My mother in law has recently asked me to try tasting a cup of sour milk. It was so sour that I have problem drinking it. According to my mother in law, some of her friends who tried it have found improved health. She can’t really tell the name of this sour milk. I did some research and found out that it is actually called kefir. If you have been to the health forum, you will find many people have made kefir part of their daily diet and experience a lot of health benefits.

What is kefir actually?

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus region. It is prepared by inoculating cow, goat, or sheep’s milk with kefir grains. Kefir grains are a combination of bacteria and yeasts in a matrix of proteins, lipids, and sugars. This symbiotic matrix forms grains that resemble cauliflower. Many different bacteria and yeasts are found in the kefir grains, which are a complex and highly variable community of micro-organisms.

Production of traditional kefir requires kefir grains which are a gelatinous community of bacteria and yeasts. Kefir grains contain a water soluble polysaccharide known as kefiran that imparts a rope-like texture and feeling in one’s mouth. Kefir grains cannot be produced from scratch, but the grains grow during fermentation, and additional grains are produced. Kefir grains can be purchased or acquired from other hobbyists, see below. Kefir grains appear white to yellow and are usually the size of a walnut, but may be as small as a grain of rice.

Care of kefir grains

When kefir grains are not in use they may be stored wet or dry. They can be stored wet up to 8 to 10 days in water at 4ºC. Alternatively they may be wrapped in cheese cloth and allowed to dry for 36 to 48 hours at room temperature, and these dried grains may be stored at room temperature in an envelope for 12 to 18 months. Dried kefir grains may be reactivated by several successive growth cycles in milk. The grains are ready for kefir production when the kefir they produce looks and smells like the original (wet) form. This re-growth stage is required to re-establish the correct bacterial balance within the culture.

Kefir grains may become contaminated with undesirable bacteria such as coliforms and other spoilage bacteria that shorten the kefir shelf-life. To guard against this, kefir-making containers should be washed and sanitized prior to making kefir. Suitable containers include glass jars such as jam jars or pickle jars, but any suitably sized glass container will work. When necessary to wash kefir grains they should be also washed in pre-boiled and chilled water or fresh milk. Use of chloraminated tap water should be avoided, but if necessary it should be de-chloraminated.

Where to buy kefir grains?

The Kefir Starter offered by Body Ecology Diet is one of the best and easiest to make starter in the market. The package comes with 6 packets which can be used up to 7 times each. 1/4 cup of previous batch of kefir can ferment 1 quart of liquid. The package can make up to 42 gallons of Quality Kefir!For prolonged shelf life, keep refrigerated before using.

More to be continued in the next post.

Many recommend goat’s milk for those who are allergic to cow’s milk. I have also read about testimonials from those who notice significant difference in their eczema after starting consuming goat’s milk. However, please bear in mind that goat’s milk is not necessary suitable for everyone who are allergic to cow’s milk. So what is so special about goat’s milk?

Here are some of the differences for Goat milk vs cow’s milk …

1) Faster absorption

While cow’s milk requires up to three hours to be absorbed, goat’s milk requires only twenty minutes. At half the size of those in cows milk, the protein molecules in goat’s milk have thinner, more fragile membranes. For that reason, they are easier to absorb through the wall of the small intestine.

2) Less allergenic

Goat’s milk is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than cow’s milk because it doesn’t contain the protein complexes that are in cow’s milk which stimulate allergic reactions. Children who have allergic reactions to cow’s milk have seen their allergies improve after switching to goat’s milk.
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Oatmeal baths are one of the most relaxing baths out there. It’s great for your skin, smells good, and makes you wish you could just sit there forever. Plus, there are limitless variations on it.

1. Take about 1/3 to 3/4 cup of oatmeal (depending how big your coffee filter is) and pour it into a bowl.
2. Mash the dry oatmeal with a spoon to get rid of any clumps.
3. If you don’t have lavender buds, take a stalk of dried lavender and break the individual buds off if the branch and into the bowl.
4. Add a few drops of your prefferred essential oil to the bowl and mix with the spoon until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Spoon the mixture into your coffee filter bag and tie it off with a rubberband or ribbon.
6. Fill the tub with relatively hot water.
7. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of buttermilk (or regular milk) into the tub under the running water from the faucet.
8. Throw your oatmeal/lavender bag in the back of the tub, away from the running water.
9. As the tub cools to a tolerable temperature, the heat will cause essences of oatmeal and lavender to disperse.
10. Step into the tub and enjoy!

Almond Oil is a wonderful remedy for dry skin. Almond oil is one of the least greasy oils. It will soak into your skin quickly and leave only a slight residue. If your face feels as if it is swimming in oil, you have used too much; small dabs are enough to cover the whole face. It takes a week or two to get used to the right amount for your face, so expect some oily situations as a beginner! Almond oil will help to protect your skin against harsh, cold weather elements. In this case, apply to lips as well as face for added lip protection. Purchase oil in a dark colored, glass jar if possible. This ensures that the oil has had less chance of being damaged by light. Keep the oil in a cool, dark place and use it quickly once opened to prevent loss of its quality. Discard unused contents after one year.

How to Apply Almond Oil On Your Face:

1. Wash your face first and follow with your normal cleansing routine.

2. Apply a couple drops of pure almond oil to each side of your clean face.

3. Wet your clean hands with warm water and smooth the oil evenly all over your face. You can include the tender area around your eyes but do not press hard; use light, gentle strokes.

4. Allow almond oil to settle. After your face is dry, you can apply your makeup if you wish. Or, you can keep your face natural with the layer of protection from the almond oil.

**Warning:

* Always test sensitivity to an oil before use. Test a small dab on your wrist, or lower arm and watch for any reactions over a 24 hour period.

* Do not use nut oils if you have a nut allergy. There is no point giving yourself unnecessary complications.

Mosquitoes can be very irritating and they are dangerous too. For someone with eczema, a mosquito bite can be a very painful experience due to itchiness and scratching. There are a lot of repellents in the market, but many of them contains DEET. Eventhough DEET works great at keeping mosquitoes at bay, the active ingredient (N,N-diethly-meta-toluamide) can be absorb into the skin can cause reactions. People with eczema should be careful not to use bug sprays which consist of DEET. Try these natural bug repellents instead.

But first there are a few things you can do to keep the mosquitoes at bay:

1) Remove standing water sources. This is prime mosquito breeding ground.

2)Turn on a fan. A nice breeze will deter them and keep you cool.

3) Plan your activity accordingly. Mosquitos are most active in the early morning and early evening, so if you can, plan around these times or take extra precautions if you know you’ll be out and about.

4) Wear long sleeves. When you cover up there’s less exposed skin for the little blood suckers to feast on.

Here are some ideas if you want to make your own natural mosquitoes repellent:

1) You can mix 4oz of water and 10 drops of essential oils such as cedarwood, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, thai lemongrass, rosemary or catnip. Lemongrass and catnip are especially effective.

2) Neem Oil - 4 oz., (Banyan)is said to be a very effective natural mosquito repellent. Mix with a little coconut oil for applying on the skin.

Alternatively, try Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent. Natural and works very well.