Sunday, December 31, 2017
Hot Tea Challenge--10 Questions About Tea Land
By Cal Orey
January is National Hot Tea Month.
Here are 10 questions answered by the Healing Powers series author Cal Orey.
1. Black or Green tea?
Black, of course!
2. Hot or Iced?
Iced in summer, hot the other three seasons.
3. Chamomile or Lavender?
I'm in love with chamomile. We've gone through a lot, like a
a best friend.
4. Tea for afternoon or bedtime?
Afternoon always. It's quality time.
5. Milk or Sugar?
No thank you. Why?
6. Energize or Calm?
Chill time. After a good swim/hot tub it's bliss. Or when arriving at a destination hotel room after traveling for miles.
7. Scones or Tea Cookies?
Fruit and nut scones, homemade please.
8. Ready to Drink or DIY Iced Tea?
Homemade with lots of ice.
9. Before flying--tea or coffee?
Early java, afternoon or night time--tea.
10. Lemon or Honey?
Both, sour and sweet. Fresh and raw.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
NEW Tea Book Unveiled--A Winter Wonderland of Goodness
Warm Up this Winter—Wellness in a Cup—
Discover the Benefits of Tea for Your Body and Mind!
By Cal Orey
5 Tea Home Cures from
Your Kitchen
One
autumn day I found myself getting up at 2:30 A.M. to catch a 6:00 A.M. plane to
Salt Lake City, then to Atlanta Georgia, to Montreal, Quebec. Waking up without
adequate sleep felt odd and it was the wrong hour to brew coffee. So, I made a
cup of my own blend: black and green tea. It gave me enough energy to get on
the shuttle bus without acting like a zombie from a sci-fi film.
But
while tea offers home cures, including beating sleepiness, it can also keep you
calmer than java. At the first airport counter café, I ordered a cup of hot
water and used my own chamomile tea bag to keep me calm enough for the next
fear factor: flying out of the Sierra and into Salt Lake City—two airports
known for turbulent flights.
There is a growing trend
of at-home tea cures (like I used to achieve my final destination), that’ll wow
you with their potential healing powers. I sprinkled in tea wisdom from
tried-and-true folk remedies, scientific studies, medical experts, and my own
home tea and tisane cures. It’s tea time! Read on.
1. COLDS (Warm Up Baby.) During the fall and winter
months, cold season hits more frequently. Also, though, if you are under stress
a cold can pay you a visit year-round, especially if traveling or contracting a
virus from someone else. If your immune system is under attack—a cold can be
prevented or the severity lessened with tea.
What Tea Rx to Use: Drink one 8-ounce cup of black tea
(hot or iced) with or without 1 teaspoon honey two to three times per day.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tea researchers believe
it’s the compound antigen in black tea that bolsters the body’s immune system
and may help guard against colds. Also, the tannins may help to stave off
viruses like a cold. I recall one doctor’s story about how he turned to tea for
comfort. He was traveling in the Alaskan wilderness. While in a van traveling
with a lot of people, one had a cold as he did. The doctor had tea and drank
the liquid. And it helped the good doctor heal.
2. COUGHS
(Cease the tickle.) Coping with a cold can be annoying, but coughing which can
be caused by seasonal allergies, or linger after a cold, a bout of bronchitis,
or other things, can be pesky and make your throat and even chest ache.
What Tea Rx to Use: Opt to brew 1 12-ounce cup of
black or white tea. For an extra throat soother, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Repeat
as necessary.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tacking a cough takes a bit of sleuth work to
discover why you are coughing—and then it’s time to be proactive and deal with
the problem. If allergens are the issue, for instance, it’s time to get an air
purifier, vacuum and dust more, and add tea with honey to your diet
repertoire—soon you’ll be doing the happy dance without stopping to cough.
3. FLU (Say good-bye to germs.) Catching the flu,
which can come on suddenly, drags you down and into bed. Viruses come in all
forms and can give you anything from a 24-hour flu bug to a super bug that’ll
spook you to the point where images from sci-fi films like Outbreak and Contagion will
haunt you as you try and shake it.
What Tea Rx to Use: Take 2 cups of tea and you won’t
be calling the doctor in the morning. Mix it up and sip 1 cup of tea (black,
green, or white) and 1 cup of your favorite vitamin C-enhanced herbal tea such
as hibiscus.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: It’s no surprise that the
functional food tea is chock-full of antioxidants—the good guys that can keep
your immune system healthy and stave off germs you could encounter from your
local grocery store to a vacation stop. By drinking tea and a vitamin-rich
tisane teamed with a nutrient-dense diet, you’ll be keeping your immune system
strong.
4. SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (Blast the blues.) Feeling down and sluggish with SAD, coined by
Dr. Norman Rosenthal, is another monster to face. I have tackled the symptoms
with an arsenal of remedies—and tea is on the list come late fall through early
spring.
What Tea Rx to Use: Brew 1 cup of hot water and use 1
teaspoon green tea leaves or tea bag. Steep for 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times per
day.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Green tea has 45
milligrams of caffeine (which can give you a physical and mental burst of
energy). But also, green tea contains L-theanine—a compound that enhances brain
chemicals including serotonin and that can give you a calming sense of
well-being.
5. SORE THROAT (Treat the pain.) Before a cold you can
get a telltale sore throat. Not to forget allergies and even talking too much.
Rather than run to the doctor for an allergy medication, why not take an
alternative route and turn to tea?
What Tea Rx to Use:
Dried oolong leaves combined with rose hips or hibiscus can be a perfect
pairing. Put 1 teaspoon of tea leaves and 1 teaspoon of the herbal tea of your
choice in 1 cup of hot water. Steep for a few minutes, then strain. Add honey
to taste.
Why You’ll Feel Tea—rrific: Oolong tea my reduce
swelling and inflammation, due to flavonoids. Also, honey boasts
anti-inflammatory benefits, too.
Ginger
Lemon Honey Tea
Ginger and lemon go
together like salt and pepper—two of nature’s finest superfoods with an
immunity booster that can keep you healthy this winter and all year-long.
2
cups water
10
thin slices gingerroot, fresh
1
lemon sliced
3
tablespoons honey
1/3
cup lemon juice
Bring water, gingerroot,
and lemon slices to a boil for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove from heat, steep 10
minutes, strain. Stir in honey and lemon juice. You can also add apple peel, a
piece of onion, and one or two tablespoons of chamomile.
(Courtesy: Gemma Sanita Sciabica)
Excerpt from The
Healing Powers of Tea 2018. All right reserved. Reprinted with permission from Kensington www.kensingtonbooks.com
.
— Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and journalist.
Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate,
Honey, Coffee, and Tea) published by Kensington. (The collection has been
featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is www.calorey.com .
Thursday, December 21, 2017
2018 Predictions for the World by Intuitive
By
Cal Orey
EARTH CHANGES
I CAN FEEL THE EARTH MOVE
2018 FORECASTS FOR THE WORLD
As predicted, 2017 was like a roller coaster ride with twists, turns, and
unpredictable changes. Earth changes including harrowing hurricanes, deadly
earthquakes in other countries, and twisters in California and shakers in
Delaware did happen.
The New Year will not be any calmer than last year but happenings will be
different and the U.S., and around the globe will be blindsided by events that
will make international news. It’s the year to be prepared for more surprises, including shakers in odd regions
that may cause a trigger effect, flooding, snowstorms, and droughts—in places
they have happened in history as well as make new history in different regions
that will raise eyebrows about climate changes.
It will be a year of chaos and Mother Nature
will be sure to be in the limelight. But note, man versus man will also play a
major role in affecting natural disasters, too. Take an up close and perhaps
personal peek at what may happen in the United States and around the globe.
It’s fair to say it will be a year for people to be mindful wherever they are
or go at home, on the road, or in the sky.
A Mixed Bag of Predictions for 2018
·
Earthquakes
* It almost seems like
California has lost its reputation for being a shaky state. The U.S. Geological
Survey experts note the risk of a great earthquake increases. As the lull
continues the stress builds (especially on the San Andreas).
Before spring and summer months, a major shaker (7.0, 70 percent
probability) could rock the San Andreas (or faults nearby) in Southern California
(Greater Los Angeles or Palm Springs) or the San Francisco Bay Area (the East
Bay or South Bay regions as an epicenter. Worse, earthquakes could happen in
both areas of the Golden State.
* Not to forget the
entire West Coast, including Seattle, Washington and British Columbia—the
Cascadia Subduction Zone which is capable of repeating history. A great 9.0 followed
by a great tsunami could occur, and more likely in the first six months of the
year. A major quake and at least a tsunami alert may happen warning the entire
West Coast.
* An underwater
earthquake near Japan and/or Hawaii (due to mankind) may create big waves
somewhere in Ring of Fire—affecting the land and food chain up and down the
West Coast.
* Europe may be challenged by major earthquakes, including Italy
and Greece—which were affected in 2017. At least one will be shallow, in a
major city, and likely a powerful 8.0 (probability 75 percent and more apt to
happen before the fall).
·
Rain and Snow Events
As the Earth moves, lack of snow in Western United States in
2018 will make the California flooding and epic snowfall in the sierras of 2017
a memory. A repeat drought in California may continue (despite a few significant
snowstorms, mudslides, mega power outages).
The winter 2017-2018 Precipitation Forecast points to less
snowfall for the West Coast—more for the Northeast and Midwest. I see some
flooding on the West Coast in the Pacific Northwest, Northern and Southern
California, but overall it will be colder and drier than 2017.
European countries
including Italy, Spain, and Germany may experience heavy rainfall and major flooding,
especially in coastal regions in the winter and summer.
·
Tornadoes,
Hurricanes, and Wildfires
Lack of snow or too
much rain can cause problems just as twisters can do. This year tornadoes may
hit like hurricanes did in 2017. The Gulf States and Midwest are likely areas
for tornadoes in 2018.
Hurricanes may be more severe on the Atlantic
seaboard up north to New York and Maine, whereas, the Gulf Coast may dodge
disasters this year.
Wildfires in the
West are likely to continue year-round and cause significant damage.
·
On the Fringe
As we deal with shaky ground and wild weather, other challenges will
keep us on guard. Politic problems may create a man-made disaster, including
earthquakes, tsunamis, or even nuclear fallout. Also, volcanic activity in the U.S., perhaps Alaska or Yellowstone may turn heads with unusual action creating alerts...and more.
A major airline, large aircraft, will make the news due to an
event that will may be due to a significant event, perhaps caused by severe
weather. It could be a flight going or coming abroad to the U.S. and linked to
the Atlantic or to an Asian country and the Pacific Ocean. Speaking of flights, another UFO sighting may happen shocking people everywhere.
In 2018, while political upheaval will rumble throughout the
states and around the globe, earthshaking weather and other natural disasters will
often steal the spotlight bringing light to humanity in the darkest times.
Despite the erratic Earth
changes and climate change, America and other countries will work together when
nature causes friction. Love and heroic events will conquer darkness despite the
obstacles and challenges God’s creatures, big and small, will face.
Spot-On 2017 Visions That Came True
* Alaska was not rocked by a great
earthquake, but it did get a few 6.0 plus earthquakes that spawned tsunami
advisories.
* The deadly hurricanes and massive flooding forecasted did occur. Another Katrina-type of event (not as deadly but profound)
happened in the Southeast, including Texas, Louisiana, and Florida during
hurricane season.
Three
Category 4 hurricanes made U.S. landfall:
Harvey, Irma, and Maria in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico
* And note, the ground was indeed linked to more
wildfires year round—in December Southern California was challenged with
horrific wildfires.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Saturday, December 9, 2017
The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3 Sales Soar! Again! 1.99 Ebook Rocks!
By Cal Orey
Welcome to the third edition of the VINEGAR book. Readers love this big book--the one that ignited the Healing Powers series which goes back to 2000! However, this edition is bigger and better--with more research, more recipes, more home cures--and heart!
Currently, for the holidays the ebook is on sale for 1.99 at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and kobo.com. And, and, and it is the number one bestseller in many categories, including healthy cooking, natural foods, and naturopathy! Whether you like an ebook or tradecover paperback (gift size cutie due out next year this time) it is a timeless wonder that is a super gift for all people, all ages.
Yes, vinegar(s) can help you to pare pounds, look and feel younger, more energized, and well, its virtues are endless. Grab a copy in either format and enjoy!
With a New Foreword by Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness
Welcome to the third edition of the VINEGAR book. Readers love this big book--the one that ignited the Healing Powers series which goes back to 2000! However, this edition is bigger and better--with more research, more recipes, more home cures--and heart!
Currently, for the holidays the ebook is on sale for 1.99 at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and kobo.com. And, and, and it is the number one bestseller in many categories, including healthy cooking, natural foods, and naturopathy! Whether you like an ebook or tradecover paperback (gift size cutie due out next year this time) it is a timeless wonder that is a super gift for all people, all ages.
Yes, vinegar(s) can help you to pare pounds, look and feel younger, more energized, and well, its virtues are endless. Grab a copy in either format and enjoy!
With a New Foreword by Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness
“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 essential book on vinegar—the number-one superfood of all time!” —Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of The Fat Flush Plan
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. 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.
Create home cures to treat allergies, arthritis, toothaches, 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!
“Vinegar is right there in your cupboard—waiting for you to open its health properties for you and your family. Cal Orey’s book can show you how.” --Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness
Friday, December 8, 2017
Tearooms and Scones Afternoon Delight
By Cal Orey
A few weeks ago, I was chilling in a hot tub after swimming.
A tourist and I engaged in a conversation. When I shared my recent experiences
at tearooms in Canada, her interest soared. She said, “My friend wants to open
up a tearoom on the South Shore. What do you think?” There was a pregnant pause
as I thought, “Gee, she stole my idea!” But as time passed, I arrived at the
conclusion a tearoom may attract tourists in the winter for hot tea and summer
for iced tea—but during off season a tearoom would be like an empty tea cup or
two. And I told her that, speaking from experience and my heart, well, sort
of.
But just because a tearoom may not be in the cards for the South Shore doesn’t mean enjoying vanilla petite scones at Starbucks or munching on homemade scones aren’t something to savor. So, since I bought fresh berries and walnuts, they were used in this tearoom chat-inspired recipe. It’s truly easy to make, will please folks of all ages—and gender (not just fussy women) because they are countrified and well, real food.
But just because a tearoom may not be in the cards for the South Shore doesn’t mean enjoying vanilla petite scones at Starbucks or munching on homemade scones aren’t something to savor. So, since I bought fresh berries and walnuts, they were used in this tearoom chat-inspired recipe. It’s truly easy to make, will please folks of all ages—and gender (not just fussy women) because they are countrified and well, real food.
Blackberry-Walnut Holiday Scones
2 ½ cups cake flour,
sifted (a bit extra for cutting board)
¼ cup granulated white
sugar
1 cup low-fat
buttermilk, premium brand
2 teaspoons vanilla
extract
1/2 stick European
style butter, cold, cubed
½ cup walnuts, chopped
½ cup blackberries,
fresh (or blueberries)
2 teaspoons orange or
lemon rind (optional)
1/2 cup confectioners’
sugar, sifted (for sprinkling tops after removed from oven)
In a bowl combine flour and sugar.
Add buttermilk and vanilla. Fold in butter, nuts, and berries. On a floured cutting board mold the dough
into a circle. Place on a plate and put into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Remove and slice the circle like a pizza into 6 triangles. Place on ungreased
cookie sheet. Bake scones in a 425 degree oven for 18 minutes or until bottom
of scones are light brown. Do not overbake. Dust with sugar. Makes 6 medium
scones or 12 mini sized ones.
Using cake flour makes these scones
have a light texture. The fresh berries is a naturally sweet delight as we near
wintertime. The powdered sugar is a nice touch and most of you hope it’s foreshadow
for snowy days ahead. These scones with nature’s berries and nuts are a sweet
pleasure to eat and share any time, day or night. Pair it with a cup of cocoa
topped with whipped cream and a candy cane or a cup of hot ginger, peppermint,
pumpkin spice or chamomile tea. Because they are rustic mountain-style food and
not a perfect and dainty cookie cutter shape, you’ll enjoy them all the more
whether you’re a local or tourist.
The New Healing Powers of Tea author wrote The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3rd edition...Today, it is #1 bestselling book on kobo/amazon--1.99 sale price!
- Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
- #1 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Alternative Medicine > Naturopathy
- #1 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Alternative Medicine > Healing
- #1 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Cooking by Ingredient > Natural Foods
Friday, December 1, 2017
Tea Time
By Cal Orey
Christmas Cookies with a Cuppa Tea for Holidays
As one of my favorite memories go, in early wintertime I
was living in Eugene, Oregon with a small group of nomadic friends. One cold day with
a bit of snow on the ground and slippery black ice (foreign to a San Francisco
native), I stayed indoors and baked cookies. There wasn’t a single cookbook or
baking tools in the kitchen, so I had to rough it and make do with the few food
items I found in the cupboards and fridge. I recalled my mom’s recipe for
Snowball or Butterball Cookies. Five ingredients, a bowl, spoon, cookie sheet
is about all you need--and black tea while you bake--and chamomile to get you through the ordeal.
In hindsight, the scene was funny. Once the cookies were
baked and good to go, I was boxing them up to mail to relatives for
Christmas—but my six down-to-earth looking roomies (and two dogs) in a tiny, spartan kitchen were eating the white butter nut
balls faster than I could box the goodies and I felt flustered because it was a
lost battle. The cookie monsters won. This easy-to-make recipe is inspired by post-hippie
snow days on the road in December.
Snowball Cookies
1 stick European style
butter, softened
¼ cup confectioners’
sugar (about ½ cup extra for rolling after baked)
1 cup all-purpose
flour, sifted
1 capful pure vanilla
extract
¼-1/2 cup nuts
(walnuts or pecans), chopped
In a bowl, cream butter and sugar.
Add flour and mix until creamy. Stir in vanilla. Fold in nuts. Place cookie
dough on a floured cutting board and roll into a ball. Put onto a sheet of foil
and into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
Use a small ice cream scoop (about 1/8 cup size) and scoop dough into
balls. Roll into a ball shape and place on nonstick cookie sheet or lined with
parchment paper. Bake cookies in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes or until
bottom of cookies are light brown. Do not over bake. Place in balls into sugar
immediately. After cooled repeat. Makes 8-10. You can double the recipe as well
as freeze the cookies in an airtight container. Note: Simple is elegant like silver balls on a
Christmas tree. However, if you to be more festive, add 1-2 teaspoons orange
rind to cookie dough and/or sprinkle cinnamon on top after the cookies are
rolled in sugar to give it a snickerdoodle taste.
There are dozens and dozens of
holiday cookies to make. This quick,
easy recipe is a super way to begin, though. Sometimes, less is more. Not only are they affordable, ingredients are
likely in your kitchen, but they are small. Also, two will fill you up and not
out. Pair with a cup of tea for a morning or afternoon energizing snack to after dinner delight--and it's perfect wherever you are and what the weather gods are doing with their magic.
— Cal Orey, M.A., is an author and journalist. Her books include the
Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, and Tea)
published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook
Book Club.) TEA--release date December 25. Now available for order at kobo, amazon, barnesandnoble, walmart, target, and other stores.
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