Thai Style Coconut Mushroom Soup

I love one pot soups and even better if vegetarian.  Pacific Organic offers vegetable stock that is low sodium also.  (You can also use organic chicken stock).

This soup will serve 4 people.  You can serve over rice for a heartier meal.  I must dip warm Tandoori Naan bread in it! The two simple go hand in hand. I honestly crave this soup once a week.

The great feature of this soup- you can play around with it in regards to vegetables. Omit or add. You could also add small cubes of squash, tofu, water chestnuts, or spinach. If you don’t like premixed curry powders, I would recommend the turmeric and fresh grated ginger in the least. They really make the soup’s flavor, as do the mushrooms.

Turmeric is also a known powerful anti-inflammatory, it contains curcumin, which is a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  Black pepper may increase the absorption of the curcumin.  Various studies have shown it may offer  cancer protective and in some cases, cancer fighting benefits. [2]

“Most curry powder recipes include coriander, turmeric, cumin, fenugreek, and chili peppers in their blends. Depending on the recipe, additional ingredients such as ginger, garlic, asafoetida, fennel seed, caraway, cinnamon, clove, mustard seed, green cardamom, black cardamom, nutmeg, long pepper, and black pepper may also be included.” [1]

This recipe is an essential oil users dream.. There are so many spices and essential oils you could play around with in this recipe! (Make sure the oils you use are therapeutic grade and labeled for ingestion).

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Thai Style Coconut Mushroom Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 box Pacific Organic Vegetable Stock (32 oz)
• 1- 14 oz. can Coconut Milk
• 10 Bella Mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 Red Onion, diced
• 1 Red Potato, medium, cubed small
• 1/4 cup fresh Basil chopped (or 1 tsp Basil flakes)
• 2 cups Kale, chopped
• 1 lemon (or lime)
• 1/4 cup fresh grated Ginger Root
• 1 TBSP Honey (Agave would also work)
• 4-5 Bay leaves
• 1-2 TBSP Curry powder or curry paste or a blend of the following: 1/2 tsp Black pepper, 1 tsp Turmeric powder, 1 tsp Paprika, and a pinch of sea salt. You can add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes if you like spicy.

If you are not so sure how much curry flavor you prefer, start with 1 TBSP and increase as you do taste tests.  This is kind of my personal cooking style.  Recipes are hard for me to follow!

 

 

 

1. To a large pot add entire box of vegetable stock. On medium-high heat cook red potato, carrots, onion, kale,  bay leaves and mushrooms for  10-15 minutes. Add basil, ginger root and spices.

2. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes (or until veggies are softened).

3. Add coconut milk and the juice of one fresh lemon. Simmer on low an additional 5 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaves.  Garnish with scallions if desired.

*Serve with warm Tandoori Naan bread or over Basmati rice.

Note: I use Young Living essential oils.

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Sources:

1. Curry Powder. Article accessed January 2016. www.Wikepedia.com 
2. Weil, Andrew MD. Curcumin or Turmeric?  Article accessed January 4, 2016.   www.drweil.com

4 Easy Essential Oil Sprays

Below are 4 of my favorite Essential Oils Spray Mixes. You can mix these essential oils with 2 oz. distilled water or a combination of 1 oz. distilled water and 1 oz. unscented witch hazel to make them into sprays. 

I prefer just water for my Allergy Trio and the Sleepytime Spray.  I always add witch hazel to the Tea Tree Oil Spray.

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Allergy Trio Mix

Provides relief from seasonal allergies or stuffiness due to colds. (Avoid eye area)

Safe to use up to 3 times daily.  Rather than a spray, you can also place 1 drop each in the palm of your hand, mix together, then rub down bridge of nose and along base of the back of your neck and lymph nodes. When I really need a boost, I do this method.

• 10 drops Lemon
• 10 drops Peppermint
• 10 drops Lavender

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Sleepytime Spray

Use before nighttime. Can be sprayed on pillow cases (spot test first) or in room 5 minutes prior to bedtime. Open up a good book, inhale, relax, and get sleepy!

Or meditate on the here and now: Lay down, feel each breathe you take, tense each major muscle group in your body for 5 seconds each, release, repeat a few times. Then, while breathing deeply say a thank you for today. (Click this link to learn about diaphragmatic or ‘belly’ breathing) Appreciate the day. Appreciate your body. Appreciate yourself.

• 5 drops Lavender
• 8 drops Cedarwood
• 8 drops Stress Away blend

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Room Refresher Spray

Banish unwanted odors (post-cooking) or for a pick me up midday. I love the light fresh scent of lemon in the afternoon!

• 15 drops Purification Blend,  Lemon, or Sweet Orange
• 10 drops Lavender

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Tea Tree Oil Spray

Banish germies on shopping carts, highchairs, refrigerator door handles, room door handles, toilet seats. I use 2 oz witch hazel only in this spray. If not using on a delicate or stainable surfaces (ie shopping cart spray) you can add a tsp. of rubbing alcohol.

 

• 15 drops Tea Tree Oil
• 10 drops Lemon
• 10 drops Clove (optional- but really boosts power)

These are just a few of my favorite combinations for sprays.

I often have these combinations with me  in an 8 ml rollerball mixed with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or coconut oil to apply topically up to 3 times per day. When used topically reduce amounts to 2 drops each. Keep in mind clove is a “hot” oil and many may not prefer the tingling sensation.

These combinations can also be diffused. When diffused, reduce drops to only 2-3 drops per essential oil.

Of course, always spot test if you are spraying surfaces or fabrics. I’ve never had any problems personally!

To learn more about choosing high quality therapeutic grade essential oils, click here.

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To order supplies click on the Amazon links below:

All 4 You Cobalt Blue Boston Round Glass Bottle 2 oz with Black Atomizer – Perfect for Essential Oil Formulas (4 Pieces)

Aromatherapy Glass Roll On Bottles, 10ml (1/3oz) Cobalt Blue Glass – Set of 6

Thayer Unscented Witch Hazel, 12 Fluid Ounce(Pack of 2)

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These statements are not approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. Consult with your doctor before use, if on any medications, and if pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use if irritation develops.

Always refer to dilution guides for proper dilution ratios, especially when using on pets or children.

 

 

10 ways to use lavender essential oil

10 Ways to use Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the perfect everyday essential oil.  It’s gentle enough to be used on children, contains healing and soothing properties, and the smell is gender neutral. Lavender is known or it’s relaxing and calming, sedative-like effects.

I’ve linked to other recipes from previous posts that use Lavender essential oil because, again, I use this oil every day and for about a dozen different things.

1. Sleep Aid and Stress Reducer. Lavender promotes a restful night’s sleep and may help with insomnia and stress. [1]

Add 3-5 drops in a full bath to help children relax and wind down.  It also soothes dry skin.  Kids are, after all, always getting scratches and rashes, lavender will soothe their skin gently and effectively.

Diffuse 3 Drops Lavender plus 7 parts Stress Away blend during yoga practice or at nighttime. This blend of Lavender and Stress Away blend (Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla*, Ocotea, Lavender) always gives me a gentle clarity and peace of mind during yoga practice. 

I feel more centered and patient the remainder of the day.

{Let me be honest however, my yoga ‘practice’ is Sundays and maybe one evening per week when the kids are sleeping!}

2. Lavender is a great middle or base note for perfume making. I personally enjoy experimenting with Lavender essential oil, it pairs well with many different scents. Sometimes a drop or two is all you need when mixing scents.

• Lavender + Lemon or Lavender and a Purity blend for a light and uplifting scent
• Lavender + Ylang Yang and/or Rose or Lavender + Orange for sensuality
• Lavender + Cedarwood for grounding and peace

Add to 1 oz. carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond:   5 drops lavender and 5 drops Clary Sage essential oil in a rollerball for an on-the-go deodorant.

Glass Aromatherapy Roller Balls for on-the-go application

3. After shave spot treatment.  Dab on shaving nicks or minor cuts. You can apply Lavender essential oil ‘neat’ or directly on skin or minor cuts. No carrier oil necessary. Lavender is a very gentle oil.

4. Baby Bum Moisturizer and Bath Soak.

• Add to coconut oil for a baby bum moisturizer.  In a serum dropper:  Mix 2 oz. coconut oil plus 2-3 drops lavender for children 6 months plus.
• Or add a few drops to the bath along with Oatmeal. Pulverize organic oatmeal in a mixer for about 5 minutes into a very fine powder.  Add 1/4 cup oatmeal to bath and 5 drops of the carrier oil/lavender mix above to sooth irritated baby bottoms. Do not use on broken skin.

5. Lavender is ideal for daily skincare. Click here for a Clarifying Hemp Oil serum recipe. I use this morning and night. I have noticed a reduction in ruddiness, acne, and dark spots. I often don’t wear make up anymore on weekends. How great is that?

• Acne prone skin: Per 2 oz. of Cold Pressed Hemp seed oil:  Use a ratio of 5 drops Lavender, 5 drops Frankincense and 5 drops Tea Tree oil to help clarify and heal acne prone skin. 100% Pure Tea Tree oil has been proven as effective as salicylic acid in treating acne. To order Tea Tree oil via Young Living click here.

• ‘try mixing tea tree oil with raw, organic honey. Honey also contains antibacterial properties and promotes skin healing.’ [2]

• Dry or mature skin: Per 2 oz. of  Cold Pressed Hemp seed oil:  Use a ratio of  5 drops Lavender, 5 drops Rosemary, and 5 drops Carrot Seed oil.

I typically alter between these two serums.

For a seriously amazing blemish spot treatment: Mix 1 TBSP Bentonite Clay and 1 TBSP Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.  Let dry 15 minutes, rinse.  Dab on 1 drop Frankincense, Tea Tree, or Lavender essential oil ‘neat.’  Diffuse some Lavender,  read a good book, and then get a peaceful night’s rest!

  6. Reduce under-eye puffiness. Mix Lavender with Copaiba, Frankincense, Rosemary, or Geranium essential oil to help reduce under eye puffiness. Use as you would any eye serum or cream and avoid direct eye contact. Always do a spot tests first. If irritation develops do not rinse with water, apply carrier oil to dilute.

I use coconut oil as an eye makeup remover, it’s a gentle carrier oil for an eye serum.

7. Belly bloat reducer.  Add to 2 oz. carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond:   5 drops lavender and 10-12 drops Clary Sage or Cobaipa essential oil in a rollerball for bloat reduction PMS or period bloating or mood relief. 

8. Body Wash and Hand Soap.

• Add Lavender essential oil with water and Castile soap for a homemade body wash.
• Add 3 drops Lavender,  2 Tsp. Dr. Bronner’s Fair Trade & Organic Castile Liquid Soap – (Lavender, 32 oz) and fill rest with water in a foaming dispenser for hand soap.

9. Dab directly on bug bites and bee stings to soothe itching or burning. Safe for children. You should generally dilute with a carrier oil for use on children.

I tend to have allergic reactions to mosquito bites and Lavender oil quickly reduced itchiness and bump size (better than hydrocortizone cream in my opinion). I used to get  bumps that would last for days, but they are gone the following day after using Lavender oil.

10. Ouch a minor burn!  If not serious and NO broken skin:  Dab diluted peppermint oil on immediately (1 drop peppermint per 1 TBSP water), continue to dab on peppermint water until stinging subsides.

Add Lavender to a healing carrier oil such as Rose hip oil or Grapeseed oil for the next week and apply often.

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Were you counting? That was 10 Uses for Lavender Essential Oil…

Below are 3 more ways to use this versatile and gentle oil.

• Add 1 drop Lavender to your mascara tube to keep it fresh and your lashes moisturized. You can also add 1 drop Cedarwood to aid in fullness and lash retention.

• Per WebMD:  ‘Canker sores. Some research shows that applying two drops of lavender oil to the affected area three times daily can improve canker sore healing and reduce canker sore swelling and pain.’ [1]

• ‘Hair loss in a condition called alopecia areata. There is some evidence that applying lavender oil in combination with oils from thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood might improve hair growth by as much as 44% after 7 months of treatment.’ [1]

  To order items you may need click below:

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 Aromatherapy Bottles, set of 6, Cobalt Blue 1/3 oz. from Amazon.com

 Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap- Lavender from Amazon.com

Sources:

1. ‘Lavender.’  Accessed October 16, 2015. www.WebMD.com
2. ‘How to use Tea Tree Oil for Acne.’ Accessed October 17, 2015. http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Tea-Tree-Oil-for-Acne

 

The story of a Genbumom….

When my son was born, I called him ‘Mr. Turtle’ due to the way he craned his neck and looked around; it was the perfect moniker for his chubby face. A video game my husband was playing featured a turtle like creature called a ‘genbu’ which is the black tortoise in Chinese culture.  Thus, Mr. Turtle turned into Genbu. And I became Genbumom.

A Genbumom is a ‘semi super mommy’ that embraces the here and now.  We do not need to be perfect. We can strive to find our niche; develop  our  passions, contribute our voice to worthwhile causes, and accept and love each other for our differences.  One thing we need more of in life is grace for the imperfections. Perhaps even to revel in the imperfections.

We all have our stellar moments in life, where everything seems poignant and true, the air smells like it did when we ran in the fresh cut grass as a children, and time stops for a beautiful, albeit short, moment in time. My intention is to post a fun blog to share beautiful moments, artistic successes (and failures), and natural, organic living tips and tricks.

Photo of butterfly from local park

Mod podge paper craft

Cement outdoor votives

Homemade sugar scrubs

DIY baby jar ‘lanterns’

I love repurposing old items found at flea markets, creating cement castings, painting with acrylics, and photography. I’ve practiced sketch art and painting since youth.  Last week it was mixing up handmade coconut oil, essential oil, and sugar scrubs. This week it’s simple necklace holder crafts.

I am the mother to a pint sized feisty girl that is thirteen months old and a three and a half year old son, who is bit of an old soul. My husband is your average semi-super dad who would rather be playing make believe pirates with his kids than anything else.  We believe parenting is an experience and journey. We strive to teach them patience, an appreciation for healthy living, and to accept everyone’s uniqueness.

Enjoy!

The people who inspire me

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*Disclaimers*

I welcome any comments as long as positive and non derogatory. Any unwelcome content will be deleted. I am not a certified health professional, just a woman and mother on a journey to embrace simple living. I only offer my opinions through personal experience. I will not post a blog on any DIY project or personal care product without testing it first (unless otherwise stated). However….

What I discuss on this site has not been evaluated by the FDA, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any particular disease. I am not a registered physician and I encourage you to discuss your health concerns with your own doctor.

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Update 8.22.2015

I am now a Young Living Independent Distributor.  I may receive compensation if someone signs up for a membership under my member number.

To order Young Living Essential Oils: Visit www.youngliving.com/genbumom or sign up here as a member.