Wabi-Sabi in the Home

I have just been introduced to the Japanese decorating concept of wabi-sabi.  And, at first I thought it was a joke about wasabi sauce and sushi.  But, I am happy to say I was completely wrong.

Wabi-sabi is the "Japanese art of appreciating things that are imperfect, primitive and incomplete." (Houzz article)  The wabi-sabi home would be simple, uncluttered, quiet and evoke feelings of humbleness and appreciation for nature, and for the moment.  It is more than just decorating, it is a life philosophy.  It is paring down your home (or life) to the bare essentials, to what is both useful and beautiful.  To appreciate not just the material item for its outward beauty, but for the history that makes it interesting.



apartmenttherapy

With the goal of being less consumer-minded and reducing clutter and trash, I am collecting the old jars of honey or jam that are particularly pretty to use for cotton balls, bobby pins, etc.  I worried that  I was being frugal, or tasteless, but now I know there is a complete age-old Japanese art that promotes exactly this! Relief.  Now I can reuse with gusto.

Perhaps it is just my inner rebel, going against the opulence and glamour of Dubai.  Maybe it is me trying to be more humble and accept that I need to to do more with less.  Whatever the reason, I now feel my ship is on course.

Further reading:

To read more about bringing wabi-sabi into your home, read it on Houzz.
Decorating the wabi-sabi way
Books on wabi-sabi

Coconut Oil "Milkshake"

Just a quick note to those trying to add coconut oil to their diet, but aren't quite sure how. The naturopath I saw about my son's terrible headaches suggested he try adding coconut oil (and coconut water) to his diet. So, I mixed two teaspoons of coconut oil with a teaspoon of agave syrup and added a cup of laban (the drinking kind, without salt). Voila! A sweet coconut "milkshake" that my son happily gulped. Once a day from now on. Job done.

Curious about why you should add coconut oil to your diet? Read more here at Wellness Mama.

Coke beat Pepsi in this

It isn't sales or taste or look. This time it is about reducing the carcinogen in caramel colour in their drinks. Scientific studies on mice and rats have produced "clear evidence" that the chemical 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a by product in the production of caramel colour, is a toxic carcinogen.

California took the initiaive on this in 2011 by banning the carcinogen in their state, and requiring all cola products to be marked with a cancer warning label. This is quite significant. First cigarettes, and now cola.

Both CocaCola and PepsiCo said they would comply, not only with their products sold in California, but also eliminate the chemical from the rest of the United States as well. Now, a year after that statement, Pepsi is sill high in 4-MEI, while Coke has either greatly reduced the 4-MEI in a study done in 10 states.

This does not mean that Coke or Pepsi will be eliminating 4-MEI from their products sold outside the US.

The FDA still says that the small amount of 4-MEI found in cola products is safe for human consumption. But, if we know that it causes cancer in rats and mice, then why not err on the side of caution? If you are the kind to have a cola every now and again with a burger or bbq, then this should not be too much of a concern. But, those who drink a cola or two (or more) a day, should seriously consider making it a once-in-a-while drink. The 4-MEI is found in both diet and regular colas.

For more read:

natural news
USA Today

Calcarea Phosphorica - Tissue Salt Number 2

Calcarea Phosphorica (Calc Phos) comes in the 6X potency of and is Number 2 in Dr. Schuessler's Tissue Salts.

Please note:  My advice in this blog should never replace a doctor's advice.  If you are currently taking prescription medication, please check with your practitioner before taking anything else.  Also, I take a conservative approach in dosage suggestions as this is a highly individual therapy.  These are general guidelines only.

What Calc Phos can be used for 

• Relaxes muscle tension, and improves circulation. 
  
• Great for rebuilding after an illness, such as flu.
• Muscle fatigue, cramps, headaches.  Magnesium phosphate (tissue salt number 7) needs this salt in order to work properly in the body.  So, it is a good idea to take them in conjunction.
• Excessive sweating at menopause.  The monthly menstrual cycle that is used to discharge the body of protein and acidity is no longer active in menopause and therefore the body will cleanse itself with excessive sweating. 
• Give it to kids with growing pains.  There is calc phos as an ointment that can be rubbed into the limbs that hurt as well. (not available in the UAE.  If you see it, please write a comment and tell us where!)
• Good for those with anaemia as it is of vital importance for new cell formation
• Predispositions to colds, headaches or skin eczema.
• Indigestion

How do I know if I would benefit from Calc Phos?

Some signs and symptoms to help you decide:

• Face has a waxy, cheesy, warm ivory look to it.  It may be over the wings of nose, ears and forehead, or extend to the entire face.
• Teeth develop slowly. Teeth decay easily
• Tendency to sore throats and hoarseness
• Craving for salty or smoked food (smoked turkey, bacon)
• Food seems to lie in a lump in the stomach
• Icy cold feet due to poor circulation
• Growing pains
• Loss of or poor appetite
• Headaches and migraines
• Feel worse after coffee

How to take Calc Phos

As with all tissue salts, it is absorbed in the mouth.  So, no gulping or chewing or being hurried about it!

For chronic conditions:

chronic headaches or migraines - fatigue - easily catches colds or sore throat - weakness - tooth problems

Take 2 pills half an hour before or after meals, three times a day. Do this for two weeks and see if there is a difference.  Chronic conditions that have lasted years will take longer to get rid of. 

Or, you can do like I do and dissolve 5 pills in a large bottle (mine is 24 oz) and sip over the course of a few hours.  I find this very effective because I get my water in, and I don't forget to take my calc phos.  I do this two or three times a week because I tend to get tension headaches, I feel worse after coffee, and osteoporosis runs in my family so I take extra precautions. (If your headaches are really bad, you can put up to 10 in the water bottle)

For bone rebuilding after break or fracture:

Take it as long as the cast is on and for one to two weeks after you take it off.

Growing pains in children:

Should be treated as for a chronic condition.  Don't wait for the growing pains to strike in order to give this.  Give them 1 pill before or after their meals.  If this doesn't work, give them 2 pills each time. Alternatively you can add 4 pills to their water bottles they take to school.  I do this for my own son. General dosage guideline for children is to take half the adult dose.  See the paper inside the box for details.

For rebuilding after flu and colds:

Take it as for the chronic conidition above.  Take it for 10 days unless you feel you still need it.  If so, continue for another week.  If you are still weak or suffering the ill effects, see a practitioner as there may be another remedy you need as well.

Acute attack of headache or growing pains:

Dissolve 2 pills in the mouth and wait 10 minutes.  Then take another 2 tablets. Then wait.  Then take another 2.

Osteoporosis is a delicate case.  If you are already taking prescription medication, then you must check with your doctor first.  I would never, ever advocate going against a doctor's advice.  But, there are many people out there that I know who are borderline and not taking anything.  So, to those of you: please take this!

Junk food:

Needs to be minimised as it creates acidity in the blood.  When the body is acidic it will use calcium phosphate to bind with this acid for elimination, and in that way bring the body back into balance.  Sometimes those who display symptoms of anemia can be treated successfully with calc phos.

Important note: Do not take Calc Phos at the same time as Ferrum Phos (tissue salt number 3).  If you want to take both you must space it out by half an hour, otherwise they will cancel each other out.