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6 Ways Matcha Green Tea can help you

Are you a fan of Matcha Green Tea? Here are 6 Ways Matcha Green Tea can help you and how you can enjoy it!

Have you heard of Matcha Green Tea?

Matcha Green Tea has grown in popularity over the past few years. Matcha Green Tea is pretty unique because it is only grown in Japan (green tea is grown outside of Japan as well). It is a traditional tea that was consumed by Monks to improve mental clarity. One Cup of Matcha Green Tea has 10 times the nutritional value of one cup of regular green tea.

Why should you Drink Matcha Green Tea?

Natural Detox

Because Matcha tea is high in chlorophyll, it is a great way to detox naturally. Natural detox is a great way to keep our liver healthy and working properly. You should always try to avoid toxins in our environment and foods, but you just can’t avoid everything. I really like a gentle daily detox to help. read more

Treating Mastitis Naturally

Treating Mastitis Naturally

Mastitis can be scary to a breastfeeding mama. 

The painful and inflamed breast. The chills. The fever.

I have had full blow mastitis 3 times now! I had it both after the first few days after childbirth and now today…

What causes mastitis?

Mastitis is usually caused by a clogged milk duct that isn’t draining properly. Mastitis can come when you are not resting enough or drinking enough water – Hello, Holidays!

This time it developed from a milk bleb – a clog right on the nipple. I noticed a slightly painful white dot on my nipple about 2 weeks ago, but I thought it honestly went away… Until last night.

Last night when I went to bed, I noticed my breast was tender. I tried to compress my breast to get any milk flowing, didn’t make much progress so I just went to sleep. I had trouble getting comfortable because it was tender.

I had a lot of trouble sleeping and finally got up at 3 am. I was feeling light-headed walking to the bathroom and almost passed out when I was trying to put in my contacts. I had to wake my husband so he could help me get some meds and vitamins, plus see what my temperature was.

We have a forehead scanning thermometer and it read 102.0 and 105.0… who knows.

I had a fever!

I couldn’t sit up in bed without getting light-headed. It was already serious.Sick Mom

I immediately took 2 Tylenol gel caps (which I NEVER do!), but I kept thinking… If I can’t take care of myself, who is going to take care of my babies?

I also took garlic tablets, vitamin C, and lecithin (a fat emulsifier to help break up any fat in the clog). The vitamins are immune boosters and should help fight off any infection.

Then I nursed, expressed milk, and nursed some more.

I stayed in bed until 9:30, then felt like I was at least well enough to come downstairs.

I fixed myself a large glass of echinacea tea, also full of antioxidants and immune boosting properties. I also took probiotics and cod liver oil.

I continued taking the vitamins and nursed more often to help keep the milk moving and clear any infection.

The Keys to Treating Mastitis:

1) Catch it early! 

Mastitis is an infection that can get out of control quickly. As soon as you notice a clog, be proactive about trying to get it cleared before it escalates into Mastitis.

2) Take your vitamins! 

Focus on vitamins to strengthen your immune system. I took garlic, echinacea, and vitamin C. These will help you fight off the infection – or prevent one from happening if you catch it early.

3) Use hot compresses. 

Hot compresses open up the ducts and pores on your breast and help you clear the clog and drain the breast more effectively. You can even take a hot shower and use the warm water to help while massaging the clog.

4) Nurse, Nurse, Nurse

Keep that milk flowing! Babies are the most effective at draining the breast. You can also use a pump to help get any extra milk out between feedings. Also, when you nurse, remember to change the baby’s position each time (or even during the feeding). I always found that nursing while hovering over the baby laying on a bed was the fastest way to clear a clog (looks funny though!).

5) Rest

Mastitis usually happens because you aren’t resting enough. You need to take a break and stay at home while you heal. Also drink plenty of water and recuperate.

I hope you never have to deal with mastitis. It is not fun to have to deal with. Thankfully with these tips, you should be able to clear it up quickly and be back to normal. 

If you don’t find relief in a few hours, you may need to call your doctor.  read more

Benefits of Drinking Hot Chocolate

Did you know that drinking hot chocolate could actually be good for you? Today I’m going over some of the benefits of drinking hot chocolate and my special recipe too!

Angela of Grassfed Mama shares healthy tips for busy moms.
Angela of Grassfed Mama shares healthy tips for busy moms.

Benefits of Drinking Hot Chocolate

Why you don’t have to feel guilty about pouring that second cup

I love drinking hot chocolate on a cold night, snuggled up on the couch with a blanket. I knew that cocoa powder was a great source of antioxidants, but I wanted to know just how healthy this hot chocolate really was. There are plenty of benefits of drinking hot chocolate to keep you pouring a cup all winter long.

I drink my hot chocolate sweetened with stevia, so it is sugar free. This also helps keep it guilt free too.
read more

Homemade Dark Chocolate

I love dark chocolate!

I’m talking about that love that you just can’t go a week without… or a day even!

When that craving hits, you don’t want to be reaching for a candy bar.

Commercial chocolate is full of ingredients that are not healthy for you, even though chocolate itself is actually pretty healthy.

Commercial chocolate has processed sugar in it… not good for stable blood sugars or for weight loss.

Dark chocolate is a good source of Magnesium and antioxidants. More on Magnesium here and a magnesium oil recipe.  read more

7 Ways to Use Cranberry Sauce

cranberriesCranberries are in season! I love cranberries for many reasons.

They are tart and add a nice flavor to turkey and dressing on Thanksgiving. They are great paired with pumpkin in muffins and breads. And they make a great No Sugar Added Cranberry Sauce!

They are also very healthy for you! read more