Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Celebrate the Buzz of Honey--The Wait is Over this Summer!

The wait is over this summer--secure your copy of the superfood breakthrough that turns a fall favorite into a 365-day healing revolution.

As the world pivots from the lessons of COVID-19 to the looming threats of new viral strains and a volatile climate, The Healing Powers of Honey emerges as the definitive survival guide for the modern era. Blending warm, witty prose with groundbreaking new research, this book uncovers a forgotten natural remedy that is as scientifically potent as it is historically significant. Through a series of new, gripping survival stories—from the front lines of the pandemic to the heart of climate-driven disasters—readers will witness the life-saving power of this remedy in real-time. Complemented by a collection of innovative, real food recipes, The Healing Powers of Honey is more than a manual; it is an essential, research-backed toolkit for anyone seeking to safeguard their health--weight loss, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and immune health--and home in an increasingly unpredictable world.

The 1st edition is groundbreaking. But the 2nd revised and updated edition is revolutionary!

Overview

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 second edition of the #1 hit, now updated 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!

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Outfox The “Final Destination” Trap

Tune into Your Intuition and Live Life!

If you’ve seen the movie “Final Destination”, you know the feeling: the idea that "Death" has a plan and no matter how hard you run, the "hex" will get you. When a doctor with a God Complex tells you that you have exactly two years to live (despite you are healthy), you might start feeling like a character in that movie, just waiting for the metaphorical loose bolt or falling sign to finish the job.

You might think, "The doc said it, so it’s destiny." But here is the secret: Doctors are not prophets. They are looking at statistics—the average of a thousand other people—not you. In Love, Medicine and Miracles, Dr. Bernie Siegel notes that "exceptional patients" are the ones who refuse to accept the "Final Destination" script and instead challenge the doctor's authority.

So, What is Medical Hexing, Anyhow?

Medical hexing occurs when a healthcare provider uses their authority to "cast" a dark future over a patient. When a young, "millennial-vibe" doctor looks at you with an ageist smirk—as if you’re an expired carton of milk—and tells you that "science says you're done," they are practicing a form of psychological suggestion. This is the "Nocebo Effect," the evil twin of the Placebo Effect, where negative expectations actually cause physical harm.

Why Young Docs Might "Hex" You

Sometimes, a young doctor’s arrogance comes from a mix of high-tech "book smarts" and a lack of "life smarts." They might rely 100% on an algorithm or a single lab value, ignoring the holistic body and human spirit. This "mean millennial" attitude can feel ageist, as if they believe anyone over a certain age isn't worth the "upgrade" in treatment. This is often a defense mechanism to hide their own ignorance or fear of death. 

How to Ignore the Hex

* Check the "God Complex": If a doctor is rude or dismissive, their "hex" is based on their attitude, not your biology. Use your gut instinct and disregard the negative prognosis.

* Fire the "Hexer": You are the boss of your health. If a vet or doctor treats you like a statistic, find one who treats you like a person.

*  Seek the "Unlearned" Wisdom: Many published accounts of "spontaneous remission" show that patients who survived grim news were often the ones who  defied the odds and refused to believe the doctor's timeline and followed their intuition.

The Bestseller Status and Impact of The Healing Powers of Tea

A Cup of Wellness

The Healing Powers of Tea: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Special Remedy, authored by Cal Orey, has established itself as a significant commercial success within the niche of health, nutrition, and beverage literature. Since its publication by Citadel Press, the book has achieved "bestseller" status across multiple major retail platforms, particularly within specific categories related to preventative medicine and culinary arts. The work is the sixth installment in Orey’s "Healing Powers" series, which collectively explores the medicinal benefits of common pantry staples such as vinegar, olive oil, and honey (2nd edition, revised and updated, is due out this summer).

Evidence of Bestseller Status and Market Performance
The book has frequently been "graced with the bestselling banner" on prominent e-commerce and retail sites including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Specifically, it has reached the #1 position in several specialized categories on Amazon, including "Coffee & Tea" (both in physical books and Kindle editions) and "Health Reference." Its market endurance is evidenced by its "Amazon Best Sellers Rank," which at peak times has seen it ranked as high as #280 overall in the paid Kindle Store, a notable achievement for a non-fiction health title.

The book's reach extends beyond domestic digital sales. It has gained international traction, with foreign rights sold to countries such as Estonia, and it is featured in prestigious physical locations like the Fairmont Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. This physical presence in high-end tea rooms underscores its authority and popularity among tea enthusiasts. Also, the popular book for a mainstream audience has been promoted by Newsmax.

Critical Reception and Authoritative Endorsements
The commercial success of The Healing Powers of Tea is bolstered by positive reviews from authoritative literary and health figures. Publishers Weekly, a premier news magazine for the international book publishing business, described the work as a "well-constructed and comprehensive guide" that would appeal to foodies and those interested in alternative-health therapies.

Furthermore, the book carries an endorsement from Anne Gittleman, PhD, a well-known nutrition expert and author of The Fat Flush Plan, who characterized the text as "fascinating." The foreword was penned by Will Clower, another respected figure in the health and wellness industry, adding further academic and professional weight to the publication.

Content and Scope of the Work
The book's popularity is largely attributed to its comprehensive approach to tea as a "superfood." It details the history and health benefits of various tea types, including:
Black and White Teas: Focused on their high antioxidant content and their role in reducing risks of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Green and Red (Rooibos) Teas: Explored for their metabolic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Herbal Infusions (Tisanes): Discussed as remedies for insomnia, digestive issues, and anxiety.
Orey utilizes her background—a Master of Arts in English from San Francisco State University and decades of health journalism—to blend scientific research with over 50 home cures and "tea-licious" recipes. This mixture of practical application (such as household cleaning tips using tea) and health data has allowed the book to remain a "timeless favorite" in the wellness genre.

The "Healing Powers" Series Context
To understand the bestseller status of the tea volume, one must look at the broader success of the series. Cal Orey’s The Healing Powers of Vinegar was a foundational success that paved the way for subsequent titles. The series is recognized for its "TLC" (Tender Loving Care) approach to heart-healthy Mediterranean-style living, often whisking readers through global traditions and modern medical findings. The consistent performance of these titles across decades suggests a loyal readership and a robust market for accessible, book-length treatments of nutritional science.

The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 6th Printing, 3rd Edition--Timeless--Translated in Dozens of Lanugages

  Vinegar 3! Sold more than 1/4 million past editions

It's the book that ignifted the Healing Powers Series

From the Author

*One-of-a-kind book full of goodness (with an underlying Mediterranean diet and lifestyle theme for the complete Healing Powers series)

* Share a journey through the world of vinegar(s) with the author on the road and at home

The Apple and the Grape Yield Two Powerful Vinegars

Apple cider vinegar has been touted by vinegar gurus as one of nature's most healthful foods, especially if made from fresh, organically grown apples, then allowed to age. And now, red wine vinegar, the ignored condiment, may be its new sidekick, thanks to the grape known as "the vine healer."
People from all walks of life--as well as some vinegar pioneers and contemporary medical experts--believe apple-rich cider vinegar aids digestion, helps maintain weight, and keeps blood pressure down. Apple cider vinegar is also known to relieve congestion and maintain healthy skin.
And now, New Age doctors claim red grapes yield another amazing vinegar. Red wine vinegar, claim medical experts,contain healtful nutrients that are part of the "neutraceutical revolution," too. While it's apples that make apple cider vinegar what it is, it is the grape that may be core of red wine vinegar's nutrients.
In this book, I will show you how using both vinegars can be one of the best things you do for yourself--and your health. But note, many people will not want to reap the benefits of vinegar by drinking the healthy brew solo. While vinegar is great for salad, it also is a great seasoning for many foods. Vinegar has a vast number of uses in cooking, and I've included more than 100 recipes to help heal your body, mind, and spirit.
But first, let's go way back into the past. Take a close-up look at why and how vinegar is one of the world's first--and most prized--natural medicines.

From the Back Cover

From Folk Medicine to 21st Century Favorite--Discover the Amazing Powers of Vinegar!
Revised and updated, this comprehensive book draws on the latest scientific studies and interviews with top health researchers to reveal how apple cider and red wine vinegars--as well as balsamic, fruit, rice, and herb-infused vinegars--can help you stay healthy. Often partnered with olive oil, a key ingredient in the heart-healthy Mediterranean Diet, vinegar is the basis for easy, tasty, rustic recipes--including favorites of health spa chefs. You'll also find proven home health cures, innovative cosmetic secrets, lively anecdotes, and environmentally friendly household hints--from making countertops sparkle to cleaning up kids and pets.
*Take advantage of vinegar's natural therapeutic, antioxidant, and culinary virtues as this 5,000-year-old healer evolves in new uses and products--from sipping vinegars to home-cooked foods.
* Learn how vinegar helps lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and bone loss.
*Discover how vinegar's acetic acid kills bacteria, and may help prevent tuberculosis and combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
* Use red wine vinegar to enjoy the same important antioxidants as red wine--without the alcohol.
*Pair vinegar with healthful oils to ease anxiety, boost brain power, enhance energy, and aid digestion.
* Create home cures to treat allergies, arthritis, toothache, sunburn, swimmer's ear, sore throat, and other pesky ailments.
...and discover much more in this invaluable resource to help you slim down, shape up, and enhance longevity!

About the Author

Cal Orey, M.A., is an accomplished author and journalist. 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. She specializes in topics such as health, beauty, nutrition, relationships, science, and pets. Her books include The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, The Healing Powers of Coffee, The Healing Powers of Honey, The Healing Powers of Chocolate, The Healing Powers of Vinegar202 Pets’ Peeves, and Doctors’ Orders. She lives in northern California. Readers are invited to visit her website at www.calorey.com, read her blog The Writing Gourmet at calorey.blogspot.com, find her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Monday, March 9, 2026

Here Comes Allergy Season: Pollen, Dust & Dander

  Cal Orey, M.A. Tahoe Daily Tribune 

It’s back! Tree pollen, dust, and dander are the culprits. Then, the yellow stuff follows on cue. "Achoo!" Every Spring-pre-Summer, the eerie yellow pollen arrives, an unwelcome guest dusting everything in sight. Reaching for a tissue and a plan, I brace myself for the season. During my research for the honey book, a Reno beekeeper, eager to introduce me to his new queen bees, shared his wisdom about nature’s nectar. I left with a jar of his golden honey, and, following his advice, I took a daily tablespoon of the local product. Honey experts suggested that consuming local honey could help my immune system adapt to the local pollen, reducing allergy miseries. Whether it was the honey, or a combo of tactics, I found myself better equipped to face the yellow powder that coated my world on the South Shore.

The presence of yellow pollen in the Lake Tahoe area during early summer is a common phenomenon. Here’s its potential health impacts, and tips to adapt to the yucky yellow stuff.

So, What is Yellow Pollen, Anyhow? Yellow pollen in the Tahoe area, in early summer, is primarily from pine trees. Pine trees are prolific pollen producers, and their pollen is easily spread by the wind. The result: Tell-tale yellow dust that can coat your car, yard, clothes, and even be visible on the lake’s surface. 

Is the Yucky Powder Unhealthy? Nah, but it can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, like me, and maybe you. Symptoms of tree pollen allergies include sneezing, itchy eyes, throat, and watery eyes. Blame it on the body’s immune system overreacting to the pollen, releasing histamine that causes inflammation.

How to Deal with Yellow Pollen: Check local pollen forecasts: (AccuWeather website) to anticipate high pollen days. Keep Windows and Doors Closed: This helps prevent pollen from entering your home. Shower and Change Clothes: After being outdoors, shower and change clothes to zap pollen. Try Allergy Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms. Consider an Air Purifier (or two): An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove pollen from indoor air. And consider what you consume, too…

Anti-Pollen Diet: Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and tea to help thin nasal mucus and ease congestion. Vitamin C-rich foods: Some studies suggest Vitamin C may have antihistamine properties. Consider citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers. Probiotic-rich foods: Probiotics may help curb the immune response. Yogurt is a good source.

Honey to the Rescue: Go ahead—drizzle honey in your yogurt, like I do. Check out local honey producers. Warning: To avoid infant botulism, don’t feed honey to a baby who is younger than one year.

In a nutshell, by July sometime the yellow dust will say good-bye and you’ll be ready for other summertime air quality culprits—but you’ll be better prepared.

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, 2nd edition The Healing Powers of Honey (2026) and Courage with Paws: The Heart of a Siamese Cat, (Book 2) Time-Traveling Tabby.. Her website is http://www.calorey.com

Sunday, March 8, 2026

ER Stash for Peace of Mind Just in Case...

   Stock Up with Superfoods for People (and Pets)... 

By Cal Orey

Like a squirrel before winter, store up food stuff before your favorite non-perishable foods are AWOL. If you want peace of mind for you and your companion animals get busy before a storm, earthquake, store items MIA, gas price surge happens! You'll be happier and healthier knowing you have enough water, dried food that you like, and pet food for your soulmates with paws.

So, why exactly do people think stocking a pantry with a tin of Spam or SpaghettiOs in a can are basic ER staples?  It's the 21st century! If the power goes out, unless you have a generator, you're not going to have access to refrigerated food or hot stuff (unless you have a gas stove and the gas is on). It's time to think outside of the can and stock up on the good superfoods you'll enjoy eating and get nutrients, too.

 

How? How do you put together a nutritious ER stash? A new study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows a Pesco-Mediterranean diet – and intermittent fasting -- is ideal for perfecting heart health.

A bonus: The fact is, when disaster strikes, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol numbers is vital as stress soars. This heart-healthy regimen has vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and extra-virgin olive oil with fish/seafood and fermented dairy products. Beverages include water, coffee, and tea. It’s a plan for an emergency pantry.

As the author who penned the Healing Powers series I must say if I don't have hot tea I'll reach for a ready-to-drink brew. It's not as healthy as a cup of black or herbal tea (RTD contains tea but it also has sugar and caffeine) but it can make you feel better. Ditto with no java. But dark chocolate, and superfoods do the trick...

9 Superfood Groups to the Rescue
What’s more, bestseller “Superfoods Rx” author Dr. Steven G. Pratt, MD points out, “packaged foods have too much fat and trans-fat, sodium, sugar, and other nutrition negatives” but adds “health-promoting choices” are pantry smart. 

1. Dried fruit mix with nuts and dark chocolate chips.

2.     Vegetables. Russet and Sweet potatoes have a long shelf life. Opt for canned (low-sodium) varieties and all-natural marinara sauce – a versatile staple.

3.     Grains. Breads, oats, whole grain cereals and pasta. 

4.     Fish & Seafood. Consider water-packed tuna and salmon. 

5.     Eggs, Poultry, Cheese, & Yogurt, Milk. Try powdered eggs or scramble egg mix. Opt for canned chicken or turkey. Soft cheese like Brie doesn’t have to be refrigerated, nor does powdered yogurt or powdered milk. 

6.     Nuts, Seeds & Legumes. Good protein sources are beans, nuts, nut butters, and sesame seeds. 

7.     Herbs & Spices. For taste and nutrients use basil, cinnamon, garlic, pepper, and turmeric.  Olive oil, vinegar, and honey--always because they have a long shelf life.

8.     Meats & Sweets. Try canned all-natural beef. Stock honey and all-natural protein bars. 

9.     Water & Tea, Coffee. Bottled water is essential for people and pets... Red wine in moderation can be calming for humans only.

 

Perfect Picks for Annoying Ailments

Cold/flu: You can't go wrong with chicken soup to soothe a sore throat. Try nutritious organic brands in quart brick packs rather than high-sodium canned varieties.  

·       Fatigue: Look for a balance of lean protein and whole-food carbs to keep stable blood sugar and energy levels.  Go for water-packed canned tuna on whole grain crackers or almonds with a fruit cup.

·       Insomnia: Herbal teas can be of help when sleep is evasive, as can a glass of milk, or a hard-boiled egg. Both have tryptophan, a protein that can help induce slumber.

·       Stomach woes: Grab Ginger ale or peppermint tea, both can ease queasiness. 

·       Stress: Try da. rk chocolate for antioxidant properties and brain-calming benefits.

     In a nutshell: Before disaster strikes – go shopping! Forage for a flavorful, well-balanced ER stockpile for health and peace of mind.

Tahoe Time...Springing Forward Tricks to Feel Normal

 By Cal Orey, M.A.

Last year, I recall stepping onto the deck one morning and offering a heartfelt, “Hello Mr. Sunshine!” It was a warm welcome to the vibrant light of Daylight Saving Time (DST). Sipping my coffee and savoring those lingering rays remain a fond memory. However, as we prepare for those golden late-afternoon outdoor chores and sunset views, the reality is that losing that hour of sleep can trigger a physiological tremor. Our internal clock shifts like a sudden bout of jet lag, leaving us feeling “off”—mired in brain fog and drained of our usual oomph. To reclaim our energy, we must reset our body’s natural rhythms and sync back up with the sun.

 

Riding the Turbulent Time Change
Sure, it’s just one hour, but your body treats it like pulling an all-nighter at work. Because the sun stays out later in the evening, your brain doesn't start making melatonin (the "sleepy hormone") as early as it should. Research shows that this sudden shift can lead to feeling tired and grumpy. To boost your vitality, try this checklist to trick your body to adjust:

ü Ease Into It: Don't wait until Saturday night to make it right. Try going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night starting a few days before the switch.

ü Find the Morning Rays: As soon as you wake up, open the blinds. Getting bright light first thing in the morning tells your brain it’s time to wake up and helps reboot your internal clock faster.

ü Power Nap: If you feel sleepy, take a break for about 20 minutes before 3:00 PM. A quick cat snooze can help you stay on even keel.

ü Lessen the Evening Blue Light: Since the sun is staying out later, dim the computer and phone screens inside your home at night. Nix that "blue light" because it tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime.

 

Food Tips to Zap “Time Lag”

Eat tryptophan-rich foods like turkey, eggs, and cheese. Tryptophan is an amino acid that works as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin—two hormones that can help you sleep. Forego caffeine-rich soda and tea hours before bedtime to ensure deep sleep you want to get. Try good carbs (such as oatmeal) before bed to help boost a small insulin rise, which triggers tryptophan into the brain. For more help, log onto the National Sleep Foundation website for more info on how to prepare for Daylight Saving Time.

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 edition of The Healing Powers of Honey. She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com