has inspired you to at least consider engaging in a replacement session, if you’ve got plastics, and exchanging them for a safer option. Inconvenient, probably but also worth it.

Thanks for visiting and hope you’ll spread the word! 

‘Til next time, shalom, shalom!

Angelia 

Handwriting's healthy side-effects

 

Jot that down...

Do you like to write? I don’t mean pen great stories or hand-written cards, but the actual process of writing with a pen, pencil, stylus, crayon, burnt end of a match stick or using fingers (or even toes) at the beach. 

Being able to hand-write is a privilege. Lots of folks can't and would love to. If you can, consider yourself very, very blessed. 

Alternatives...

Beyond writing by hand, other methods tend to be far more popular. Computer keyboards are pretty popular. Users are often wowed by the latest and greatest in design and are willing to toss their current ones for a new model. In fact, per Google search, the market data for 2025 shows approximately 280 MILLION computer keyboards are purchased globally, annually.

Honest, gang... I knew it was high but good grief!

We must bear in mind though, that many of those tossed devices will be recycled into new ones.

I admit, I’ve been through some keyboards in my lifetime, but most of them came attached to the computer. However, when I switched from Microsoft laptops to Microsoft Surface (2 in 1 with magnetic, detachable keyboards), I’ve been through four in the last 12 years. That’s not counting the one I’m using now. It’s newish because my last one, that I’d had for seven years, finally gave up the ghost. Its replacement is nearly identical to the last one. When I get a keyboard that’s comfy-cozy and inspiring to type with, I work with it for as long as it can hold up.

My new desk’s most recent addition. It’s nearly identical to the last and hoping it’ll hold up as long as its predecessor.

I type a lot for blogging and correspondence, but for school... Oh, noooo. My notes for classes are all written by hand. Digital, but totally hand-written. I use a Samsung Tab S6 Lite (made in 2020) and Samsung Notes for all of my note-taking. It’s been an excellent investment and I’ve no intention of replacing it either until it can no longer function as a daily workhorse. I write in Samsung Notes, on both of my Samsung tablets as well as my Samsung Note9 phone.

I've had both of these devices for a few years and both still work great!

Yup, you read that right! An older model phone that works great, especially for folks who use a stylus frequently. I do most of my own photography and my Note9 is usually my first choice for images I plan to include in a post. 

Yes, I do use a real camera for other types of photography, but for easy stuff, it’s my Note9 which has always produced the high quality images I need for blogging and sometimes I need to annotate pdfs and images, which is much more legible when using the a stylus.

Point is, even when working with tech, handwriting can still be easily incorporated into many aspects of it. 

And then, there's the journaling addiction

I don’t journal because I expect the contents to be read. I do it to produce a record of good things...

My journals are filled with testimonials and even prayers. Not just ones about me, but all sorts of situations. They serve to remind me of the Lord's help in every challenge I've had to go through.

If any of them ever are read, it’s my hope that the reader will be blessed with encouragement and increased faith in the God who formed them in great love and with a divine purpose. No one is ever an accident.

My current journal was a birthday gift and thinking with daily use, it'll last thru Spring 2026. 

Big thanks to Rev. Kev and Dr. Tam Miley!
I'm not a fan of pink, but I've sincerely loved writing in this journal!

I’m not the only one who seriously enjoys the process of handwriting. Not counting the meaning of the words, it tells a lot about the writer just by the way the letters are produced and shaped, even the spaces between the letters and words.

But honestly, I had no idea of the wealth of health benefits gained from writing things by hand. Dunno why I’d not researched it sooner, but happy I did. I got more than I expected from it! 

Why that’s good to know...

Handwriting is one of the most simple things most of us can engage in, if physically able. Below are a few short lists to share with you what I learned.

😎Cognitive Perks

☙ Boosts memory and learning by engaging more brain areas, allowing for better information retention and conceptual understanding.

☙ Improves focus due to the slower, deliberate process reducing distraction and improving attention span.  

☙ Enhances critical thinking because the act of writing by hand involves more brainpower, which can lead to better organization of thoughts and critical thinking skills.

☙ Enhances fine motor skills increasing dexterity and muscular coordination.

😎Creative/Expressive Perks

☙ The slower paced process allows for enhanced creativity allowing for more time to think and process more ideas while writing.

☙ Provides a more personal way of communicating and self-expression, as well as the writer’s distinct style.

☙ Reinforces literacy due to the physical act of forming letters and punctuation while improving/reinforcing reading and spelling skills.

 

😎 Emotional Perks

☙ Can provide a calming effect due to it being a mindful, meditative activity.

☙ Studies suggest it can provide relief from stress and help alleviate anxiety both by the actual writing as well as what is written.

The wrap!

Thanks so much for visiting today! I always hope you’ll find the information both interesting and helpful, if not for you then for someone you know. Remember, sharing is caring and your support of the independent journalism community is appreciated by all of us!☺️

(I know emojis aren’t an aspect of traditional journalism but I love employing graphics in my content, so I’m gonna keep on usin’ ‘em!)

If you’ve got any thoughts or experiences you’d like to share about your own take on handwriting, pro or con, just click on the comment option below the post.

'til next time, shalom!

Angelia

Moringa: What is it and why use it?

 

Image via Ninetechno of Pixabay 

Moringa may be one of the most beneficial organic medicines you’ve never heard of. 

Don’t fret, though... I’m here to change that. You know it’s true–knowledge is power!

A little back-story

I used to take powdered moringa to help stabilize my blood sugars. It worked great until I was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy. One of the side-effects of chemo, at least for many patients, is soaring blood sugars, and that was certainly so in my case.

My care team implored me to graduate to insulin. Wasn’t happy about it but I did. At some point during the year of treatment and the year-plus of recovery, I forgot about moringa. 

I’d written a post about moringa several years ago, but thought it wasn’t something I should continue with due to being on insulin and in a consistent struggle to keep my sugars closer to normal levels.

But recently, I got intel on moringa that’s gotten me excited about it all over again and for brand new reasons!

My brother and sister-in-law are pastors in Brazil, my sister-in-law’s native country. When their family relocated permanently to Brazil, they were able to invest in land in a fertile, mountainous region. This allowed them to plant and cultivate a large variety of fruit, nut and vegetable plants. Over the years, it’s grown into a truly magnificent food forest.

A few times a year, he and I engage in a virtual tour of the property. Many of the plants are also native to the Midwest USA, where we grew up, but he also has many plants that are native to tropical regions.  

On our most recent tour, I wasn’t only excited to see their trees, bushes and other plants, but also very excited to see two little monkeys climbing along a branch while we made rounds. 

That same virtual visit, he showed me their moringa tree. If I knew of it prior, I’d forgotten about it (a residual effect of chemo), and was very excited to learn that they regularly harvest its leaves. My sister-in-law makes tea from them. Moringa is a super-food that helps with a wide array of health challenges. So, I asked if they’d send along some pics of the process for me to share with you.

My sister-in-law, Bel. She's about to harvest some leaves from the moringa tree to make tea. 

The sprig she selected.

Here she's added some of the moringa leaves to a pot, along with freshly sliced pineapple and strawberries, also harvested from her garden.

The leaves and fruit have infused the water and now she's pouring it off into a cup.

The fragrant and delicious tea is now ready to serve! 

What sort of things is moringa used for?

I suppose this could depend on whom you ask. Moringa does a lot of good things for lots of people. That’s just how those broad-spectrum superfoods roll! 

Here’s a short list for you...

☙ Anemia

☙ Anti-depressant

☙ Bone health (reduces risk of osteoporosis)

☙ Blood sugar stabilizer (Used it myself for this and it worked great!)

☙ Chronic disease reduction

☙ Digestive health

☙ Increased energy levels

☙ Heart health (helps reduce issues with high cholesterol and hypertension)

☙ Hormonal balance

☙ Inflammation (anti-inflammatory properties help reduce pain and swelling)

☙ Lactation support (traditionally used to increase milk production)

☙ Liver health (antibacterial and antioxidant properties helps protect the liver from damage)

☙ Menstrual discomfort

☙ Skin (elasticity and wrinkle reduction)

Moringa is packed with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, allowing it to help with overall health and immunity. However, be aware that moringa may interact with some medications, and you should investigate possible reactions and potential side-effects before using it.

I’ll note here that during the several years I used moringa, I never had an adverse reaction to it and I do plan to incorporate it again as a daily supplement.

"It is written..."

In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:2

The wrap!

My thanks to you for visiting today! I hope you found the info helpful and will share it with anyone you know who shares and interest in organic medicines. If you’re familiar with moringa, have grown it or used it, please share your experience with it in the comments! 

Until next time...

Shalom, shalom!

Angelia

FarmaCOPEia: Black castor oil for hair loss recovery

 

 Image via LoggaWiggler of Pixabay

Key word: BLACK

Cold pressed castor oil has been a regularly, relied upon organic preventative medicine for ages, among my own circles. But, black castor oil caught my attention much more recently, specifically when the Rona hit the ground running, and the vaxes chasing it close behind. 

Among the many after-effects was hair loss. Folks I knew personally experienced this, and many within their circles of kith and kin were reporting it as well. Sometimes it developed right away and for others, it was many months into recovery. 

Apparently, it was non-discriminating, affecting both men and women.

I've never had the Rona and never been vaxed for it. For that matter, I'd not the flu or even a garden variety cold for several years before the Rona invaded humanity.  So my research on the aftershocks of the virus was propelled out of both curiosity and concern for friends with thinning hair, among the other Rona challenges.

Google responded to my query with a recurring report of help for hair loss that included hair loss due to Rona infection, which was black castor oil. 

What’s the difference?

Here ya go, via Google...

• Regular Castor Oil: Known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for skin and hair care. 
• Black Castor Oil: Believed to promote hair growth, improve scalp health, and potentially help with scarring and stretch marks due to its higher pH level and ash content. 

Raw castor beans

Image via klabor of Pixabay

Testimonies

I have no personal experience with this. Even when I received chemo and radiation during cancer treatment, my hair thinned but in most part, stayed attached to my head and remained very healthy. However, there are numerous accounts from others who've submitted their testimonies on multiple social platforms that are easy to find and note.

Also, when I first researched the info on black castor oil for hair loss, the testimonies that populated my screen the fastest were those who'd used it to increase the hair in their eyebrows and lashes.

Here are a few (paraphrased) from Reddit...

1. "I used it to regrow my eyebrows with daily application."
2. An over-50 female with fine hair, experienced hair-thinning after chemotherapy, specifically noticing an increase in her part. Over a two-year period of consistently applying black castor oil, the part narrowed.
3. One responder reported having very fine hair and applied black castor oil in the evenings and gently washed it out in the mornings. After four months she stated, "I have a ton of new/baby hairs!" 
4. Another user wrote, “I don't know about head hair but my eyebrows got noticeably fuller with daily application.”
5. Last, "Noticeable fullness in eyebrows and eyelashes using it 3-4 a week, leaving it on overnight. My eyebrows have not completely recovered from overplucking, but I’ve only been using it for 2 months. Eyelashes have always been thick but I have bald spots where they are a little thinner and it’s noticeable with mascara. Now I have no bald spots. As for scalp- it really helps my flaking and itching, but I have not used it consistently enough to see hair growth. I first looked into castor oil because I noticed my hair was thinning."

Be aware

Both types of castor oil are very thick, and should be used sparingly. To thin it is a simple process, just place a small amount in your palms, and rub them together until the oil thins to your desired consistency. If applied thick, it can cause clogged pores, and over saturation of very porous hair hair, especially for natural blondes.

Best results were reported by those who used it daily over a period of several weeks, and sometimes months.

If you tend to have sensitive skin, or dermal allergy reactions, it’s best to test a small area first to see how your skin will tolerate it.

Where to find it

Black castor oil is available in many markets, department stores and pharmacies. It’s also available on eBay and below is my Amazon Associates link if you’re an Amazon fan.

Click here to get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bQ3fDH

The wrap!

Thanks for your visit!  I pray the content has been both interesting and helpful.

'til next time, Shalom!

Update: Nine months of Ryze Coffee

 

Image via AS Phillips

Before you jump to a conclusion

Nope, I haven’t given up the daily consumption of one of my two fav beverages, cofffffeeeee! Mmmmm! The other is ginger ale/ginger beer. It's a rare thing for me to go a day without both. Once upon a time I incorporated chaga-java into my coffee habit, and enjoyed it a lot, for reasons I can't remember, I gravitated back to regular coffee and eventually stopped ordering the chaga.

However, after trying Ryze for six weeks, I've decided it's a keeper!

What interested me in Ryze?

After surviving a colorectal cancer challenge, I was determined to be as proactive as possible in increasing my overall health (especially my gut-health) and doing it as organically as possible. Due to a colon resection with a permanent colostomy, my digestion ability slowed in some areas, causing obstructions. 

Before getting a colostomy, I was able to eat a wider variety of high-fiber, low carb foods. About a year into recovery, that changed. Now, three years later, I’ve had to eliminate the trouble-makers from my diet due to negative gut reaction. 

This isn’t the case for all ostomates. Some can eat whatever they want without any ill effects. 

In researching what natural foods that tended to help prevent the type of gut-challenges I'd been dealing with, Ryze mushroom coffee kept popping up in my searches. It was pricey but claimed only a cup a day would be sufficient to energize and increase focus. It was said to play well with low-carb and keto diets and tasted great.

I figured it couldn't hurt to try it. 

What’s in it?

Ryze is a coffee made of a variety of mushrooms, blended into a smooth powder. 

It has 1 gram of total carbohydrates per teaspoon, 1 gram of total fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 0 milligrams of sodium, 0 grams of dietary fiber, and 0 grams of protein. 

Ingredients

☙ Arabica coffee

☙ Organic mushrooms: cordyceps, lion's mane, Reishi, shiitake, turkey tail, and king trumpet. The mushrooms are sustainably grown in California.

☙ Organic MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil

☙ Organic coconut milk

Benefits

☙ Ryze is BIG on antioxidants: Medicinal mushrooms boast an ungodly amount of antioxidants. Decades of scientific research show how antioxidants help protect you from all kinds of harmful problems including premature aging.

☙ Immunity boosts:  Wards off infections and harmful bacteria. Medicinal mushrooms can help stimulate the immune system in such a way that they strengthen immune response and have been found to exert anti-tumor and anti-cancer activity against harmful cells in the body.

☙ Increased brain health: Improves focus and is beneficial for brain health. Most mushroom coffee has less caffeine than coffee but focuses your brain in a different, better way. Some medicinal mushrooms have been found to repair and regenerate neurons and improve cognitive function.  

☙ Increased energy levels without the jitters: Caffeine can improve focus, but in excess can cause jitters and elevated anxiety. Thus, adding in stress-regulating adaptogenic mushrooms mitigates the energy spikes and leaves a jitter-free no crash feeling of awesome steady focus and energy.

☙ Keeps digestion calm as a low-acidity coffee alternative: Special compounds in medicinal mushrooms act as prebiotics in the digestive system and directly help improve digestive health. They patrol the gut and help keep the gut microbiome free of bad bacteria.  

☙ Improves organ health because it's rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins

Additional info...

Medicinal mushrooms, especially Reishi, contain vital nutrients that can prevent liver toxicity and lower glucose levels, directly affecting heart health. Medicinal mushrooms are also antivirals, antimicrobials, and contain antioxidants that pump up the body’s natural defenses to fight disease.

Ryze is a winner!

One of my friends asked me what Ryze tastes like. Although many reviewers said it tasted exactly like coffee to them, that wasn’t the case for me. It tastes like enhanced coffee, enhanced in a good way!

It has a definite coffee flavor, with a hint of hazelnut. It's rich, smooth and minimally acidic.  

The reports of user experiencing a decrease in fatigue and an increase in energy are true. That’s been a huge help due to the challenge of chronic fatigue worsening after getting an ostomy. In order to decrease symptoms of GI disorder, exercise has been essential. Before Ryze, I was losing ground in the fatigue battle. Within the time I’ve been using Ryze, I’ve been more able to maintain therapeutic workouts, at least most days. 

Where to get it

Most often I purchase mine from Amazon. There have been reports of pseudo-Ryze products floating around on Amazon and eBay, however, I still order mine from Amazon and have found no difference in the taste or effects. I did order Ryzo once, a less expensive alternative. It looked different, lacked in flavor and required twice the amount per cup.

I'll stick with Ryze.  

"Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine"." Ezekiel 47:12

 The wrap!

Thanks for visiting! If you’ve had your own experience with Ryze, I encourage you to share it with us in the comments! Your interest and input is always appreciated and other readers may find it very helpful.

Shalom

DIY Organic Salve: Help for cats with wonky tummies

 

Not a cat person? 

This scrawny little dude showed up at a friend’s house, out in the country, insisting on being my friend. Couple days later, I brought him home with me and he’s been here, mostly thriving, ever since.

I say, mostly thriving because, wouldn’t you know? I rescued and adopted a cat with a gastrointestinal disorder, which convinced me of our path-crossing being a God-thing. The good Lord knew I’d be sensitive and patient with that, because, lo and behold... I’ve had a GI disorder since birth.

My sister named him Savitch, after Jessica Savitch, who ignited my love for journalism when I was in my teens. If ever I end up with another pet, I’ll name it Sawyer, after Diane, a fellow Briarhopper, whose work is equally inspiring.

Savitch, right after rescue and adoption

Wonky-gut challenges

Savitch has poor digestive function, which causes him to become easily constipated. At least, that’s how it starts. Once it’s gotten that far, the vomiting, abdominal pain, whining, hissing and drooling set in. 

The first time it happened, I was nearly frantic. We weren’t sure what was going on. He was in pain and miserable, so we rushed him to Stone Ridge Animal Care. Their small animal team is awesome and they’ve been helping us take great care of our senior quarter-horse, Touching Fire, for several years, too.

For Savitch, they checked him out and immediately administered laxatives. He spent the day with them and when I picked him up later, he was a few pounds lighter and feeling much better!

Trial and error

We didn’t learn until later that the GI challenge was gonna be an ongoing thing with Savitch. Little by little we learned what foods he tolerated and what foods got his tummy all jacked up. We switched him to a soft-textured diet but that alone proved to not be enough. He needed more help to digest his meals.

After a little research and careful experimentation, we came up with an inexpensive, simple-to-make organic salve that works great.

Blend these in a small container with a lid. It doesn't need to be refrigerated and may separate after settling. If it does, just give the mixture a stir before using.

  

   

I suggest using corn syrup that doesn't have high-fructose corn syrup as an additive. Great Value brand does not have it in their ingredients. Also it's best to go with an organic, unrefined, virgin coconut oil which is also available in Great Value brand. Both are inexpensive and readily available at Walmart.

Make the mixture about half and half.

You can store it in the fridge, although I keep mine at room temp so it's much easier to apply.

Will look like this...

   

Just a dab will do and this is enough to last for months!

It's easy to apply. I just take a small amount on my fingertip and swipe it onto Savitch's foreleg and top of his paw. He's definitely not a fan of having the mix on his hair and will hop away with a limp before licking it off. 

I do this almost daily and it's cut down on vomiting and constipation, resulting in bowel blockages, about 99.9%. 

On a side note, I do recommend wiping the excess off onto a paper towel before washing your hands. Unrefined coconut oil will eventually build up in your drain pipes, causing plumbing problems.

It's been a few years since I started using this and since then, Savitch hasn't had to go to the animal clinic for a bowel blockage since the first day I began using this on him. Most of the time, unless he's caught a mouse or eaten something he doesn't tolerate well, like dry cat food, his tummy does great!

A happy, healthy Savitch!

⁷Isaiah said, “Take a cake of figs.”

They took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered. 2 Kings 20:7 

(World Messianic Bible)

The wrap!

If you have any experience or information you’d like to share, please leave us a comment. We’d love to hear from you! Knowledge is power and sharing is caring.

I pray you have a beautifully, blessed weekend and hope you’ll be back to visit soon.

Shalom