What makes Raw Cacao such an amazing superfood?

MAGNESIUM: Cacao is a fantastic food source of heart-supporting magnesium.
ANTI-DEPRESSANT PROPERTIES: Cacao is a great source of well-studied neurotransmitters, which help alleviate depression and are associated with feelings of well being. All this makes cacao a natural anti-depressant.
LOSE WEIGHT, EAT CHOCOLATE!: Eating raw cacao is known to diminish the appetite. Therefore eating chocolate in its raw form helps one to lose weight by allowing you to eat less.
ANTIOXIDANTS: Cacao beans contain 10 grams per 100 grams of flavonol antioxidants. This is a whooping 10% antioxidant concentration level! This makes cacao one of the richest sources of antioxidants of any food.
(order from www.superfoods.co.za or come to the WaterShed Health Shop in Knysna)

At the beginning of his struggle, the warrior of light stated: "I have dreams."

At the beginning of his struggle the warrior of light stated: "I have dreams."
After some years, he realises that it is actually possible to reach his goal; he knows that he will be rewarded.
At that moment, he feels sad. He knows about other people's unhappiness, about the loneliness and frustration experienced by so much of humanity, and he does not believe that he deserves what he is about to receive.
His angel whispers: "Give it all up." The warrior kneels down and offers God his conquest.
The act of surrender forces the warrior to stop asking foolish questions and helps him to overcome his feelings of guilt.
(by Paulo Coelho from Manual of the Warrior of Light)

Mantra for the day

In the infinity of life where I am,
all is perfect, whole, and comlete.
Change is the natural law of my life. I welcome change.
I am willing to change. I choose to change my thinking.
I choose to change the words I use.
I move from the old to the new with ease and with joy.
It is easier for me to forgive than I thought.
Forgiving makes me feel free and light.
It is with joy that I learn to love myself more and more.
The more resentment I release, the more love I have to express.
Changing my thoughts makes me feel good.
I am learning to choose to make today a pleasure to experience.
All is well in my world.
(by Louise L. Hay from You can Heal Your Life)

Herbal Preparations

INFUSION: is made by pouring boiling water over the herb, to extract the properties
DECOCTION: involves simmering the herb in water to extract its properties
HOT OIL INFUSION: oil and herb are heated up gently for a couple of hours and then strained
COLD OIL INFUSION: let herb infuse into the cold oil over 2 weeks
TINCTURE: let the herb infuse into a water/alcohol mixture over 2 weeks
COMPRESSES: a cloth is soaked in an infusion or decoction and placed on the skin
POULTICE: herb is placed on the skin directly (usually hot)
OINTMENT: oil and wax is melted together
CREAM: water is added to the melted oil and wax mixture
(further instructions are found in Natural Cures by Mark Evans)

Preventing Cold with Herbalism

One of the herbalist's most traditional standby's for cold is still one of the best: use an infusion of equal amounts of PEPPERMINT, ELDERFLOWER and YARROW. Taken hot just before going to bed, this will induce a sweat, and if the cold is caught early enough, may stop it altogether. Even if too late for this, it will still be very useful. Other herbs that may be added to the infusion include:
CAYENNE: a favourite North American Indian remedy: use 1.25ml of the powder to really stimulate circulation.
CINNAMON: use a cinnamon stick, and break it into the mixture of herbs, for a gentle, warming and sweat-inducing effect.
GINGER: great a small piece of fresh root ginger into the mixture for extra heat.
(by Mark Evans from Natural Cures)

Green Medicine

I wonder what's around the bend? said the explorer
I wonder what that plant is? said the collector
I wonder what's in it? said the chemist
I wonder what activity it has? said the pharmacologist
I wonder if it'll work in this case? said the physician
I hope she lives! said the father
Please God! said the mother
I think she'll be all right in the morning, said the nurse
(by Margaret Kreig)

Nutrients for the stress hormones

The stress hormones rely on certain nutrients for their production. For adrenalin you need enough of vitamins B3 (niacin), B12 and C. Cortisol, wich is also a natural anti-inflammatory substance, cannot be produced without enough vitamin B5 (patothenic acid). Your need for all these nutrients, along with those needed for energy production such as vitamins B and C, goes up with prolonged stress.
(by Patrick Holford from The Optimum Nutrition Bible)