At one point, I was a vegetarian, and I frequently recommended eating beans. But most people mistakenly assume that beans must be made with bacon or lard or pork in order to taste good. This is simply not true! Here is my personal recipe that I have tweaked and tested and finally believe is perfect and yummy. One of the reasons I like this recipe so much is the variety and the fact that I use a Crock-Pot and in the morning, it’s done! So simple!

(Please use Organic ingredients whenever possible!)

• 2 cups dry pinto beans
• 1/2 medium sized yellow onion, diced
• 4 whole garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 2 large Carrots
• 2 large stalks of celery
• 1 red potato, peeled and cut into 4 large chunks
• 1 can Rotel Tomatoes
• Cilantro
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• Olive Oil and Vinegar (Optional)
• Tabasco Sauce (Optional)

Sort beans and remove stones and discolored bad beans. Rinse well in colander. Put beans in pot and cover with 2-3 inches of water. Soak from 6-10:30 pm (or at least a good 4-5 hours).

After soaking beans, drain and rinse well in colander. Add to large crockpot. Add 4.5 to 5 cups of fresh water, depending on your taste and how soupy you want your beans. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, bay leaves, carrots, celery, potato and Rotel. Do not add salt at this point (it makes the beans tough). Cook on low setting in Crock-Pot overnight for at least 8 hours.

In the morning, remove carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves and potato. Throw out bay leaves and celery. Take carrots, garlic, potato and about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the beans. Mash well with fork and return to pot, stirring to incorporate. Then add lots of salt (to your taste) and pepper. Rinse and chop cilantro and add (I usually chop almost the entire bunch). Cook at least another hour or so, depending on how “done” you like your beans.

If you want it thicker, mash more beans. If you don’t want it thicker, don’t mash the beans. If you want to add a little splash of Olive Oil and Vinegar, you can — it’s totally personal preference but adds a smoothness and a little twang! Also, sometimes I add a little bit of Tabasco Sauce for a little kick.

Enjoy!

A Quick Start to Health

Clients often ask what they can do quickly to bring about some positive change in their health. If you’re not ready for an appointment just yet, but you are ready to start feeling better, this is a fantastic time to do some internal body cleaning!

Cleansing your body will help to get rid of some unhealthy eating habits, extra pounds and toxins! Below are some suggestions to follow to help your body get healthy!

Who knows, you might like it enough and feel so good that you’ll want to continue throughout the year! In either case, this will give your body a much needed rest and help to rebuild your health.

Eliminate the White Stuff: White Flour, White Sugar, Salt and Cow’s Milk… All of us know how damaging sugar, salt and flour can be to our bodies. Unfortunately, not too much has been said about cow’s milk, but I believe it is very damaging to the human body too.

For one, cow’s milk is extremely allergenic for most people and therefore they are unable to digest it (possibly explaining all the “lactose-free” products on the market today). Secondly, cow’s milk is an extreme catalyst for mucus forming in the body. For those of you suffering from extreme allergies, cutting out cow’s milk might make a significant difference in how you feel. Avoid diary products for 3 weeks to really test it out your body’s response.

Buy Organic: Make it a point to try to buy all your produce organic if at all possible, as the pesticides and other culprits that lurk among produce are quite scary. Also, even if you buy organic whole foods, please wash all of your fruits and vegetables before consumption. I use Grapefruit Seed Extract from Nutribiotic to wash all of my produce. Grapefruit Seed Extract contains an ingredient that is very useful in killing pathogens. Washing fruits and vegetables in it is just one of its many uses.

Exercise: All of us know we need to do it. And research is now showing that even 10 minutes a day is significantly better than nothing! So take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park FAR OUT in the parking lot instead of trying to find the spot closest to the store. My good friend Eddie Baran has developed a wonderful exercise program that is simple and QUICK and you can do it in your own home! Click on his name to learn more!

Juicing: Juicing is a wonderful way to get lots of nutrition in your body RIGHT now. Basically, it is predigested, since it is in liquid form, but has all of the vitamins, enzymes and nutrition. I love using my Vitamix for this purpose. It has so many uses and allows you to keep all the healthy fiber in your drink!

Massage: Having a massage once a week or even once a month provides many health benefits. Increasing circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage and helping with stress levels are just a few of them. Incorporating this into your wellness routine is a great way to get rid of toxins in your body and help you feel more relaxed!

Water: Yes, it bears repeating: Make sure you’re drinking half your weight in ounces of fresh, purified water every day. Even if where you live is not as hot as Texas or maybe it’s wintertime, you still need to consume adequate amounts of water.

Emotional Cleansing: Dealing with our negative emotions every day can make us physically sick. While you might be embarking on taking care of your “physical” self, don’t neglect your emotions! In fact, now is the best time to do some emotional cleansing.

First and foremost, let go of the past. Whatever did (or didn’t) happen in the past, it is important that you don’t carry those feelings with you. Secondly, it is important that you focus on all the positive things that have occurred in your life. Those emotions that are associated with good, positive changes will fuel you into taking better care of yourself. Lastly, make some goals for the future. They do not have to be “resolutions,” but simply goals and dreams that you would like to accomplish over the next year.

If you’re still struggling with some emotional issues, contact me today to learn more about a custom blend of Bach Flower Remedies that can help! You can also read more about the flowers and how they can help you manage stress in my Natural Stress Remedies section.

There you have it – some great ideas to get started to a new and healthier you. Even if you only pick one or two to get started, that’s a positive step, and your body will thank you for it!

Melissa Wood, ND
Holistic health practitioner

My quest for health and wellness began when I was a young adult, suffering from anxiety and depression. Finding conventional medicine ineffective in treating these conditions, I turned to alternative and natural medicine and studied nutrition, plants / herbs / flowers, homeopathy, massage, aromatherapy, and other techniques.

I have had the pleasure of working one-on-one with clients for the last ten years as a Naturopathic Doctor, Health and Wellness Coach, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Aromatherapy Consultant. Helping clients find and maintain their optimal health is more than my job; it has been my passion for over 25 years. (See Testimonials.)

Located just outside of San Antonio, Texas, in the beautiful hill community of Pipe Creek, I offer telephone consultations for people in the region and around the country. No matter where you live, I can make suggestions that will help you lead a happier, healthier life.

At this time, I provide phone consultations only. This allows me to help people improve their health no matter where they live.

What is a Holistic Health Practitioner?

In our hurried society, most MDs treat the symptoms, not the sickness. Naturopaths look for the root cause of the illness. Health is holistic; there is most often an underlying imbalance behind any condition, and we recommend nutritional therapies to correct these. We do not:

• Diagnose diseases or conditions.
• Prescribe any kind of prescription medicine.

Mass-prescribing pharmaceuticals are not in your best interest if you are trying to get healthy or treat the underlying cause of your illness. One drug causes side effects, so you take another to correct that. Then that drug causes side effects and you need yet another. Then that drug… it goes on and on.

Ten. That is the average number of prescription drugs my new clients are taking when they first see me. Ten different drugs with different effects, different long term health consequences, different risks.

There is another way to look at health, a way that says there are things that you can do – simple things – to achieve better health and stay healthy for the rest of your life.

What about conventional doctors?

There are times when medication is advised. Medical doctors are vital. But nutritional therapies can be used hand in hand with conventional therapies. The medical and natural health communities can – and should – work together to help everyone achieve the greatest level of health and wellness.

What do Naturopaths do?

Naturopaths do:

• Suggest nutritional and lifestyle changes. These can be as simple as drinking certain teas or taking hot baths with Epsom Salts.
• Offer suggestions for natural and herbal therapies that will help you find your healthy balance again – or for the first time.
• Help correct imbalances and develop more in-depth treatment options which can include herbal extracts, essential oils, massage, or other therapies.
• Treat your health holistically, naturally, and effectively with you as an essential and knowledgeable member of the team.
• Help you take responsibility for your own health.
• Give you choices and provide you with the information and insight to make healthy decisions.

Are you ready to put yourself first? Are you ready to make health your number one priority? Let’s get started! I am happy to answer any questions about naturopathy and the natural health services I provide. Please contact me via email using this form.

Remember, even if you are not in the San Antonio area, I can help you feel better and improve your health. I provide telephone consultations which can be done at your convenience, from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Purification Essential Oil is a proprietary blend of essential oils made exclusively by Young Living Essential Oils. This is an antiseptic blend of Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia), lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida) and myrtle (Myrtus communis) formulated for diffusing to purify and cleanse the air and neutralize mildew, cigarette smoke and disagreeable odors.

Diffuse Purification to clean the air and neutralize foul or stale odors.

Put several drops of Purification oil on a cotton ball and place in the air vents in the home, office, hotel room or other enclosed area.

While traveling, inhale Purification oil during flights to protect yourself from pathogens found in the recirculated air.

Put a drop of Purification oil on insect bites to cleanse and stop the itching.

Apply a drop of Purification oil on blemishes to clear the skin.

Rub a drop of Purification oil on the outside of a sore throat when it is first beginning.

Rub a drop of Purification oil on a blister to cleanse and disinfect.

Put 2 drops of Purification oil on two cotton balls and place in the toes of smelly sneakers to combat odors.

Place a drop of Purification oil on each end of a cotton swab and place on top of your cold water humidifier to clean the air.

Dilute Purification oil with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil and swab the nasal cavity to ward off the flu.

Spritz several drops of Purification oil mixed with water to repel insects.

Apply Purification oil and Peppermint oil diluted with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil to a cotton swab and rub just inside the ear to eliminate ear mites in cats and dogs.

You can learn more about Purification Essential Oil here.

Peace and Calming Essential Oil is a proprietary blend of essential oils made exclusively by Young Living Essential Oils. This is a gentle, fragrant blend of Tangerine (Citrus nobilis), orange (Citrus sinensis), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), patchouly (Pogostemon cablin) and blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum) specially designed for diffusing. It promotes relaxation and a deep sense of peace, helping to calm tensions and uplift spirits.

Rub 1-2 drops of Peace & Calming oil on the bottom of the feet and on the shoulders before bedtime to get good quality sleep.

Diffuse Peace & Calming oil in the room to calm overactive or hard to manage children.

Mix Peace & Calming oil with massage oil for a relaxing massage.

Put Peace & Calming oil mixed with Bath Gel Base in warm water for a relaxing bath.

To help stop nocturnal teeth grinding, diffuse Peace & Calming oil while sleeping.

You can learn more or buy Peace and Calming Oil here.

All-natural pain relief from an essential oil

PanAway is a proprietary blend of essential oils made exclusively by Young Living. This blend consists of of wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), which has an active constituent similar to cortisone; clove (Syzygium aromaticum), which contains eugenol, used by dentists to numb gums; peppermint (Mentha piperita), which is calming for nerves; and helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), which is soothing for localized discomfort. This blend was created by Gary Young (the founder of Young Living Essential Oils) following an injury that severely tore the ligaments in his leg.

Apply PanAway oil topically on an injured area to reduce inflammation and bruising.

Apply PanAway oil topically to sore muscles after exercising.

Rub a drop of PanAway oil on the temples, forehead and back of the neck to relieve a headache.

Mix PanAway oil with massage oil and massage on location to stop growing pains.

Rub 1-2 drops of PanAway oil on arthritic hands to lessen pain. I personally have used PanAway oil to totally eliminate arthritis symptoms in my hand!

Rub 2-3 drops of PanAway oil at the base of the spine to relieve sciatic pain.

For arthritic pets, massage PanAway oil diluted with either vegetable or olive oil on location.

This oil is incredible for all types of pain! You can learn more here.

This therapeutic grade essential oil relieves stress, frustration and depression

Joy Essential Oil is proprietary blend of essentail oils made exclusively by Young Living. This exotic, luxurious blend of Lemon (Citrus limon), mandarin (Citrus reticulata), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), rose (Rosa damascena), rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii), Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), and jasmine (Jasminum officinale) produces an uplifting magnetic energy and brings joy to the heart.

When worn as a cologne or perfume, Joy exudes an alluring and irresistible fragrance that inspires romance and togetherness. When diffused, it can be refreshing and uplifting.

Rub a drop of Joy oil over the heart and on the bottom of each foot to relieve feelings of frustration or depression.

Put a drop of Joy oil on the tip of the nose to uplift your mood.

Wear a drop of Joy oil behind each ear as a perfume.

Rub a drop of Joy oil between your palms and then spread over the face and neck after shaving.

Rub two drops of Joy oil on areas of the body with poor circulation to improve blood flow.

Rub two drops of Joy oil on the armpit area to use for a deodorant.

Rub two drops of Joy oil on the heart and feet to increase libido.

Sprinkle a few drops of Joy oil into potpourri to improve the fragrance.

You can learn more here.

Pure Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion. Jean Valnet, M.D., studied peppermint’s effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in affecting impaired taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy. Alan Hirsch, M.D., studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center, which triggers a sense of fullness after meals.

Caution: Please be sure to keep Peppermint Oil away from your eyes.

Peppermint Oil for Personal Use:

• Rub 4-6 drops in the palm and rub over stomach and around the navel to relieve indigestion, flatulence and diarrhea.
• Add a drop of Peppermint oil to herbal tea to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn.
• Massage several drops of oil on the area of injury to reduce inflammation.
• Apply Peppermint oil immediately to an injured area (bruised shin, hit on the foot or hand) to relieve pain. If there is a cut, apply the Peppermint oil around (not on) the open wound.
• Rub several drops of oil on the bottoms of the feet to reduce fever.
• Apply a drop of oil topically on unbroken skin to stop itching.
• For poison ivy or poison oak, apply Peppermint oil on location neat or dilute with olive oil or lotion.
• Inhale Peppermint oil before and during a workout to boost your mood and reduce fatigue.
• Massage several drops of oil on the abdomen to relieve nausea.
• To relieve a headache, rub a drop of Peppermint oil on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and on the back of the neck.
• To stop hiccups, apply a drop of Peppermint oil on each side of the fifth cervical vertebra (up three notches from the large vertebra at the base of the neck).
• Place two drops of Peppermint oil on the tongue and rub another drop under the nose to improve alertness and concentration.
• Diffuse Peppermint oil in the room while studying to improve concentration and accuracy. Inhale Peppermint oil while taking a test to improve recall.
• Rub 4 drops of Peppermint oil on chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness.
• Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold.
• Place a couple of drops of Peppermint oil in a cup of hot water and enjoy in place of coffee.
• Drink a drop of Peppermint oil mixed in a glass of cold water to cool off on a hot day.
• Rub Peppermint oil on joints to relieve arthritis or tendonitis pain.
• Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue to stop bad breath.
• Inhale the fragrance of Peppermint oil to curb the appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat.
• Mix Peppermint oil in a footbath to relieve sore feet. Keep water agitated while soaking feet.

Peppermint Oil for General Use

• Add Peppermint oil to food as a flavoring and a preservative.
• To deter rats, mice, ants or cockroaches, place two drops of Peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place along the path or point of entry for these pests.
• Mix one 15 ml. bottle of Peppermint oil into a 5 gallon can of paint to dispel the fumes.
• To kill aphids, add 4-5 drops of Peppermint oil to 4 ounces of water and spray the plants.
• Remove ticks by applying a drop of Peppermint oil on a cotton swab and swabbing the tick. Wait for it to dislodge its head and remove from your pet.

Learn more or purchase Peppermint Oil here.

There are many different ways you can utilize essential oils for better health and promote healing within your body. This article will talk about all the different ways to use essential oils. You might be interested in learning more about essential oils before you read about the three different ways to use them.

1. Inhalation – One of the best ways is gain benefits from essential oils, is just to simply smell the oil. You can either do this by smelling straight from the bottle, or depending on the oil, you can put a drop or two on your hands, cup them around your nose and inhale deeply for several seconds. Also, you can purchase a diffuser and diffuse throughout your home. And lastly, you can pour hot water in a bowl, add a few drops of the oil and then cover your head and bowl with a towel and breathe deeply and slowly.
2. Topical - Certain oils can be put directly on the skin. I would caution that some of them are VERY strong and might cause irritation so you might mix a few drops with olive oil to help dilute the potency of the oil. There are many different places you can add the oil: back, neck, temples or forehead (be careful to keep it away from your eyes!), behind your ears, sore knees or joints, abdomen, etc. Simply add a couple of drops to your hand, rub your hands together and then apply directly to area.
3. Internal Consumption – Some oils can be taken internally to aid healing even further. They can be taken with capsules, added to milk or juice, used in cooking certain recipes, or placed in yogurt or some other carrier. Please note that it is extremely important that you know which oils can/cannot be taken internally so be sure you check with your health practitioner before taking any essential oil internally. Also, since Young Living Essential Oils are therapeutic in nature, many of their oils can be taken internally; but, many essential oils you might purchase in a health food store are not therapeutic in nature and therefore SHOULD NOT be taken internally.

Interested in ordering therapeutic grade essential oils? Essential oils are available here.

Pure Lemon Essential Oil – (Citrus limon) has antiseptic-like properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function. It may serve as an insect repellent and may be beneficial for the skin. CAUTION: Citrus oils should NOT be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light within 72 hours.

Household uses for lemon essential oil

• Use 6 drops in a spray bottle mixed with distilled water to use in the bathroom as an air freshener.
• Use 1-2 drops to remove gum, oil, grease spots or crayon.
• Use 1 drop to add flavor to baked goods or beverages.
• For homemade lemonade, in a blender mix 2 drops of Lemon oil, 2 tablespoons of honey and two cups of pure water. Adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your own taste.
• To clean and increase the shelf life of fresh fruit, fill a bowl with cool water and 2-3 drops of Lemon oil. Drop your cleaned fruit into the water and stir. Be sure all surfaces of the fruit contact the lemon water.
• Add 2-3 drops to water and spray counter tops to sterilize them.
• Soak your dishcloth overnight in a bowl of water and a drop of Lemon oil to disinfect and kill germs.
• Add a drop of Lemon oil to your dishwasher before the wash cycle.
• Rub a drop of Lemon oil on your hands after using a public bathroom.
• Use a paper towel soaked with several drops of Lemon oil to sanitize bathroom fixtures.
• Rub a drop to clean a butcher’s block or other cutting surfaces.
• Put 10-15 drops of Lemon oil in each gallon of carpet cleaning solution to help pull out stains and brighten the rug. This also leaves a fresh smell in the room.

Personal uses for lemon essential oil

• Rub a drop on a corn, callous or bunion mornings and evenings.
• Place a drop on cold sores, herpes or other mouth ulcers to lessen pain and aid healing.
• Put a drop on bleeding gums caused by gingivitis or tooth extraction.
• Put a drop on oily skin or acne to balance sebaceous glands (oil glands).
• Rub several drops on cellulite to improve circulation and help eliminate waste from the cells.
• Rub two drops of Lemon oil topically to clear athlete’s foot.
• Rub several drops of Lemon oil on varicose veins to improve circulation and relieve pressure on the veins.
• Rub a drop on a wart morning and night until it disappears.

Visit Young Living Lemon Oil to order.

Lavender Essential Oil for Calming and Relaxation:

• Rub a few drops on your feet
• Place a drop on your palms and smooth on your pillow to help you sleep.

Lavender Essential Oil For First Aid:

• Use a drop on an insect bite to stop itching and reduce swelling
• Rub a drop of lavender oil on a cold sore
• Place 2-3 drops on a minor burn to decrease pain
• Place a drop on the edge of the tongue or around the naval or behind the ears to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
• Rub Lavender oil on dry or chapped skin with almond or avocado oil.
• Drop Lavender oil on a cut to clean the wound and kill bacteria.
• Apply 2-3 drops to a rash to stop the itching and heal the skin.
• To reduce scarring, massage Lavender oil on or around the affected area.
• Rub a drop or two between your palms and inhale deeply to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.
• Rub several drops into the scalp to help eliminate dandruff.
• Spritz a few drops mixed with water on a sunburn to help reduce pain.

Lavender Essential Oil for General Use:

• Place a few drops on a cotton ball and place in your linen closet to scent the linens and repel moths and insects.
• Place a drop in your water fountain to scent the air and kill bacteria
• Place a few drops on a wet cloth and throw into the dryer, which will deodorize and freshen your laundry without the chemicals from dryer sheets.

Isn’t it amazing that the oil from this flower has so many uses? I often travel with Lavender oil because it is so versatile and has so many uses.

Visit Young Living Lavender oil to order.

Poetically called the “life force” of a plant, essential oils are very complex. Essential oils are stored in special cells, ducts, or glandular hairs that are distributed among the roots, leaves, bark, stems and flowers of the plant.

Essential oils protect the plant from insects and other herbivores, from bacteria, mold, fungi and other microorganisms, and also help to heal infected wounds. These unique characteristics make essential oils highly beneficial to humankind.

A single oil may contain hundreds of constituents that are molecularly aligned in exactly the right manner to trigger a number of responses in the human body. Very concentrated and very powerful, a drop or two of distilled therapeutic grade essential oil can produce quick and significant results.

Essential oils work because fragrance consists of volatile molecules that float in the air. Millions of olfactory receptor cells line the nose. Aroma causes these nerves to fire and send messages to the limbic area of the brain. From there, messages travel to other parts of the brain, activating thought and memory. The pituitary gland is also stimulated to release chemical messages that travel via the blood to glands and organs that create physical body responses. Hence a scent has the power to activate a number of physical and emotional responses. It happens in less than a second! They also are rapidly absorbed when applied to the skin.

A drop of distilled, therapeutic grade essential oils can produce quick and significant results.

As a Naturopathic Doctor and proponent of Natural Heath Care, I specifically use Young Living Essential Oils. They are the most pure oils I have found. I have been using them not only on myself but also with clients over the last 10 years and have had some remarkable healings take place. Most of the brands you see in the health food store are NOT pure oils. Many have additives like alcohol and other preservatives. Young Living oils are the pure essential oil and contain no additives of any kind.

Visit Young Living for more information or learn about the different ways to order.