The power of one

“How I regained my speech after suffering a stroke.” – Liesl Mocke, 44, Cape Town

The 7th of July 2002 was the last day of my life as I knew it. I was 36-years old; a psychologist, a mother and a wife. I had been living in London for two and a half years working for the Red Cross in an administrative position, whilst waiting to be registered as a Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, as I had practised in Pretoria before moving overseas. I could speak six languages - English, Afrikaans, Hebrew, Greek, Xhosa and German – and was successful in my career, and specialised in helping school pupils suffering from dyslexia and other learning difficulties. 


After experiencing a severe migraine one Wednesday morning, and then daily until the Sunday afternoon, I collapsed and was found paralysed and unable to speak on the bed, by my husband, Daniel. I had been lying there for about one and a half hours after going to lie down. I had suffered a rare type of stroke, where an artery in my neck had ruptured – the same artery that carried blood to my brain. 

Suddenly, I could no longer do what I had so often taken for granted; I couldn’t swallow, I couldn’t move the right hand side of my body, I could not read or produce any sound. I was numb, emotionless and in a state of emptiness. My first step was to get out of bed and walk around the hospital. With the help of a physiotherapist, this took me a few weeks to accomplish. Then I had to learn how to produce sound. On the 22nd day after the stroke, a speech therapist spent an hour with me in hospital, showing me how to press my lips together and then to release them, after which I eventually could say a short ‘mah’, with a little voice. I was shown how to touch my throat over the larynx, while breathing out simultaneously with a push of the breath, to make a sound. It was very difficult and extremely exhausting, and all I wanted to do was sleep, which is not uncommon for stroke patients. 


After more practice, I could eventually say my first word; mamma. However, I still felt devoid of emotion and did not even know what ‘mamma’ meant. This was when my mother, Mari Mocke, a speech and drama teacher took over with teaching me to speak, practically from scratch, as I only spent two sessions with the speech therapist at the hospital. She began coaching me to speak and write again in English and Afrikaans, immediately after my discharge. 


It was not easy-going. I had absolutely no words in my mind, only pictures. For instance, I could picture a fork and a knife and know their function, but I had no idea what they were called. Only after practising with my mother to articulate every speech sound with the tongue and the lips and the outgoing breath, was I able to learn the names of things as she showed them to me, and named them. With the aid of a hand mirror I had to learn to press the tip of my tongue against the palate of my mouth, behind the teeth, to get it into the right position for articulating, for example, the letter ‘n’, before I could eventually say the word ‘knife’.


I practised every morning and afternoon, at first for about ten minutes, then about twenty minutes at a time during the first week at home. Fatigue was the greatest problem, not frustration, because I had very little emotion. Sometimes I was actually too tired for the practices, but then I forced myself to do it, because I wanted to speak.


Once I had mastered the ability to utter a speech sound, I learnt to identify and say ‘pappa’, Daniel (my husband) and Johan, my son’s name. With my mother, I practised saying short sentences, the first of which was, ‘Johan likes juice’. 


Eventually, six months after my stroke, I was able to speak full sentences more spontaneously, but sometimes, naming common objects lodged my mind, was difficult. I still experience this challenge, where the name for an image or object gets lost in my mind. I find that a helpful way of getting around this is to use hand gestures, while describing the object. Some days are better than others. 

About a year after the stroke, I used to draw the pictures of the items on my shopping list, if I could not bring the word to the fore! 


Roughly three years after the stroke, my emotional seat started functioning again. Then, besides working closely with my mother, I went for intensive therapy to help me express the anger and frustration I felt about my situation, but had been unable to communicate verbally as I used to, before the stroke. Especially abstract thoughts. This was hard for me as just three years previously; I had been the one sitting in the psychologist’s chair, helping people overcome their challenges. Now I needed the help.  


I used to define myself by what I did, now, free of those constraints, I do what I love - baking, gardening, singing and making bath-salts and soaps. I also love reading and helping my nine-year old son with his homework, which brings me great joy. I live life fully, because I have much to be thankful for. My husband, Daniel is the rock in my life and he has been supportive throughout.


I now understand what a gift communication is – and every day I make progress. I am Liesl, I have a speech difficulty, but I am not the speech difficulty. I have talents and abilities that are unique to me, but they do not make me who I am as a soul or a spirit. We are all so much more than that.


Author: Charlene Yared-West, The Oprah Magazine, August 2010. (Please note that the copy posted above is the unedited version of what was published in the magazine and will differ slightly. To read the edited version of the article, please click on the images for an expanded view.)

The 7-Day green challenge

How seriously do you take the state of our environment? Challenge yourself to go green in one week, starting Monday!


Day One: Green your eating habits!
Mondays always start off with a new diet to ease the conscience of all the baddies eaten over the weekend. Start your green week challenge with an overhaul of your eating habits that will benefit your waistline, as well as the environment. 
Step 1: Go for organic, seasonal greens
“It isn’t necessary to become a vegetarian overnight, but decreasing your consumption of animal protein can definitely help you to become more eco-friendly,” says registered dietician, Lila Bruk. “Eating organic food may improve your health and help the planet, as organic food is less likely to contain harmful additives, which would be added in processing.” Bruk adds that eating seasonal produce can also ensure that you get the maximum amount of nutrients from the food – and this is good for the environment, because a lot of the fresh produce on shop shelves have been imported. Eating seasonal fruit and veg means that the food was grown locally and did not have to be brought in via air travel, which means you lower your carbon footprint. 
Step 2: Make a green girly cocktail
Smoothies are a great way to get your daily quota of fruit and veg servings. Dice your favourite seasonal fruits and vegetables and add to a blender with two cups of ice and blend together for about 30 seconds until your reach your desired consistency. Find a perfect spot outdoors where you can enjoy the beauty of nature while sipping on your eco-friendly drink!


Day Two: Clean up your act!
Yesterday’s veggie smoothie binge has left you feeling lighter on your feet and happier about your role in saving the planet. Go a step further and learn about separating your trash and composting in your backyard. Be brave, for worms are involved in the process…
Step 1: Separate your trash
Incorporate the three R’s of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Reduce the resources you use, Reuse recources as much as possible and Recycle when you can. Implement a recycling programme in your area by contacting a local recycler who will pick up recyclables of paper, glass, plastics, metals, foil-lined juice boxes (tetrapak) and batteries. “Across South Africa, we are fast running out of landfill space – a waste crisis is looming! We can all play our part,” says Bertie Lourens, MD of Waste Plan. “By recycling we can drastically reduce the waste we landfill. Try a simple exercise at home: separate out all plastics from your rubbish – including plastic bags, bottles, containers as well as polystyrene – and see how little rubbish there is left! And this is just one of the recyclable waste streams.”
Step 2: Make your own vermicompost system
“A vermicompost system is very easy to build – or one can buy a ready-made system, for as little as R150.00, excluding the worms,” says owner of Worms R Us, Denise Cowan. “To make one, you need a sealed black container, shredded paper as bedding for the worms to live in and the leftover food you wish to recycle. Drill some holes in the container and place it onto a catchment container to collect the ‘worm tea’. This is the nutrient-rich fertiliser, which can be used for watering plants by mixing one part to ten parts of water. It’s as easy as that!” Cowan says that most vegetable kitchen waste can be used, but to avoid citrus and onions as it can cause the system to become acidic. Egg shells, coffee grounds, teabags and garden leaves are also good additions to your system. “I find nothing better than making a salad out of my own home-grown produce, as I know what I have used on them and am not putting dangerous chemicals into my body. It is also guilt-free and earth friendly!” she adds. 

Day Three: Entertain the earth-friendly way!
It’s time for some mid-week entertainment, so why not invite close friends over for a eco-braai and good coffee. Eating out isn’t always earth-friendly. And, make your party bloom without cut flowers using greener tablescapes.
Step 1: Enjoy a eco-braai
The Swanniebraai uses old newspapers and other paper, crumpled into balls to braai boerewors and meat within six to ten minutes of starting the fire. “So many newspapers that are not recycled end up in landfills, which are polluting the planet. Usually a braai uses charcoal, which is less eco-friendly than paper – and it takes a longer time to get to the point where meat can be placed on the grid. The Swanniebraai cooks the meat through in a much shorter time,” says Willem Landman, owner of the Swanniebraai. A gas braai is often preferred by environmentalists as it emits less pollution than charcoal. 
Step 2: Liven up the party
Liven up your braai with colourful, decorative touches such as fruit or vegetables for table displays. About 80% of cut flowers come from Ecuador or Colombia and are grown with about 12 different pesticides, which pollute the earth and water. Finally, don’t forget to buy organic foods for your braai, including organic coffee from a Certified Fairtrade coffee producer and roaster. “Organically produced coffee means that the coffee trees have been farmed and cared for without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides,” says director of Bean There Coffee Company, Sarah Robinson. “Bean There is South Africa’s first roaster of Certified Fairtrade coffee that is of single origin, exclusive, optimally roasted and organic.”


Day Four: Observe the ‘less is more’ rule!
If last night at the braai left you a little tender from slight over-indulgence, it’s time to realise that sometimes, less is better than more. If we could each reduce our carbon footprint on the earth by just a tiny bit, the state of the environment would be greatly improved. 
Step 1: Reduce your carbon footprint
Take action to reduce your usage of electricity, water, paper and fuel. “South Africans are generally not too preoccupied with saving natural resources, unless it hurts us financially,” says owner of Recycle Now, Gina da Silva. “Cut down on electricity by, for example, opting for sleeping socks instead of an electric blanket. Change to energy-saver bulbs. Cut down on wasting water by being more mindful of when you use it. Reuse paper where you can and think twice before printing documents. The basics apply to everything you consume, including fuel. Opt for public transport or organise lift clubs. Perhaps even take a walk or cycle to where you need to get to.”
Step 2: Make the change to green fuel
Roy Dibley is an inventive South African of note. He modifies cars so that they can run on vegetable oil, sourced from food outlets that have been filtered of any food fragments. “The system I’ve designed has been fitted to over 70 cars over the past three years and I have been driving on green oil for the last five years. It is very cost efficient as I am using a waste product that would have to be disposed of in another way if I did not use it. Almost everything we consume can be used again or recycled, but most people are too lazy to do this. It’s a conscious choice to move to a green fuel. Stop doing things the easy way and make a small effort for a big difference!”


Day Five: Old is the 'new' new!
Instead of a cocktail party out in the town, arrange a swop night with girlfriends, where you exchange clothing and other items you no longer need in the house. Show them around your place, sharing innovative greening tips, such as using tyres in the garden as pot plants. 
Step 1: Implement a funky clothing exchange
“It’s a win-win situation to exchange clothing with friends, because not only does it reduce your carbon footprint, it also means that new items don’t have to be manufactured to satisfy your need for something new,” says owner of the Hermanus Swop Shop, Marilyn van der Velden. So, top up on tea and swop out that funky flower skirt you no longer wear. 
Step 2: Change something old into something new
Thinking creatively goes a long way and can benefit the environment in many ways, says van der Velden. “Old tyres are one of the world’s biggest problems for landfill sites.  They have been successfully turned into playground equipment and surfacing for roads but I use them for worm farms, planters and aids to conserve water in my garden.” Simply take something old, like blue jeans and turn them into patchwork tablecloths, blankets, skirts, cushion covers, skirts and sofa covers. 

Day Six: Go shopping!
Saturday is usually the perfect shopping day to restock the food cupboard. It’s all about considering your purchases carefully, buying in bulk and focusing on greening your pantry. 
Step 1: Buy less, buy smart
Farmer’s markets are brilliant for shopping for fresh produce that is locally produced, artisanal and often organic. Another smart shopping tip is to buy green cleaning products like Enchantrix that use ingredients that are not toxic or harmful to the environment. “This also goes for toiletries. The Victorian Organic Skin Care Company has an organic skin and body care range of products recreating recipes from the Victorian era using traditional ingredients from the English countryside, sourced and made in South Africa.” says owner of Green Space, an online shopping information portal, Theresa Wilson. “Reduce is key – rather buy a few quality products that will last a long time than lots of cheap goods that will only last a season or a few years – and that pollute the environment . We also need to add another ‘R’ to the 3 R’s; Respect for all life forms.” Buying local products not only supports the local economy, but also the environment, as they also require less transportation, storage and packaging. 
Step 2: Save money, save the planet
One of the latest trends when purchasing a cell phone contract is to upgrade your current phone to one of the newer models on the market. The same goes for car models. “Instead of buying or upgrading to a newer model, stick to the one you’ve got for as long as you possibly can, because more often than not, the old one will end up in the landfills,” says Wilson. Any kind of battery or e-waste rusts and the contents seep into the earth and contaminate the water. 


Day Seven: Step out into Mother Nature!
What better to do than spend a Sunday filling your lungs with fresh air, enjoying the great outdoors. The only downside to this is when these areas are polluted or spoilt because of litter or other forms of degradation. Sundays are family days – so go outdoors and make sure those environments are clean for generations to come. 
Step 1: Educate the young about cherishing earth
Take young family members out into natural surroundings – either a beach, forest or park and encourage them to value the beauty of the area. Children are the future – and greening the planet continues through the actions of the young. “If everyone picks up three pieces of litter every time you go to a beach, it’ll add up to a huge difference,” says Ocean Minded brand manager, Tim Starke. “Never before has our earth been under so much pressure, the human race is stretching the earth’s resources to all ends. It’s going to be in our generation that we either destroy our earth beyond repair, or protect what is left for our descendants. Education is key to emphasising this to our children. Apart from its life-sustaining nature, we derive so much pleasure and enjoyment from our outdoor environment. It’s essential that we protect our chosen playgrounds.”
Step 2: Get involved; volunteer and clean the planet
“Cleanliness starts at home, so explore your area to see where help is needed. The Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa, as well as your local aquarium, zoo, museum and municipality often organise local clean-up programmes which you can volunteer for,” says marine biologist, Siani Tinley. “It is important now to realise that the environment encompasses the world that we live in and that every daily action we choose to make has an effect on our environment.” 


Ordinary South Africans doing the extraordinary for the planet

• Mary Honeybun (76) collects bread tags for wheelchairs when she isn’t helping her 10-year old grandson with his homework. For one wheelchair to be secured, about 50 kilograms or 141,400 bread tags need to be collected and given to the recycler, which amounts to about R1550 per wheelchair. “This is not just about wheelchairs for the less fortunate – it is also about saving the environment,” says Honeybun. “Service to other people is the rent we pay for our room on earth – and this is what makes living worthwhile.”Contact Mary Honeybun on 021-789-1831 for more information on this worthy project. 
• Designer, Adri Schütz started the Mielie Workshop in 2002, providing employment to over 40 talented crafters in Khayelitsha and other townships in Cape Town, by handcrafting handbags, accessories, homeware articles and 2010 soccer balls – all made from recycled materials. “We make something beautiful out of recycled materials that are usually thrown away by factories.” Contact the Mielie Workshop to find out more about their innovative products and how you can purchase them at 021-686-2026.

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Longevity Magazine, August 2010, p44.

Herbal revival

It’s time to get back to your roots – literally! South African roots, stems, leaves and flowers of certain locally grown plants can help you with that ailment that’s been niggling at you for months. So, before that niggle becomes serious, here are some herb-inspired remedies to get you feeling more vital and healthy – the natural way.


Cape Aloe for sweetness
In traditional African mythology, the pungent yellow juice of the Aloe was used to alleviate disappointments and bitterness of the body and mind. A mother who had difficulty breastfeeding her baby was told to sleep with the sap on her body and in the morning, after washing it off, her milk would be sweet and tasty to the child. “Grown abundantly in the South Eastern Cape, the aloe herb can assist with many different ailments, from promoting bowel movements and alleviating indigestion to treating most skin problems,” says herbalist, Letitia Bezuidenhout of Barefoot Herbs. “For swollen feet, put a thin slice of the aloe leaf into the shoe and the swelling will lessen.” Markus van der Westhuizen, herbalist of Healthy Choice, warns that aloe should not be taken internally during pregnancy or if you suffer from disorders of the kidneys or liver. “Aloe vera is a powerful herb, especially when used as a laxative, which has been used for centuries,” he adds. 


Buchu for longevity
In 1652, the Khoi-Khoi and San people introduced the first Dutch colonists who arrived at the Cape of Good Hope to this almost magical herb, which was said to cure all illnesses and endow longevity. According to Margie Frayne, herbalist from the North West province, buchu, part of the fynbos plant kingdom, is a most effective natural remedy for kidney, bladder and urinary tract infections. Van der Westhuizen agrees; “It is an excellent diuretic for mild fluid retention, and an antiseptic,” he says. “Steep a few sprigs of fresh or dried buchu in a bottle of brandy in a dark cupboard. This tincture can then be used to soothe inflamed airways of chronic bronchitis internally and externally to treat rheumatism and gout.” Elsabé Baker, divisional director of Complementary Therapies for Healing Hands International adds that buchu is also effective for healing bruises, treating symptoms of high blood pressure and relieving pre-menstrual bloating. She recommends making tea with one or two teaspoons of buchu leaves and drinking it three times a day to alleviate symptoms. 


Cancer bush for healing
According to Frayne, the cancer bush herb has undergone intensive research by the Medical Research Council of South Africa and has been proven to have powerful healing compounds for treating diabetes and certain cancers. “It has also shown to reverse the wasting associated with cancer, HIV/AIDS and tubercolosis,” she says. Traditional health practitioner or Igquirha, Peter von Maltitz, founder of Zanemvula Traditional Healing, suggests taking about half a teaspoon of cancer bush dried leaves in the form of a tea. “This drink is excellent for when you can’t seem to get warm – even with warm clothes or blankets,” he says. Bezuidenhout points out that those on anti-retrovirals should be cautious when using the herb, as it might interfere with their therapy.  “As always, consult a specialist before you start using herbs to self-medicate,” she says. “It is also shown to be very good in stimulating weight gain, appetite and overall well-being and decreasing anxiety and stress.”

Wild Dagga for strength
Commonly found in many gardens, the wild dagga plant is an attractive, tall herb with tufts of bright orange flowers and is a magnet for sunbirds. It is not of the same plant family as the narcotic dagga plant, nor does it resemble it. “Wild dagga, also known as ‘lion’s ear’ is a great medicine to help alleviate fear and stimulate courage and strength,” says von Maltitz. “It can be chewed, taken as a tea infusion for the heart, or bathed in.” Bezuidenhout adds that the Zulu and Xhosa people use the leaves as a poultice for snakebites, scorpion stings and spider bites. “Some people also smoke the resinous flowering tops and leaves as a euphoriant, but caution should be taken, as it is mildly addictive – although there is no proof to date of this,” she says. In addition, wild dagga can be used externally for the relief of haemorrhoids, eczema, skin rashes and boils, explains van der Westhuizen. “It can also be used internally for the treatment of hypertension, coughs, fever, headaches, sinusitis, hayfever and other allergies, colds, flu, chest infections, diabetes, eczema, epilepsy, delayed menstruation, intestinal worms and constipation,” he adds. 


Blue Mountain Sage for peacefulness
Another plant native to South Africa, the Blue mountain sage can be used as an alternative to the Australian tea tree oil. “Place a few leaves in boiled water and drink as needed,” says Diane Aldworth, herbologist in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. “Alternatively, you can place five drops of oil into a teaspoon of almond oil and massage the affected areas for abdominal cramps, to ease the aches and pains of colds and flu or for skin irritations, nappy rash, shaving rash and scratches.” Baker adds that it can ease sore throats, flatulence, heartburn, colic, and cramps. “It also assists in calming you down mentally and emotionally – and is great to use for pre-menstrual stress and other symptoms, easing menstrual cramps at the same time,” she says. 


Rooibos for rest
“Rooibos was first introduced to botanists in 1772 by the Khoi people of the Cederberg region of the Western Cape – and has been cultivated since then,” says Aldworth. “Rooibos contains zero caffeine, a low tannin content and is antioxidant-rich, which may help protect against free radical damage that can lead to cancer, heart attack, and stroke.” Consumed as a tea, it can help as a digestive aid, to alleviate insomnia, and is rich in vitamins and minerals. Baker points out that it slows down the ageing process and prevents diseases like cancers and heart conditions, whilst maintaining healthy skin, bones, teeth, and assists in metabolic processes.  It is also great for the skin. Bezuidenhout shares her skin cream recipe for skin ailments; “Take one cup of aqueous cream and a half a cup of dried rooibos leaves and mix it together in a double boiler. Once the aqueous cream has melted, allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the mixture through a sieve and add one tablespoon of honey and pour into jars – and voila! You now have a cream that can help heal a multitude of skin problems.”

African Wormwood for courage
It is said that good old Jan van Riebeeck noted the African Wormwood in his diary, writing that it was used for a variety of complaints – from gout to jaundice. This plant is known in Xhosa as umhlonyane which translates as “courage” and is still used as their first aid remedy. “It can be used for a wide variety of conditions, including colds, headaches and bronchial complaints.  It is a tonic which contains anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties and can also be administered as an anti-depressant,” says Baker. “It relieves colic, blocked nasal passages, indigestion, loss of appetite and expels intestinal worms, as well as helps to  relieve aches and pains, clear acne and boils, and also to disinfect cuts and wounds.” She suggests wrapping some warmed leaves around sprains and swellings – or even on the stomach to relieve aches, pain and discomfort. Aldworth also suggests drinking African Wormwood as a tea, sweetened with a little honey to help feel better. “It is widely distributed in South Africa, and is an ancient medicinal plant that is still widely used by people of all cultures.”


African Potato for immunity
African Potato, otherwise known as Inkomfe or SA’s ‘miracle muthi’ was used in the Zulu tradition as a powerful emetic against nightmares and in Sotho folklore; it was used as a charm against lightning and storms. Today is known for being an overall tonic and proves to be effective in the treatment of reproductive disorders and prostate problems.  It can also be used to treat tumors, such as testicular tumors and is also recommended for people living with HIV / AIDS, because of its powerful immune boosting properties, explains Baker. Van der Westhuizen also points out that it can be used for reducing inflammation and also for treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Rather than making your own home remedy, it is advisable to use a commercial health supplement or herbal remedy that is readily available. Says Aldworth; “As a topical application in a base cream it can benefit eczema, psoriasis and skin lesions caused by the sun.”


All good things in moderation, from the experts…

• At a maximum, use a herbal remedy for 5 to 10 days, then skip a few days. 
• If a herb is taken therapeutically, it must be assumed that this is a drug like any other - and a safe dosage must be consumed. 
• Always start with the lowest recommended dosage and monitor your response. Should there be any unpleasant side effects such as rashes, dizziness, nausea or headaches, stop taking the herb immediately!
• Remember herbal remedies are extremely potent and can have side-effects and that natural medicine does not replace the advice of your doctor. 
• Should you have any side-effects, stop using the herbs immediately and consult your doctor and herbalist.
• Herbs should be treated with respect.  ‘Less is more.’ Many are under the impression that because it is natural, it is automatically safe too. This is not true - as some herbs can work against allopathic medicine, or block their activity by adhering to the receptor sites for the drugs. This is especially true of Hypericum that can block off 95% of the receptor sites. 
• A lot can go wrong if you take the wrong herbs, especially since herbal mixtures are normally concentrated. 
• Remember that herbs are plants - and as in food, it is not unheard of for allergic reactions to occur. It is best to consult a herbalist if you are not sure.
• Each herb will have its own recommended dosage, so do not self-medicate unless you have discussed this with someone knowledgeable in the use of herbal medicines. Your age and vitality also determines dosage. 

Hemp, the taboo herb
“Hemp is prized for its medicinal qualities and the omega rich oil in the seeds,” says director of Hemporium, Tony Budden. “It is also useful because of the range of products that can be made from the plant – from textiles, to paper to building materials. There are literally thousands of uses for hemp.” Hemp is made from the cannabis sativa variety, which has no narcotic use – unlike it’s ‘narcotic cousin’, marijuana. “It was only during the last century that cannabis hemp has been associated with the drug dagga and therefore banned in many countries,” he says. “For 8000 years or more before that, it was the world’s largest agricultural crop, producing the majority of our fibre, paper, fabric, lighting oil, medicines, as well as food oil and protein for both humans and animals.” Bezuidenhout adds that cannabis is mentioned in the ancient Chinese pharmacopoeias dating back to the 5th century BC, where it was used for inducing sleep and easing pain. “Today, marijuana is often abused, but is also useful for patients of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and for HIV/AIDS patients to decrease nausea, improve appetite and relieve pain,” she says. 


Indigenous massage home recipes
“I believe that using what grows in one’s immediate surrounds is more suited and beneficial to us than something that’s grown in a different climate, altitude and season and had to travel far to reach our shores. We import no oils and rigorously support our local farmers,” says Sue Pugh of Still Pure Essential Oils and Handcrafted Products. “Our flora, indigenous to SA is fairly new to the essential oil arena, so exciting discoveries are being made every day about the properties and uses for each of them.”


Sue adds that when essential oils are used, the air smells wonderful and inhaling it will benefit you on both a physical and emotional level and no harm is done to any animals or plants in the vicinity. 


Try out one of these massage recipes recommended by Still Pure to help you move easily through your day: 


Ingredients: 
Stress Buster: African Chamomile, Lavender and Cape May
Indigestion-go-away: Spearmint, Sweet Orange and Lavender
All smiles today: Cape Snowbush, Grapefruit and Mandarin


Method: 
Blends for massage should be mixed in ratio of about three drops of essential oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil, such as grapeseed, almond, olive or rosehip oil. 


Author: Charlene Yared-West, Longevity Magazine, July 2010, p34.

Rainy days with kids

“I’m so bored! There is nothing to do!” Do you dread hearing those words from your kids this Winter? Instead of plugging them into the latest tv-game or DVD movie, remember there are alternatives to keep them occupied. Keep this activity list handy for those inevitable rainy days. 

Have a bird cake tea party

Birds sometimes have a hard time finding a good source of nutrients during the colder Winter months when their food is scarce, so treat them to a delicious, easy to make seed cake bird feeder. Take a few empty yoghurt pots and make a small hole in the bottom of each. Thread a string through the holes, with a knot on the inside, so that it can be tied to a tree later. Now, into the kitchen for the fun part! Take turns squishing some birdseed, raisins, peanuts, grated cheese and lard or margerine into a mixing bowl. Once everyone has had a turn at mixing, fill the yoghurt pots with the bird cake mix and place into the fridge to set for about one hour. When the cakes have hardened, hang them outside and wait for all the feathery friends to arrive. Enjoy a pot of tea and a slice of human chocolate cake whilst watching the birds feast!

Funk up your junk 

Instead of filling up a landmine with junk – funk it up with these nifty ideas. Make a day of it with other families and ask them to empty out their craft cupboards or recycling bins, and to bring containers, boxes, bottles and any other bits and pieces they have lying around. Provide glue, sticky tape, a stapler, kitchen foil, paint, scissors and a good sense of humour, as you encourage everyone to let their imaginations run wild! You could make anything from a junk Robocop superhero, plastic doll’s house, egg box boat or something completely modern. Even better, combine everyone’s masterpieces into one giant model and get in touch with an art gallery to view your piece! (or not!)

Go on a treasure hunt adventure

Kids love a good treasure hunt, and in rainy weather, it is a great boredom-buster! Buy a few small treats like chocolate or small toys and hide them in interesting places all over the house. Write down clues for each object, and depending on the explorer’s age, you can make the clues fairly simple or quite cryptic. Each clue should lead your little treasure hunter to the pot of gold. This game is also great when played after dark, where the kids can search with a torch. Let them take pictures of their monumentous discoveries with a digital camera, before eating or playing with it! 

Have fun with play dough

Ready-made play dough is easily available in toy shops, but it’s just so easy to make – and mixing your own is half the fun you and your kids can have. All you need is a cup of plain flour, a quarter cup of salt, a sprinkle of cooking oil, food colouring, half a cup of water and some glitter to add some sparkle. Take turns with your children to knead this altogether, slowly adding the liquids to the flour and salt, until it’s spongy and feels like scone dough. Bring out some plastic cookie cutters to make interesting shapes and creative doughy objects. Voila! It’s play time! 

Create an indoor fortress 

Blankets, tablecloths, a few cushions and some torches are all you need to transform a dull evening into an evening spent in a magical fortress from a faraway land – or for the boys - the Batcave! Drape blankets and tablecloths over couches and chairs and create a soft landing with some cushions, or even a mattress. Now that your fort is ready, play some music to add to the mood and snuggle undercover with a book or your imagination, to tell some fantastical stories. Other options include colouring in or playing a fun board game to pass the time. Make sure you’ve got some yummy ‘midnight’ 10pm snacks and juice on the ready and camp out for the night. 

Make your own homemade story tape 

Being stuck indoors all day is the perfect time to make your own story tape. Get the kids together and ask them to choose their favourite story from off the bookshelf. Once they’ve chosen, sit them down with a tape recorder, a blank tape and some odds and ends to make sounds with, like beans in a box or water that can be poured from one glass to the other. Making a tape can become quite a production if a few kids are also invited over to participate. Each child can read for a while, or can take on the part of a character in the book and can also take turns to make the appropriate noises and sound effects. Make sure the kids sign the tape cover and make a copy for each of them to take home. A homemade tape makes for a great present for elderly members of the family to brighten their day!

Bake some cookies for the firemen

There’s nothing better than the smell of fresh cookies baking in the oven. Gather your children into the kitchen, making sure their hands are washed and they’re wearing old clothes for that inevitable spill or flour explosion. All you need is one and a half cups of sugar, one cup of flour, five teaspoons of butter, three teaspoons of honey and some oil for greasing the pan. Mixing all the ingredients together, get your hands sticky until you’ve formed a slightly stiff dough. Roll into small balls and place on a tray, baking for about 12 minutes until honey-brown. When the cookies have cooled, divide them between yourselves, making a pile for your local community fire station. Get the kids to each write a card to the firemen telling them how much they’re appreciated for all the hard work they do in putting out fires. Hand deliver this delightful package the next day.

Make your own music with kitchen cutlery and crockery

You have a whole orchestra in your kitchen – you just haven’t realised it yet! Pots and pans make excellent drums when beaten with a wooden spoon. And let’s not forget, glasses filled to varied levels with water and a teaspoon can make a truly magical, tinkling tune, reminiscent of a glockenspiel. If you’re a tenant in a high-rise flat, this activity might upset the neighbours, but just maybe you might be able to impress them with the melodic sounds coming from your kitchen. Add to this your own voice, fun songs, and you have a choir and an orchestra… home-grown!

Have an indoor picnic 

Who says a picnic has to be in the great outdoors? It can be just as fun having it inside the house. Perfect for making mealtimes more exciting, kids can get involved moving the lounge furniture out of the way and laying a picnic blanket over the floor. Print out some sunny day pictures from the computer, like a beach or forest scene, and stick them up on the walls to create a picnic mood. Pack a basket with some of your kids favourite goodies – or even better – get them to help prepare the picnic basket, including some cheese sarmies, salads and of course some cake or chocolate for dessert. Eat out of paper-plates to save on washing up, while enjoying a good time with your family. Food just tastes better when eaten on a blanket!

Take a walk in the rain anyway! 

Yes, some might argue it’s better to stay inside where it’s warm, but there is so much fun to be had outdoors, enjoying the rain – with a raincoat and wellies on, of course! If the rain is not too heavy and there’s no thunder and lightning, take the dog with you (if you have one) and go for a walk, looking for earthworms and splashing in mud-puddles. Watch the weather, paying close attention to the clouds and see what the little ones want to talk about. After you’ve had your fun, go back inside, dry yourselves off and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, marshmallows and buttery rusks together. 

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, July 2010, p66. 

Go nuts! Nuts and seeds are good for you.

Feeling guilty about that snack of mixed nuts you just couldn’t deny? Well, believe it or not – there are good reasons to make nuts and seeds an essential part of your everyday diet.


For many years, nuts and seeds have been given a bad name for being high in fat. Thank goodness this myth has been debunked by American nutty professors and scientists alike, in at least five different studies, showing the impact of nuts and seeds on heart health. Here’s the lowdown on our top ten nuts and seeds and why we’re simply nutty about them!


Nutty all-rounder almonds
Not only do almonds have a wonderful flavour, but they also help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart disease, says Pick n Pay dietitian, Teresa Del Fabbro. “They are also rich in vitamin E, an anti-oxidant that helps to prevent oxidation in cell membranes and other tissues, and are a useful source of calcium, which builds strong bones and teeth and keeps them strong,” she says. 


Good night hazzzzzZZZZZZZZelnuts
Hazelnuts are no doubt a firm favourite for chocolatiers, but they are also noted for being a good bedtime snack. High in the amino acid tryptophan, you will be guaranteed more Zs during the night!  In addition, although hazelnuts are relatively high in fat, they are also significantly high in anti-oxidants that can protect against several types of cancer. 


Lean, mean, green pistachios
“Pistachios are relatively low in kilojoules compared to other nuts,” says Del Fabbro. “They are also a good source of fibre, protein, anti-oxidants and mono-unsaturated fatty acids which help to lower cholesterol levels.” For the health conscious, it is best to snack on unsalted, raw pistachios and not the salted, oil-roasted version. 


Wonderful walnuts 
A study published in the journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2006, showed that eating walnuts after a fatty meal helped to reduce the effects of clogging up the blood vessels. Other studies have also shown that eating walnuts can help your cardiovascular system, help improve brain functioning, protect your bones and even prevent gallstones. They also contain melatonin, which helps to regulate sleep. 


Chew on a few cashews
Originating from Brazil, cashews contain iron, which is essential for red blood cell function, as well as magnesium for energy and bone growth, phosphorus for strong teeth and bones, zinc for digestion and metabolism, and selenium, which helps to protect the body from cancer. Cashews also help to promote a healthy heart.


Cancer-crunching pecans
Perhaps best known for their role in the delicious pecan-pie, pecan nuts are also a good source of a variety of vitamins and minerals. “Because they are quite high in calories, pecan nuts should be eaten in moderation,” says Del Fabbro. “Pecan nuts also have anti-cancer effects and are also a good source of vitamin E.” 


Marvellous mouth-watering macadamias
Macadamia trees were first grown for their ornamental value, until someone discovered how delicious the nut was! Nutritionally, Macadamias are a rich source of B-complex vitamins, for metabolism, and fibre, for healthy digestion. Even though it has a relatively high kilojoule count compared to other nuts and must be eaten moderately, it contains anti-oxidants, which decreases the risk of certain types of cancer. 


Leading little linseed 
“Linseeds may help manage menopausal symptoms, and they are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids,” says Del Fabbro. “Rich in fibre, they can also help to relieve constipation and regulate the digestive system.”  Because linseeds are small, it is a good idea to grind them in order to release the nutrients.


Simply superb sesame seeds
“Sesame seeds help to protect the body from free radicals,” says Del Fabbro. “Sesame seeds are also a source of phytic acid, which may inhibit colon cancer, and also contains magnesium and calcium.” Eating sesame seeds in moderation could also provide relief from arthritis and help to improve vascular and respiratory health. 
These seeds should be ground down before they are eaten in order to obtain their nutritional value.


Pretty powerful pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds, best eaten fresh, are very good for men’s prostate health. They also support the immune system, lower cholesterol levels and assist people suffering from arthritis, as they have an anti-inflammatory effect. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc for improved metabolism and digestion.


Don’t go completely nuts! Exercise moderation…
In 2003, the FDA approved the following health claim for a variety of nuts; “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating about 44g per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.” 


Pick n Pay dietitian, Teresa Del Fabbro agrees; “Even though the types of fatty acids found in nuts are healthy, fat is still kilojoule-dense and therefore portion sizes must be controlled. Using nuts and seeds as a topping, rather than a snack, can help to incorporate them in the right quantities,” she says. 


The lowdown on nuts and seeds

• Nuts and seeds can certainly add important nutrients, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals and fibre to the diet. They also add flavour, texture and interest to dishes.
• All nuts and seeds are cholesterol-free as they are plant foods. Plain versions are usually the healthiest option (e.g. plain cashews versus salted and roasted cashews).

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, April 2010, p52.