Linda Parker Natural Therapies

Grandma's Chicken Soup Recipe ...

2010-04-17T02:52:00.000-07:00

This traditional chicken soup recipe has been handed down the generations.

Excellent for the winter cold!
Has antiviral effects
Improves hydration and nutrients
Helps clear excess nasal mucous
Improves energy

Ingredients

1 Free Range Chicken

1 package of chicken wings

3 large onions (chopped)

1 clove of garlic

1 large sweet potato

3 parsnips

2 turnips

12 large carrots

5 sticks of celery

1 handful of parsley

Sea salt and pepper to taste

Method

Clean the chicken, place in a large pot of cold water and bring to the boil
Chop into small pieces or in a blender all the ingredients then add all of them to the pot
Boil for 1 and 1/2 hours with the lid on.
Keep checking and remove the fat from the surface, as it accumulates
You can choose to remove the chicken (can be used as a side dish) or shred off pieces of flesh and keep in the soup - it is up to you!

Enjoy

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Braised Okra with Tomatoes Recipe ...

2010-04-17T02:33:00.000-07:00

The vegetable OKRA is so good for you in so many ways!

Binds cholesterol and toxins, removing them from the body
Bulks up the stools, preventing constipation and healing to the bowel walls
Good probiotic (helps good bacterias)
Normalises blood sugar
Reduces and normalises acid in the body (great for arthritis)
High in fibre, protein, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A & C and iron!

This Recipe serves 4 people - Preparation Time: 30 minutes - Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 kg fresh okra

400g canned tomatoes (pureed)

1/2 cup of olive oil (cold pressed virgin)

1 medium sized onion grated or chopped finely

6 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley

1/4 teaspoon of raw sugar

Sea salt and pepper to taste

3 lemon slices, peeled

1 ripe tomato sliced

Method

Wash and trim the cone shaped stem ends (careful not to tear the okra)
Dip the trimmed end into a little bit of sea salt then place in colander and allow to stand for 1/2 hr.
Saute onions in the oil in a shallow pan until transparent
Add tomatoes, parsley, sugar, pepper and lemon slices
Cover and simmer for 5 -10 minutes
Add the okra, stir well with the sauce and place tomato slices on top, sprinkle with some sea salt & pepper
Cover and cook on medium high heat until boiling point.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes
Add a little water if necessary but don't overcook the okra
Try not to stir the okra during the cooking process as they may break up (delicate little things)
To blend just shake the pot a few times

Enjoy with your favourite meat, chicken or fish or even eat as a vegetarian option main course as they are very high in protein.

Excellent recipe for IBS, crohns disease, or any inflammatory condition in the body!

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www.lindaparker.com.au

Top 10 Ways to get "ALL-DAY ENERGY!" ...

2010-03-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

Are you Tired ALL the time....or just struggle to get through the day?
Well, try these excellent tips to help improve your energy and overall stamina.

1) Power Breathing – 5 minutes first thing in the morning – then 2 x more during the day. (see the exercises in “The Skin Program”.

2) Meditation – 10 minutes each morning and 10 minutes each night.

3) Energy Boost Juice after lunch – 1 Apple, 1 x Orange, 1 tspn Spirulina, 1 tspn Kelp and small piece of Pineapple.

4) Boiled eggs – highest form of protein that providing endurance energy.

5) Almonds – handful each day – another excellent form of protein and essential oils.

6) Sunshine – 5 minutes each day – Extra Vitamin D3 supports
the immune/nervous and skeletal system and is a natural mood booster.

7) Amino Acids – eg Carnitine and Tyrosine as well as Coenzyme Q10 – improve and activate the energy centre of the cell (mitochondria).

8) Goji Berries – 40 mLs of juice daily, speeds up the body’s metabolism
and is a major antioxidant and energy boost.

9) Weight Resistance – daily upper/lower body weights to improve physical strength and endurance (5 mins)

10) Snack on Alkalising fruits and vegetables throughout the day –
reduces the stress hormone Cortisol and increases vitamins and minerals

to improve energy.

For more info go to http://www.lindaparker.com.au/

CELLULITE! - Top 4 Tips for Reducing Cellulite...

2010-03-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

Women....listen up! Secretely we all have a bit....but what can we do?

There are 4 very good ways to combat the dreaded Cellulite...

1) Deep Tissue Remedial Massage – helps break up fat tissue,
improving blood circulation to target areas....especially good around the buttocks and thighs.

2) Lymphatic Drainage Massage – a specialised form of massage
that improves the health of the lymphatic system. It is the lymph nodes
that once activated, reduce excess fluid, toxins and waste.
It is a very important system to activate in order to reduce cellulite
and trapped waste in fat tissue.

3) Lymphatic exercises – eg rowing machine, step machine and freestyle

swimming are the best types of exercises to improve the effectiveness
of the lymphatic system and clear away excess fluid and toxins from
adipose tissue (fat tissue). This is because these exercises have a “pumping”
action which activates nodes under the arms and in the groin areas
where the major lymph nodes are located.

4) Herbal Teas – combine the fresh leaves of Cleavers (lymph tonic),
Fennel (stimulant) and Dandelion Leaves (kidney tonic) with a few
small pieces of chopped Ginger Root (circulation stimulant) –
these are all very helpful for slimming, cellulite detoxification
and excess fluid removal.

Won't take long before you feel toned and sexy again with no more cellulite.

http://www.lindaparker.com.au/

Home-Made Natural FACE SCRUB...

2010-03-29T00:33:00.000-07:00

We all want smooth soft skin. We've all tried so many FACE SCRUBS!

Well now you can make your own. We'll use only natural ingredients....it's cheaper plus
the ingredients will not harm your skin in any way.

Exfoliating dead skin cells results in radiant and youthful looking skin.

Ingredients:

- 2-3 tablespoons of Raw Oats (ground)
- 1-2 tablespoon of Honey
- ¼ teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 drops of Carrot Seed Essential Oil
- 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil
- 2 drops of Damask Rose Essential Oil

Method:

• Crush the oats in a grinder.

• Add the honey and vinegar to form a smooth paste.
• Combine it with the oils to form a paste.

Apply the paste to your face carefully avoiding the eyes.
Rinse off after 15-20 minutes.

This Face Scrub should be done 1 x week and can also be used on the back!
For more Recipes go to "The Skin Program" at www.lindaparker.com.au/books

Home-Made Natural Mouth Wash ...

2010-03-29T00:20:00.000-07:00

One of the most effective remedies for Oral Hygiene, is a good MOUTH WASH.

Many Mouth Washes have harmful chemicals in them that really should NOT be
ingested.

So let's make our own! This way you'll know you won't be swallowing anything that can harm you.

It takes care of certain dental problems, removes bad breath, and keeps the gums healthy.
Make it yourself at home using a few basic items.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of Water
- ¼ cup Plain Soda drink
- 4 drops of Glycerol
- 1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel
- 10 drops of Peppermint or Spearmint oil

Method:

• Boil the water.
• Add soda, aloe-vera gel and glycerol to it.
• After it cools, add peppermint oil.
• Mix well and store in an air-tight bottle.

- Boil a small piece of cinnamon stick in a cup of water, cool it and use it as mouthwash

This mouth wash is great for the whole family.
For more recipes go to "The Skin Program" at www.lindaparker.com.au/books

Home-Made Natural Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

2010-03-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

Dandruff occurs in your scalp due to excessive shedding of skin cells.

The causes can be poor diet, stress, detergent shampoos that contain harsh chemicals, poor circulation, yeast infections, over active oil glands, and more.

The ingredients can all be purchased from the local supermarket & /or health food store.

Ingredients:

- ¼ cup liquid Castile Soap
- 1 cup Water
- ¼ cup Aloe Vera gel
- 2 tablespoon Plain Vinegar ( or Apple Cider Vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (Sweet Almond, Coconut or Grapeseed oil)
- 1 tablespoon Calendula oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Peppermint leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried Thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried Rosemary leaves
- 3 drops of Eucalyptus oil

Method:

• Bring water to a boil.

• Add the herbs and leave to simmer for 15-20 minutes.

• Strain the herbs and allow the concoction to cool.

• Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Store the shampoo an air-tight jar.

While using, apply a generous amount to wet hair and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing. You could mix a few spoons of vinegar to the water for a final rinse.

Other remedies include:

- Regular use of Aloe Vera gel. Massage it in to your scalp and wash your hair.

- Mix the juice of a lemon with an oil of your choice, preferably coconut, massage it in your scalp and wash of the next day.

- A mixture of olive oil with equal parts of almond oil can be used as a hair mask. Warm the oils for maximum benefit.

There are more ideas in my new book "The Skin Program" www.lindaparker.com.au/books

Dogs With Skin Allergies ...

2010-02-18T03:42:00.000-08:00

Do you feel helpless watching your dog scratch like crazy?

Main Causes are:

1) The wrong diet
2) Fleas
3) Chemical shampoos, detergents
4) Fertilizers, pesticide sprays
5) Household sprays, perfumes etc
6) A weak immune system (usually due to poor diet)

What is Natural For a Dog to Eat?

Raw meaty bones (NEVER COOKED)
Raw chicken, lamb, turkey (preferably less beef)
Fish eg mackerel, sardines, tuna, salmon
Chopped veges (except those listed below under "Foods to Avoid") or frozen veges
Raw free range eggs - 1 egg three times a week
Chicken and turkey necks

What about Water?

There should be at least 2 separate "wide" bowls of fresh water available every day.
Water bowls can collect dirt, bugs, mould and bacteria which is harmful to your dog.

What Foods Should I Avoid?

Chocolate & sugar = greater risk of cancer in dogs.
Grains eg wheat, bread, pasta (major causes of skin eruptions)
Canned, processed dog food, treats and dry biscuits
Rolled dog meat (up to 60% grains).
Yeast eg breads/biscuits/cake
Dairy (anything from a cow)
Broccoli, turnips, onions, cabbage, potatoes, spinach, cucumbers (hard to digest)
Cooked bones (splinter through the intestinal wall)
No microwaved foods
Food wrapped in aluminium foil.

Why Shouldn't I Feed my Dog Canned or Processed Foods?

Because the meat they use here would shock you! They use the following:

Pet animals from clinics and shelters that have been euthanized (killed!)
Road kill animals, zoo animals
Diseased or disabled animals
Hair, feathers, beaks and hooves of other animals (including horses & birds)
Carcasses that contain high levels of drugs and pesticides
Also, full of yeasts, grains and carbohydrates that contribute to obese dogs.

Are you turned off yet? This material is then cooked and as the grease rises to the top, it is removed, along with the liquid. This leaves only the meat and bone meal.
In other words, this type of food is lacking the necessary "live" nutrients essential to good health & skin.

Useful Supplements to Improve a Dogs Immune System & Skin

Flaxseed oil
Fish oils
Spirulina powder
Kelp powder
Vitamin C powder

Avoid pharmaceutical drugs. Dogs with skin problems or allergies generally don't respond well to drugs such as antihistamines, cortisone, antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
They loose interest in their food, mope around and feel nausea.
These are only a temporary fix, they don't address the cause of the allergies or skin problem

NB: Also, vaccinations (which are NOT compulsory) may cause and also lead to immune problems as well as skin rashes and allergies.

For more information or for a consult visit www.lindaparker.com.au

Artichoke Hearts & Peas!

2010-02-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

Artichokes are one of my favourite vegetables.
They are excellent for regenerating the liver.
They purify the blood helping to remove toxins.
Artichokes also help lower the "bad" fats and are an amazing cleanser for all skin conditions.

Peas....everyone loves them! What can I say. They're easy to cook and taste wonderful.

Peas are full of goodness. A high source of protein and potassium but also Vit A, phosphorus, B2, B1, B6, manganese and also heaps of fibre.

Serves 5-6 people
Preparation Time: 40 mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

6 Artichoke Hearts
500g fresh or frozen peas
1-2 cups of water
1/4 cup olive oil (cold pressed)
8 spring onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup dill, finely chopped
3 tablespoons of lemon juice
Salt & Pepper as desired

Method

Wash the artichokes. Cut off the stem and peal off all the outside leaves until you find the heart inside.
Shell and wash the peas if fresh.
In a large saucepan, gently saute the spring onions in the oil until soft but not brown.
Add the peas, salt, pepper and 1 cup of water.
Cover and simmer for 20 mins or until the peas are half tender.
Add the artichoke hearts and dill and simmer for about 15 mins more, or until the peas and artichoke hearts are tender and the sauce is reduced.
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with lemon juice. Shake the pan to blend the lemon juice all over.
Add more sea salt & pepper as needed.
Serve hot or cold.

Greek Lentil Soup "Faki Soupa"

2010-02-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

Lentils are high in iron, protein and fibre.

They fill you up and give you energy.

Great for an entree or main course.

Serves 6 people
Preparation Time: 10 - 15 mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins - 40 mins

Ingredients

800g tinned lentils (washed)
2 litres of water
1 1/2 cups of pureed fresh or canned tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil (cold pressed)
2 small onions finely chopped
5 whole cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of vinegar
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon of oregano
Salt and pepper as desired

Method

Wash the lentils well.
Saute the onions in the oil in a large cooking pot.
Add the water and all the ingredients except the lentils.
Bring to the boil.
Add the lentils, cover and simmar for about 30-40 mins until the liquid has reduced to the desired consistency.
If you need to add more water do so.
When ready, remove the whole garlic cloves and bay leaves.

* Serve hot and enjoy with fresh bread.

(If you make extra, freeze for another night)

Decadent Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe...

2010-01-13T21:41:00.000-08:00

Wheat Free / Dairy Free Recipe!

Perfect Cake for the Gluten Intolerant! ...

This is a simple cake to make. Friends and family will absolutely love it. It is one of the most moist cakes I have ever eaten. It has a lovely citrus wetness accompanied by a lightness that only a flour free cake will give you.

Cake Ingredients

2 medium sized sweet oranges (approx 400g total weight)
6 eggs (free range)
1 heaped teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
250g ground almond meal
200g castor sugar
60g cocoa powder
orange peel to decorate the top of the cake

Method

1. Place the oranges into a pot of cold water. Boil and cook for 1/2 - 2hrs or until soft.
2. Drain and when cool, cut the oranges into quarters and remove the pips.
3. Pulp everything with a chopper or blender/food processor.
NB: You could cook the oranges the night before so they're ready to go
4. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius.
5. Butter and line a 20cm springform tin.
6. Add the eggs, baking powder, bicarb of soda, almond meal, sugar and cocoa to the orange pulp in the food processor.
7. Mix again until its a cohesive cake mixture but still quite knobbly with orange bits.
8. Pour and scrape into the cake tin.
9. Bake for 1 hour - (but check after 45 mins...don't let it burn)
10. Tester should come out clean.
* Leave the cake to cool in the tin.
* Decorate the top with thin strips or curls of orange peel or coarsely grated orange zest

Enjoy....you'll love it!

Let me know how you go with it....

Bye for now
Linda

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Miraculous Fish Oils & Essential Fatty Acids...

2010-01-12T02:42:00.000-08:00

Fish oils have absolutely amazing healing properties.

There's been so much media attention on fish oils and for good reason.

The medical community is just waking up to what Naturopaths have been prescribing for decades.

The science is undeniable and inescapable. Fish oils and Omega 3's heal.

Who Needs Essential Fatty Acids?

People with joint pain or back pain
Those who are forgetful and have trouble thinking clearly eg students or stroke victims
Anyone with any kind of skin condition eg skin rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, hives etc
Women suffering PMS, menopause, fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cysts
Those with a family history of cardiovascular disease
Diabetics
Pregnant women
Men and women with hair loss
Those with poor eyesight
People with high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Stressed out, highly anxious or even depressed individuals

What's All The Fuss About?

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) are ESSENTIAL to the body and to good health. This is because the body does not make them and therefore must receive them from outside sources via the diet or by supplementing.

There are 3 types: Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. It's the Omega 3 that is most deficient in western diets and it is the most important good fat.

Western society diets are notoriously high in Omega 6 which in high amounts can be PRO inflammation. Not what we want, because it just leads to diseases.

The Omega 3 Fatty Acids protect the cells membranes. That means good nutrients can get in and bad wastes can get out. The cells stay flexible because of the Omega 3 and have a major anti-inflammatory effect on the whole body.

Often many symptoms you may be experiencing will disappear all at once.

Where Can I Find Omega 3 in my Diet?

* Fresh fish eg salmon, tuna or cod
* Nuts and seeds
* Flaxseed oil or olive oil
* Fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements

NB: Fish oils are the highest in Omega 3 because they have an active ingredient called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosohexaenoic acid).

Remember to keep oils fresh, leave in the refrigerator, including oil supplements.

What Should I Look for in Fish Oil Supplements?

If you don't buy the good stuff, forget it, don't waste your money, because they won't do anything. Spend more on fish oils and you'll see the "amazing" results.

* PURITY. That means free from contaminants like heavy metals.
* Saltwater fish freshly caught
* Distillation at low temperatures to extract the desired oil and leave behind pollutants
* Addition of antioxidants - this prevents the oil going rancid

Ask your Naturopath about the right dose for YOU and you'll be well on your way to a pain free and healthy body and mind.

Bye for now and Happy Fishing!

Linda

Linda Parker Natural Therapies

www.lindaparker.com.au

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Top 4 Supplements over Christmas...

2009-12-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas can be a time of indulgence. Especially where food is concerned.

If you're not careful and watch what you eat and drink, you could be in trouble. For instance, too much fatty food eg take-aways, hamburgers, chips and sweets will really take it's toll on your weight and immune system.

Being around friends...lots of parties and dinners out, all tempt us into drinking too much alcohol. This really can affect our moods, our livers and our energy levels.

Why not then think smarter and try to avoid these pitfalls and prevent this attack of toxins on our bodies.

Below are just 4 of the important supplements that will help you over Christmas.

I always recommend the brand Metagenics (by Health World). Their toll free number is 1800 777 648, if you decide you'd like to try them. Many of my patients will already be familiar with these supplements.

1.   G-Tox Express Powder - 1 teaspoon daily. Its' green and you mix it with a little apple juice or pineapple juice. It gives you instant energy to be able to keep up with all the activities over Xmas. It also speeds up your metabolism which will help you break down those extra fats. Contains spirulina, aloe vera, kelp, turmeric, potassium, zinc, cleavers and glutamine. Will also be excellent in January/Feb (after all the celebrations to help you detox).

2.   Vegetarian Digestive Enzymes - take 1 tablet with each meal. These will help you digest and break down your food more efficiently (esp fats, proteins and carbohydrates) and absorb the nutrients from your foods. By doing this, it will prevent bloating, gas and indigestion. Who wants to feel bloated this Christmas?? Excellent to pop into your bag and take one if you are about to eat a very big meal such as Christmas day lunch!

3.   Ultra Flora Restore DF capsules - A dairy free probiotic (keep in fridge), that enhances gut health and good bacterias to improve digestion. Excellent after taking antibiotics. A must for every healthy gut and bowel, especially over Christmas.

4.   Neurocalm Tablets - One of my favourites. Within 10 minutes you are feeling calm and relaxed. They will also help you sleep solidly at night with no groggy feeling in the morning. Brillliant for those stressful days with any family members you may be forced to be around over Christmas or just the running around you have to do, to get things done before the big day. Contains herbs such as Zizyphus, Magnolia, Puerania and Passionflower. Take 2 tablets when needed.

So there's a few suggestions to help you get through the next few busy weeks of the year. Try and be as relaxed as you can. Don't forget to keep drinking lots of water and get as much rest as you can.

Bye for now,

Linda Marion Parker
Naturopath

Linda's "Top 15 ACNE Tips" ...

2009-11-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

Many of us suffered the trauma of Acne as a teenager...

Our hormones went crazy and so did our emotions.

Acne is no fun at all!

Even adults can continue to have Acne later in life. Usually there is a hormonal component (eg after childbirth or before a woman's period) or else the diet or too much stress can also be to blame.

If you implement these 15 things into your daily life, your skin will DRAMATICALLY improve within no time...

1. Drink 2 litres of water each day (this does not include tea or coffee).

2. Make a hot lemon with fresh ginger tea each morning

3. Have 3g of Pure Fish Oils or 1 dessertspoon of Flaxseed Oil each day (remember to keep all oils in the refrigerator).

4. Eat one big crunchy salad 1 - 2 x day and 3 pieces of fruit

5. REMOVE SUGAR and DAIRY FOODS from your diet (ie anything from a cow which is very congestive to the skin, liver and lungs).

6. Drink fresh vegetable and fruit juices every day eg carrot, lemon, apple, parsley, celery, ginger and pineapple.

7. Check your HORMONE LEVELS (esp testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone) with blood tests, then balance those hormones using Herbal Medicine (check with your naturopath).

8. Stay calm and do what you have to do to REMOVE STRESS

9. Don’t touch or pick your face (this will only transfer bacteria and can scar your skin).

10. Wash skin daily with Sea Salt water washes (warm water) and lightly moisturize with a natural moisturizer.

11. Check for FOOD SENSITIVITIES/ALLERGIES with a blood test from your Naturopath.

12. Eat plenty of FIBRE to ensure your Bowel Movements are at least 2 x day, soft and easy to pass. This will improve elimination of toxins and waste material from the body.

13. Visualise yourself having clear, glowing skin. Keep your mind focussed on the end result of perfect skin you are proud of.

14. Learn to Meditate every day for 15 minutes each day (at a quiet time of day).

15. Remove or reduce Alcohol, Cigarettes and other harmful substances.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask me....

I wish you all GREAT SKIN!

http://www.lindaparker.com.au/

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