Superfoods and Immune Boosting Perks

 Healing Powers Series Author Dishes on Immune Boosting Perks of Superfoods

Essential oils have been utilized for medicinal purposes for centuries. Known for their natural ability to combat a litany of symptoms without having any hazardous side effects, these options seemingly have greased the pathway to wellbeing for countless users. Now, with the world facing its worst health crisis in a century, it’s only fitting they’d be primed for a comeback. Last fall, Cal Orey wrote for WellWell on four essential oils perfect to sooth, calm, restore and heal bodies and minds during flu season. A year later, we reached out to revisit the topic while focusing on a scarer, more deadly flu – COVID-19. The author of numerous works on natural remedies that includes The Healing Powers Series discussed how these wholly natural products alleviate not only the physical symptoms, but the mental apprehensions associated with the virus.

Last December, you wrote a guest article for WellWell on essential oils’ ability to combat flu symptoms. Do you think this remains true for COVID-19 symptoms? If so, which ones and how.

Not only has science shown their aroma alone can stimulate the pleasure center of your brain, but the wondrous healing properties of essential oils can: bolster the immune system; banish blue moods; boost energy and stamina; and lull your body into Zen-like relaxation. What’s more, scientists have found sandalwood can suppress cytokine cell production. You may have heard about cytokine cells in the news recently. They’re the cells which can create a “cytokine storm” in the body when powerful novel viruses hit, causing the immune system to go into overload and attack itself. The best bets here are chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon.

You also wrote The Healing Powers of Honey on honey’s diverse healing ability. What role can honey uniquely play in helping elevate COVID symptoms?

Nature’s nectar is immune-boosting, which can help you to be virus-free and stay well. How? Today we know that honey is dripping in disease-fighting antioxidants — and it naturally contains a built-in antiseptic that acts as a gentle healer and powerful bacteria fighter. If you get COVID, honey can relieve a variety of ailments to the virus, including coughs and fatigue. What’s more, it can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes – even help reduce body fat and unwanted weight – and may help increase the odds of beating COVID or lessen its symptoms if you are infected.

Similarly in Healing Powers of Tea, you list numerous teas’ ability to alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as increase energy levels. With so many people stuck at home now, how important is getting such relief and which teas are best at targeting these symptoms?

Herbal tea. Speaking of fighting viruses with honey, pair it with tea to ward off colds and flus often due to stress and anxiety. A cup or two of a hot, steaming and healing herbal teas, such as Vitamin C-rich rose hips and chamomile, can help you to bolster immunity and soothe your nervous system. Black and green teas are chock-full of disease-fighting antioxidants. One cup of green tea has no fat, sodium, sugar, or calories.

Your new book, The Healing Powers of Herbs & Spices acts a culmination of all these benefits, demonstrating the vast appeal and application of herbs and spices. What contributes to their distinctly expansive capabilities?

Anise, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and more–for thousands of years, herbs and spices have been praised for preserving and flavoring food, as well as preventing and curing illnesses. The latest research reveals that the seasonings can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity. Herbs and spices – many with Mediterranean roots — bring abundant zest to your table while lowering your cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and revving up your metabolism–at any age. Ward off colds and flu, banish a hacking cough, and lessen your anxiety and boost your mood with aromatic natural ingredients found in dried and fresh flavorings.

What are the most useful herbs and spices to combat the multiple issues mentioned above?

Today, in the twenty-first century, germs, viruses—including COVID-19—and superbugs are lurking everywhere, in your workplace, when on a plane, or even in your home. Antimicrobial marjoram may help bolster your immune system so you will be resistant to an infectious bug or even a superbug that is resistant to antibiotics. Researchers have discovered and pinpointed plant essential oils found in marjoram, like other Mediterranean plants, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. This, in result, means including the herb in a healthy diet and lifestyle, used in your diet food and even a tea, may help to lower your odds of getting sick.

The herbs and spices mentioned in your book are generally derived from the Mediterranean Diet. What role does that diet play and how is it more effective towards promoting health in comparison to others?

The Mediterranean Diet is one of the most popular and heart-healthy lifestyle choices, allowing for versatile herbs and spices. The diet itself is a plant-based regime with vegetables and fruits, grains, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, olive oil and, of course, herbs and spices. By infusing dishes with flavorful allspice, chives, fennel, oregano, pepper, saffron, tarragon and special blends like Herbes de Provence you add disease-fighting antioxidants to help you build immunity and keep you slim.

You recently wrote on your blog about a profound experience you had regarding a planned trip to Alaska, what was that experience like?

I booked another flight for early winter to Anchorage, Alaska, because like tasting different herbs and spices—it promised an exciting experience. Before my journey I scrutinized a popular hotel food menu. It was my dream to feast on seasoned fresh salads, pastas, and fresh citrus fruit for breakfast in my suite overlooking the city skyline and snowcapped mountains.

Like always, my carry-on was filled with herbal teas, such as chamomile and hibiscus since I didn’t get a flu shot. Alas, I did fulfill my dream of flying to Alaska. However, on a 737-800 jet, rough air due to the hurricane-force winds in Anchorage was nerve-racking. While we landed in Anchorage, not diverted to Fairbanks, I was greeted with no snow, fog with zero visibility and cloud cover so no aurora borealis to view in the sky. The worst part? Garden-fresh organic herbs, like chefs at spas and on television love to use in cooking, are not readily available in December. But dried herbs and spices did come to the rescue. They usually do.   

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About Cal Orey, M.A.

Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.)

For More Visit www.calorey.com

The Healing Powers of Honey--A Survivor's Revolutionary Hot Summer Read

 Resilient Roots Weather Every Storm

Gripping tales about how honey bees and humans survived earthquakes, blizzards, wildfires and more! A must-have summer read!

SECURE A SUMMER COPY!

 By Cal Orey, M.A.

Three years ago, a scary health crisis landed me in the ICU, leaving my world shattered in its wake. Surviving it felt less like recovery and more like surviving a tectonic shift; for weeks, I could only sleep with the lights on. Soon, the silence was filled by the haunting intrusion of flashbacks, the agonizing memory of forced separation from my family, and a relentless, suffocating anxiety, the constant thought: “What if it happens again?” I had stepped into the “Twilight Zone” world of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where the past refuses to stay buried.

Recovering from a traumatic event, whether it stems from a health scare or an evacuation is a personal journey that requires time to heal. Yes, you can make a comeback from PTSD, note experts from the National Institute of Mental Health: Coping with Traumatic Events—and me! Here are five practical tips:

1. Ground Yourself: When you feel overwhelmed and in panic mode, engage your senses to anchor yourself in the present. Identify five things you can see, touch, hear, smell, and can taste. This technique shifts focus from internal distress to external reality.

2. Inhale-Exhale: Trauma often leads to shallow, rapid breathing. Practice "box breathing" inhaling and exhaling to physically signal to your nervous system that you are safe. 

3. Create a "Safe" Routine: Trauma disrupts our sense of predictability. Build a simple daily routine, such as making your bed, eating at set times, or distract yourself with a book or music. Structure provides a sense of normalcy that helps the brain feel secure. 

4. Move It! Trauma is often stored in the body. Try repetitive movement, like rowing or stretching which helps process the excess adrenaline and cortisol associated with the fight-or-flight response. 

5. Write It Down for Clearing the Mind: Expressing your thoughts can prevent them from looping in your mind. By externalizing your PTSD, you create distance between yourself and the past trauma, which can reduce the boogeyman thoughts.

Mountain living demands resilience against the volatility of nature—earthquakes, blizzards, and wildfires. Like a cat, you will land on your feet, stronger for the fall. Yet, if the past refuses to fade, seek professional support. Resilience is not the absence of trauma, but the courage to move forward.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. The new, revised 2nd ed. of a popular Healing Powers book, 2026 is ready for pre-order, and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, 3rd ed. is in production.   She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com

The 20 Most Surprising Superfoods for Amazing Health!

 

Eggs, fish oil, butter, coconut oil . . . one minute they’re good for you and the next they’re not. Food fads make it tough to know what’s truly healthy. Eat it, don’t eat it. It helps, no wait, it doesn’t help.

Medical doctors and researchers are constantly making new discoveries about food that change conventional thinking.

With so much conflicting science, how do you know which foods really have incredible healing powers?

If you want to outsmart heart disease, cognitive decline, or even lung troubles without giving up your favorite foods . . . this is the book for you.

Contrary to popular belief, superfoods aren’t just for health nuts. They’re for everyone who wants to enjoy a healthier heart, a stronger brain, clear lungs and sinuses, lower cholesterol, and reduced pain — as well as give the boot to colds and flu, soothe dry skin, feel more energized, and live longer.

One of the most important things you can do with the NEW Top 20 superfoods: Boost your immunity. A balanced immune system is essential to living a healthy life.

Inside this 316-page bible of superfoods you’ll discover the top 20 nutrient-dense foods that are delicious to eat and easy to find at your favorite supermarket. These new superfoods are many of the classic foods you love and they deliver big health benefits that can help you:

• Boost your immune system
• Support a healthy heart
• Build strong bones
• Strengthen your cognitive health
• Maintain healthy blood sugar
• Power up your energy
• Fight fat
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower the risk of heart disease
• Slow the aging process
• Promote healthy vision
• Ease anxiety and stress

 

If foods like acai, maca, or garlic come to mind when you hear the word “superfood,” you’re in for a surprise!

While these superfoods are nutritionally dense and good for your health . . . end the confusion once and for all with The Healing Powers of Superfoods.

Written by Cal Orey, author of the bestselling Healing Powers of Honey, this blockbuster book is based on the latest scientific studies showing dozens of surprising superfoods and juices you never knew could help you get healthy and stay healthy — even cheese, chocolate, and ice cream!

The Healing Powers of Superfoods reveals the top 20 superfoods which are loaded with antioxidants, polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and minerals and vitamins with powerful immune-boosting and disease-preventing properties.

The Secret to a Long, Healthy Life
Is Sitting in Your Grocery Shelf

There are loads of other, lesser-known taste-tempting, belly-filling foods with the power to restore health, wellness, and energy to the body. There are even foods that have been on your plate all along — you just didn’t know they were nutrient-dense.

Take gelato and shellfish — once considered too fatty or too high in cholesterol and sodium, they've been determined to be good for you and they taste great. They’re today’s “new” superfoods! Shrimp alone have 17 grams of protein and almost one-third the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D — an important vitamin millions of people are lacking. You need all the “D” you can get for strong bones and teeth.

You know those potatoes you serve up as a side with a juicy steak or your favorite chicken dish? Surprise — they’re immunity-boosting powerhouses!

Not just fat-free and a great source of potassium for your heart health, these super spuds are also packed with vitamin A, a powerful immune booster. Medical researchers also believe this potato can boost white blood cell activity, which is key to warding off certain cancers.

All of the details you need about super taters — including some great ways to use them in recipes — are on page 104 of your FREE book.

Guess what? A food doesn’t have to be
perfectly “clean” to be a superfood.

Think about how you enjoy that big bowl of decadent gelato. So creamy and smooth, yet this sweet treat has less fat and more natural ingredients than ice cream.

Add some of this yummy chocolate or any of the great mix-in suggestions on page 63 and it’s like you went to Dairy Queen for a Blizzard swirled with your favorite mix-ins — only better because it’s healthier!

Best of all when you start adding other nutrient-dense foods to superfoods, you instantly increase the health benefits. The Healing Powers of Superfoods gives you all kinds of ideas for blending and stacking superfoods for the healthiest options.

Now don’t give ice cream the boot, because
America’s favorite frozen delight not only builds
strong bones — it supercharges your brain.

Ice cream contains calcium for bone-building and protein for strong muscles and teeth. Know what else? Vanilla ice cream is good for the brain! When you get your FREE copy of The Healing Powers of Superfoods, turn to page 63 to see the secret super mineral in vanilla ice cream that enhances brain function. Belgian researchers using MRI testing found ice cream even diminishes the brain’s response to sadness.

Do you like apples or peanut butter? They’re super delicious superfoods, too. Apples aren’t just great for weight loss, they lower your bad cholesterol (LDL), protecting against heart attack and stroke.

See page 28 of your FREE BOOK to see which apples pack the most powerful punch. Be sure to try the Super Heart Healthy Cinna-Apple Smoothie on page 29.

Do these look like SUPERFOODS to you?
Take a closer look.

When University of Scranton researcher Joe Vinson, Ph.D., was asked what foods he’d pick if he were stranded on a desert island for two weeks, he chose nuts, peanut butter, orange juice, and wine. Since wine is rich in resveratrol, it could help prevent blood clots from years of eating French fries and bacon.

Rather skip the wine? There’s a great juice alternative on page 141. This superjuice not only helps lower cholesterol but may reduce the risk of cancer, too. It’s all in The Healing Powers of Superfoods.

Eggs can keep you out of the
cardiologist’s office, too.

Two studies of 40,000 men and women published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed eating eggs in moderation may be good for your heart. Scientists found absolutely NO LINK to heart disease in healthy test subjects who ate an egg every day. But . . .

You must know which part of the egg to eat for the biggest health benefit — and it’s not what you think or what you’ve been told. An “eggstrordinary” secret on page 55 will show you how to get the biggest bang for your heart health from eggs.

Surprising superfood of the year:
Lobster Mac and Cheese for weight loss!

You’re going to think, “This is too decadent to be good for me, right?” Nope! This amazing recipe uses a secret type of pasta studies show fills you up and slims you down. Parmesan swirled with a bit of butter, pasta, tomatoes, creamy half-and-half, fresh basil. Mmm, mouthwatering! Get the recipe on page 286 of your FREE BOOK! Hurry, get your FREE COPY while supplies last.

These superfoods could help halt everything from heart disease, cancer, and flu to obesity, anxiety, and depression.

Power up immune system with this surprising breakfast food!

Turn to page 71 of your FREE BOOK to find out!

Eat pizza, beat heart disease.

See how on page 91.

Lower bad cholesterol with super chicken!

Turkey works, too. Try the moist and meaty Super Vitalizing Turkey Salad on page 100.

Breathe easier — eat tomatoes.

Got asthma? Tomatoes open up airways and detox the body. Page 213

Crunchy French Toast and Berries

Healthy never looked or tasted so good! Recipe on page 151 of your FREE BOOK.

During flu season or a major health crisis, it’s more critical than ever you feed your body superfoods to shield against invaders. The more superfoods you pile on your plate over the course of a day, the better.

And learning about which superfoods to eat doesn’t have to be difficult. Everything you need to know is inside The Healing Powers of Superfoods. Through this special offer, you can get a copy of this blockbuster book absolutely FREE! Click here to claim your FREE book.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s waiting for you inside your FREE copy of The Healing Powers of Superfoods:

• Lower your risk of cancer and heart disease with pizza! Italian researchers found the secret in the sauce. Page 92
• See cholesterol levels you can love at your next checkup. Eat more of this family favorite which also helps you stay trim and feel calm. Page 97
• Lower your blood pressure, stave off colds and flu, AND lose weight with . . . potatoes? That’s right! Discover which 2 “super spuds” are best on page 104.
• Reduce the risk of heart disease and power up your brain health with sweet, creamy, and crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge. Recipes on page 248
• Flatten your belly and banish bloat fast with watermelon — a natural diuretic! Try the quick Melon Salad on page 135.
• Tired, fatigued, and need energy? Eat this once-forbidden sweet treat turned superfood — it gives you the added benefit of boosting brain power. Page 63
• Need a sweetener? Forget honey or brown sugar — reach for antioxidant-rich maple syrup! Studies show maple can enhance the immune system for fewer colds and flu. WAIT! You must use THIS maple syrup to reap the health benefits. Page 73
• Avoid dental bills — keep your teeth and gums healthy with this vitamin C-packed fruit. Hint: it’s NOT oranges! Page 159
• Calm anxiety and frayed nerves with this Thanksgiving favorite. It helps your body make mood-boosting serotonin. Page 97
• Bounce back from jet lag! Drink a glass of water infused with this citrus and eat a handful of this superfood. You get a big energy boost from the carbs combined with magnesium and selenium. Page 198.

The Healing Powers of Superfoods is packed cover-to-cover with hundreds of ways to incorporate superfoods into your life to help you address whatever health issues you face: depression, dizziness, insomnia, kidney stones, blisters, UTIs, asthma, anemia, allergies, pain, and many others.

You get 50+ delicious, nutritious recipes for everything from Pesto Pizza, Dark Chocolate Gelato, and Cheesy Quiche to ricotta-rich Cannelloni steeped in garlic and herbs and Super Immunity Enhancing Chilled Sweet Potato Soup with Maple-Smoked Chili Sauce on page 105.

There are even thirst-quenching recipes for drinks and smoothies. Be sure to try the new twist on green drinks which tastes great! You can’t go wrong with sweet Honeycrisp apples blended with cinnamon, honey, and a touch of kale. Page 188

PLUS, this treasure trove of healing
superfoods book also contains:

Lower your blood pressure — say CHEESE, please!

All this time you thought cheese was a no-no. Cheese is loaded with heart healthy calcium to help lower your blood pressure — and your risk of heart disease and stroke. Page 41

Wait until you try the gooey Cheese and Cranberry Dip on page 35.

A sensational blend of melted Brie, wine, garlic, and cranberries tempts your taste buds.

• 50 home remedies you can zip together in your kitchen for everything from building strong immunity to dealing with gingivitis, heartburn, depression, constipation, kidney stones, infection, and other health concerns.
• Top 10 “skinny superfoods” scientifically shown to fill you up, not out!
• 5 simple rules for losing weight like a champ.
• Perfectly pampering beautifying recipes for shiny, healthy hair, glowing skin, soft elbows and feet, and more. Super Beautifying Cantaloupe Smoothie, anyone? See page 224
• Household helpers for cleaning stubborn rust, removing gum from carpets, and making your house smell fresh and clean.

Whether you want to up your health game, have committed to start eating healthier, already eat healthy and are seeking out the latest and greatest superfoods, or you want to go from bland and boring to tasty and delicious with all NEW recipes . . . The Healing Powers of Superfoods is for you!

This groundbreaking book is also perfect for anyone who wants to benefit from healthier options in their life, whether cooking, cleaning, dieting, or beautifying. There’s something for everyone!

HEALING POWERS OF HONEY, 2.0 The 1st Edition laid the ground; the New & Revised 2nd Edition breaks it

Learn how to boost your immune system, combat ailments, and so much more, all with the natural power of honey—the pantry staple and sustainable superfood that’s also the green choice for healthy living, homeopathic remedies, and natural cures.

A newly revised and updated edition of the #1 hit, now with new research, heart-healthy recipes, honey bee data, and home cures!

DISCOVER HONEY’S AMAZING BEE-HEALTHY POWERS
Did you know? . . .

Eating honey, Mother Nature’s ancient medicine, can still work its healing magic and help lower the risk of disease—adding quality and years to your life—at any age!

The buzz: Consumers are seeking healthy alternatives to refined sugar due to concerns about obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, the #1 killer.

Yes! Raw, unprocessed honey is more popular than ever before and is touted a “superfood” as it replaces unhealthy table sugar and artificial sweeteners—helping to combat the skyrocketing rise in chronic ailments and life-threatening diseases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, beekeepers experienced a surge in demand for the disease-fighting, antioxidant-rich “apocalyptic food” widely believed to boost immune health.

Increasing threats to honey bees’ survival may harm the planet’s nourishing superfoods that you love to eat—such as fruits and nuts—that the honey bee pollinates.

Honey, known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” is an ancient remedy noted in the Bible and used for centuries to quell a cough, soothe a sore throat, energize you, and even calm frazzled nerves due to stressors such as post-COVID-19 virus variants and climate change health effects.

Enjoy gripping and adventurous survival stories about honey bees and humans as well as fascinating reasons why the popularity of honey is soaring, Manuka honey medicinal uses are surging, and herbal flavored varietals are trending. You’ll also love new heart-healthy recipes with honey twists such as Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey, Hot Honey Glazed Turkey Loaf, and Turmeric Honey Immunity Booster, plus buzzworthy home cures thanks to honey’s gifts (including super “bee foods” like propolis and royal jelly) from the hive!

“This eye-opening book provides you with a delicious truth of the traditional Mediterranean diet. Honey is a sumptuous route to optimal health.” —Dr. Will Clower, author of The French Don’t Diet Plan

Story Locale:Nonfiction

Cal Orey, M.A., is a health expert, food writer, on-air personality and author of The Healing Powers series, including The Healing Powers of Vinegar, The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, The Healing Powers of Tea, The Healing Powers of Honey and The Healing Powers of Essential Oils. She has a master's degree in English from San Francisco State University, and for three decades has written hundreds of articles for national and international magazines, specializing in topics such as health, beauty, nutrition, relationships, science, and pets. She can be found online at CalOrey.com.

Author Residence: South Lake Tahoe, CA

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Marketing:

• Publicity outreach for reviews, roundups, and feature coverage in consumer, health & wellness, and key trade publications

• Outreach to brands and wellness companies for partnership opportunities

• Social media campaign including advertising, giveaways, bonus content, and shareable images

• UPDATED WITH NEW MATERIAL: About 25% of this edition is new and updated material, including new recipes and remedies; resource lists; expert commentary; a new foreword; the latest research findings on honey's health benefits, such as its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties; new studies in the Mediterranean diet, heart health, immune system; data on our endangered honey bees and critical issue of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD); and heartwarming and adventurous anecdotes.
• A PROVEN SUCCESS : The Healing Powers of Honey has achieved #1 Top Rated status on Amazon, demonstrating an irrefutable track record of sales and reader satisfaction. ·It has sold around 20,000 copies in print alone—and the e-book is a steady seller.
• WORLDWIDE BACKLIST BESTSELLER! Cal Orey’s Healing Powers books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, been translated into a dozen languages, and landed on bestseller lists across the world. The Healing Powers of Vinegar has sold more than 200,000 copies, has more than 700 ratings on Amazon, and was the #1 bestselling health book in South Korea. All previous Healing Powers books were picked up by NewsMax.
• SWEET SOLUTION TO SURGING DEMAND: · During the COVID-19 pandemic, beekeepers experienced a surge in demand for the disease-fighting, antioxidant-rich “apocalyptic food” widely believed to boost immune health. As the global honey market, fueled by consumer demand for natural sweeteners, surges towards a projected 15 billion by 2032, the need for a comprehensive and updated guide to honey’s health benefits has never been greater.
• NEW FOREWORD: The new foreword from Jonny Bowden, Ph.D, bestselling author of 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, is an expert endorsement that adds authority, credibility, and prestige.
• NOW WITH MANUKA HONEY: Manuka honey, known for its unique antibacterial properties, holds a premium position in the honey market and is a new addition to this edition.
• NATURAL REMEDIES AND RECIPES. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally. The American Heart Association reports that cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart disease, are the number one cause of death worldwide. This underscores the continued relevance of the book’s content on heart health.·With ongoing health concerns, there’s heightened focus on immune health. (COVID variants and other viruses continue to
• be important issues.) Honey’s immune-boosting properties will resonate with readers seeking natural ways to support their health.
• HOME CURES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO OTC MEDICINE. Readers interested in homeopathic remedies and natural cures will love Cal Orey’s more than 50 home cures that combat digestive woes to skin woes, while boosting immunity.
• AN EXPANDED MARKET:  The inclusion of new research on Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and honey bees broadens the book’s appeal to environmentalists, beekeepers, and those concerned about sustainable superfood practices.
• CONNECTED AND PASSIONATE AUTHOR: Cal Orey is a frequent guest on live and internet national radio stations, and the media has covered her work in national magazines including Woman’s World, Complete Woman, Energy Times, MSN Health and Fitness, and other online publications. She has promoted her Healing Powers books as a News Segment guest on Coast to Coast AM and has a weekly column “What’s Cookin’ at Callie’s Cabin” (online and hard copy) and a monthly column for Oracle (online and hard copy).

Praise for The Healing Powers Books by Cal Orey

"The cure is in the cupboard with this book's insights that will tempt your taste buds--and revive you from head to toe." —Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of Radical Metabolism on The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices

"In The Healing Powers of Superfoods, we're thankfully re-discovering these amazingly healthy foods again today." —Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness on The Healing Powers of Superfoods

"A practical, health-oriented book that everyone who wants to stay healthy and live longer should read." —Patricia Bragg, N.D., Ph.D., author of Apple Cider Vinegar

The Buzzworthy Cure for Springtime Allergies: HONEY!

 By Cal Orey 

'Tis the season when allergy symptoms thanks to allergens like springtime budding trees hit home and maybe even affect you, like me. Living at Lake Tahoe is a treat during off season while the super bloom is happening. But hold the phone. The tree pollen plus the ups and downs of temperatures are wreaking havoc on my mind and body. So, I've got the trees revealing vibrant green and pink flowers and leaves on the deck and in the air . Plus, wherever I go indoors and outdoors is the high dust and dander to make me miserable. Achoo!

Walking in a snow flurry last week and gardening in the sunshine a week prior is enough to make anyone feel a bit out of whack. 

But honey comes to the rescue!  That's right, by turning to immune-boosting, antioxidant-rich honey, you may find your own allergy symptoms, from hay fever to seasonal-change woes, may stop in their tracks.

The truth is, I've been too busy fighting allergy symptoms that I forgot about home sweet cures like chocolate and honey. Blame it on the new season and oh, oh, oh--the shedding dog and cat. Hairs, hairs, hairs everywhere. My black T-shirts and sweaters look like a white bunny rabbit's fur. A week ago, I contacted a gp. My eyes were watery. Not to forget the post-nasal drip and sneezing--not fun. And today, my throat is less raspy (dander and dust are no longer extreme and maybe the new rugs are helping). But tree pollen is very high today. It's time for this honey book author to practice what she preaches and take her own sweet ancient cure, straight from the hive.

Allergies (Stop Seasonal Misery): Dealing with a runny nose, and coughing can ruin an indoor and outdoor event, thanks to seasonal pollen. Every year when the yellow pollen arrives in the spring like an uninvited visitor at Lake Tahoe I hold a tissue in one hand and am on the phone to a pharmacist with the other. I am always on a mission to find the natural remedy to stop my sniffles.

What Honey Rx to Use: Try eating a tablespoon of locally produced honey. Proponents of honey tell me that your immune system will get used to the local pollen in it (it should be withing a 50-mile radius from where you live).
Why You'll Bee Happy: If you have mild allergies, honey may enhance the immune system to build up a better arsenal against airborne allergens. Honey enthusiasts like D.C. Jarvis, M.D., believe honeycomb is excellent for treating breathing problems. The honey prescription, according to him, was chewing honeycomb, which may line the entire breathing tract... "Vermont folk medicine uses honeycomb as a desensitizing agent; from the results obtained by its use it appears to be anti-allergic in its action," notes the good doctor who gives credit to the honey bees.

Beekeepers tell me that honey may help allergies linked to trees and ragweed--the culprit in hay fever and its irritating symptoms during spring and autumn months. So, as beekeepers are workerbee busy at work selling local honey to allergy sufferers, like me (and maybe you, too), I am busy including all types of antioxidant-rich honey in my diet because I want to be covered. And if honey can help me cope with congestion and pesky sniffles, I'm in. 

While further research is needed, I'm not going to wait for scientists to go to their lab rats for a go-ahead. Today I'm going to the health food store and getting a jar of local honey. Oh, and I ordered one-day delivery of manuka honey and ginger organic candy drops. I wait. 

Peak Health: Creating a Blue Zone at Tahoe

 Peak Health: Creating a Blue Zone at Tahoe

By Cal Orey, M.A.

The midday sun bathed the deck in a honeyed warmth—a Tahoe Spring golden gift. A laid-back local sat among the budding aspens, as a nameless bird landed nearby. The resident moved to the stretch of tai chi chair yoga. As the person sipped cool water, the mountain air was clear. Then, reality hit: The individual was happy at home chillaxing and living in a more or less "Blue Zone" region of health and slow, deliberate living.

The concept of “Blue Zones,” noted by National Geographic Dan Buettner, pinpoints places where people show longevity and vitality, with a good healthspan. Blue Zone regions are Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Ikaria, Greece. Nicoya, Costa Rica, and Loma Linda, California. While not all chill places have a Blue Zone title, the environment offers an opportunity to copy the lifestyle. Here’s how to transform your life into a Blue Zone at Lake Tahoe.

1. Plant-Based Nutrition:  In Blue Zones, diets are plant-based, focusing on whole grains, and seasonal vegetables. Try sourcing local, organic produce and enjoying more nutrient-dense smaller meals, while eating less processed foods.

2. Go for More Movement: Centenarians live in environments that encourage constant, low-intensity movement. At Lake Tahoe, this means daily walking, gardening, or water activities. The goal is to make movement an unavoidable part of your daily routine.

3. Find Your Purpose: The concept of having a reason for being is key in Blue Zones. Engaging in seeking your passion is associated with lower stress levels and higher brain wellness in later life.

4. Natural Stress Reduction: Blue Zone regions have daily rituals to shed stress, such as afternoon napping, or happy hour. The serene environment of countless regions is perfect for "forest bathing" or mindfulness practices under pine trees or visiting the lake. Reconnecting with the alpine environment is vital for well-being and finding your comfort zone.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. The new, revised 2nd ed. of a popular Healing Powers book, 2026 is ready for pre-order, and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, 3rd ed. is in production.   She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com

Honey & Tea Author Goes Home for Easter B&N Signing

 By Cal Orey

Today is Easter Sunday. It's a new month--a time for renewal. It's quiet at Lake Tahoe. Yes, it's still off season and bliss. Snow covered ground is showing dirt and cloud cover promises spring rain and trees will soon blossom. So why in the world would I take a business-vacay to Monterey?  

Because I love Big Little Lies and second season won't air until 2019.  Because I'm booked at Gilroy's Barnes and Noble for a book discussion/signing. And most of all because I have a history with the California Coast.

After all, it's a breathtaking place chock-full of Mother Nature at her finest that I've gone with the favorite men in my life. Yep, romantic images come to mind. Eating dinner at an ex's home with a living room view of the Pacific Ocean. Another love and I drove to Monterey and enjoyed that 17 mile drive and sunning on the beaches. And the last one, the love of my life and the one who got away, well...Cannery Row strolls, munching on fish and chips and smelling the ocean air reminds me of  West Coast heaven. 

This time around the trip is for me. It will be a time to revisit the past. Living in Santa Cruz Mountains and visiting the coast was a frequent past-time. Going to the Garlic Festival, viewing fields of lettuce and artichokes, and enjoying coffeehouses (especially for the tea and honey with bagels) up and down California coastline brings back fond days and nights. Not to forget when I was a kid I swam and surfed in sea that I'm going to revisit.

Flashback to my freewheeling days living in San Jose, 30 miles from the coast.  One Easter break, I hitchhiked south to Big Sur, a place to go and fall in love with the great outdoors. Without a penny in my pocket and no hotel for me, I slept on the beach in a sleeping bag with my dog surrounded by no name strangers from places around the country. Under the stars and circled around the bonfire we'd share road tales trying to one up each other. Adventures like me being stranded in Colorado and told by a highway patrolman to walk out of the state because hitchhiking was prohibited  to the night I slept with one eye open, arms wrapped around my black Lab on a private property in the Mojave Desert (fearing snakes) got interest. I didn't drink alcohol that night on the beach, but I did savor tea--and was bullied for my clean lifestyle.  In the morning without a hangover and feeling rejuvenated, I left paradise and traveled north to return to real life--college with the goal of becoming an author...


Coming Home
Decades later, this time around, I'll be at the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Gilroy and dishing on my two latest books--The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey.  After it will be time to reconnect with Monterey and Pacific Grove (places John Steinbeck lived life and shared with his readers), bond with an otter, experience the sound of waves instead of looking at the Lake--and I'll watch the sun set over the sea and rise--instead of the majestic Sierra. So, who says you can't go back home? This Healing Powers series author is doing just that. 

Author Event, Author Signing, Author Discussion (Health & Fitness) 
Saturday April 21, 2018 2:00 PM 

      

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The Healing Powers of Honey

By Cal Orey
Publish Date: 02/27/2018
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The Healing Powers of Tea

By Cal Orey
Publish Date: 12/26/2017
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