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It’s pretty hard to forget 9-11, probably one of the scariest days of my life. I was getting ready to leave for work when I saw on the news the trade center had been hit. Five minutes later, I HEARD the Pentagon get hit. Next, all lines were down and I couldn’t get through to anyone. My mom was working at the Navy Yard and Husband on Ft. Belvoir. I didn’t know if I would talk to them again. Not a great memory. Honestly, I DON’T like to think about it.

Tea Tree Oil

Photo by Arthur Chapman

Australian aborigines relied on the leaves of the tea tree to fight infections, it has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and anti-fungal agent. Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. Today, it is used throughout the world at an antiseptic. Scientist have confirmed that it combats harmful bacteria and fungal infections.

What it does:

• Used topically to treat a variety of infections.
• Once applied, the oil makes it impossible for many disease-causing fungi to survive.
• Studies show that it fights various bacteria, including some that are resistant to antibiotics.
• Tea tree oil mixes readily with skin oils, allowing it to attack the infective agent quickly and actively.

Benefits:

• Tea tree oil’s antiseptic properties are excellent for treating cuts and scrapes, as well as insect bites and stings.
• The oil promotes healing of minor wounds, helps to prevent infection and minimizes scarring.
• Tea tree oil fights the fungus Trichophyton, which is the main cause of athlete’s foot, jock itch and certain nail infections.
• It can also be effective against Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis, two of the organisms that cause vaginal infections.  These infections can be hard to treat, in this case, your doctor will have to prescribe a more potent antifungal medication.
• Tea tree oil may be beneficial in the treatment of acne.
• It is sometimes suggested as a treatment for warts. Although, studies have not confirmed this use.

Forms:

• Oil
• Gel
• Cream
• Vaginal suppository

Common Uses:

• Disinfects cuts and scrapes
• Minimizes scarring
• Insect, spider bites and stings
• Athlete’s foot
• Fungal nail infections
• Yeast infections
• Dandruff
• Acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis

How to take it?

Athlete’s foot, skin wounds/irritations or nail infections:

• Apply a drop or two of pure, undiluted tea tree oil to affected areas of the skin or nails two or three times a day.  Tea tree oil creams and lotions can also be used.

Yeast infections:

• Insert a commercially available tea tree oil vaginal suppository every 12 hours, for up to five days.

Acne:

• Mix 5 parts tea tree oil to 95 parts water and apply to area.

Dandruff:

• Mix 10 drops of Tea Tree oil for every 8 oz. of shampoo.
• Apply a few drops of Tea Tree oil directly to your scalp before you shampoo your hair. Shampoo as normal and then rinse thoroughly.

Shopping Hints:

• There are a number of commercial shampoos, soaps and other skin-care products that contain tea tree oil, but they generally have such a small amount that that there is little or no bacteria-fighting effect.
• When buying commercial products be sure it’s derived from Melaleuca alternifolia, as there are several types of tea tree. Oil from other species can be high in cineole content.

Warning:

• Tea tree oil is for topical use only.  Never take tea tree oil orally.
• Before using the oil for the first time, dab a small amount onto your inner arm with a cotton swab.
• In undiluted form, it can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.

References:

• The Complete Guide to Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the oil listed above.

Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

• Non-stick vegetable spray
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 pints fresh strawberries
• 1 recipe whipped cream frosting
• Whipped Cream Frosting:
• 1 teaspoon gelatin
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350, place rack in the middle of the oven. Lightly coat 2 (9-inch) cake pans with nonstick vegetable spray. Line the bottoms with a circle of baking parchment.
• In a large bowl,  sift the flour,  baking powder and salt together, 3 times. Bring the milk and butter to a boil (in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and add vanilla and lemon extracts.
• In separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale yellow, fluffy and doubled in volume. While still beating, drizzle in the hot milk mixture.
• Fold in the flour mixture. Spread the batter in the pans and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden, make sure cake tester comes out clean.
• Set the pans out to cool. Run the tip of a knife around the edges of the cakes to loosen them, then turn out of the pans.

Whipped Cream Frosting:

• In a medium bowl, mix together the gelatin and 1/4 cup of the cream. Let stand for 5 minutes to soften, then place the bowl over barely simmering water until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
• Remove the bowl from the heat and let cool to lukewarm.
• In a mixing bowl, whip the cream until slightly thickened. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and whip to the consistency of shaving cream.
• Fold 1/2 cup of the whipped cream into the gelatin mixture, then fold in the rest.

Strawberries:

• Wash and dry the strawberries, pick out 12.
• Stem and slice the rest. Mix with 3 tablespoons sugar and refrigerate while juices develop, at least 30 minutes.
• Spoon some of the strawberries with their juice onto each shortcake bottom.
• Spread a 1/2-inch layer of whipped cream on top.
• Place the second cake over the first. Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
• Top with the 12 whole berries.

Thanks for stopping by!

Arts & Entertainment:

Trailer: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton Hunt Down Witches in ‘Hansel and Gretel’ Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters has been kicking around for a while now. With the summer movie season officially over, we get our first look at the re-imagined take starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton in the title roles. Read full story from fandango.com

News:

Woman Killed and Burned in Colombia over Suspected Witchcraft A woman suspected of practicing witchcraft was murdered and her body burned over the weekend in the Colombian town of Santa Barbara.María Berenice Martínez’s naked body was found inside her house with blows to the skull, her hair ripped out and burn marks, according to Colombian press reports. The killers had tied the door shut with a rope so she couldn’t escape.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Folk Names: Garden Sage, Red Sage, Sawge

Powers: Immortality, Longevity, Protection, Wisdom,  Wishes

“SAGE make green the winter rain, Charm the demon from my brain.”

Photo by dnnya17

SAGE is a member of the Mint family. and is closely related to MUGWORT, WORMWOOD, and SOUTHERNWOOD. Native Americans use Sagebrush for blessing, cleansing, and purification and burn it during religious and personal ceremonies.

Native sages are Artemisias, but when used for spiritual purposes the two are treated by most people as relatively interchangeable. Salvia is used by many peoples to fumigate or cense a sacred space, bringing purification and cleansing.

Arts & Entertainment:

New movie in production based on Rose Hall’s ‘White Witch’ legend Albany pagans looking for future films related to witchcraft and the occult will definitely have some entertainment to look forward to next year. According to an article appearing in the “Jamaica Observer,” a new thriller film called, “The Rebellion: The Legend of the White Witch of Rose Hall,” is slated for production and release in 2013. The movie will be produced by Raquel Roxanne, directed by Rodrigo Retamoza III, and written by Nadine Barnett Cosby. The film will be based on the famed and haunted history at the Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Read full story from examiner.com

Black Elder

Botanical Name: Sambucus Nigra

Photo by Vietnam Plants & America plants

This European plant also known as “bourtree”, has Pre-Christian documents attributing protective and healing powers to the black elder. In England, it was believed bad luck to cut its branches for fear of showing disrespect to the mother elder, who was thought to inhabit the tree.

Plant Facts:

• It is a member of the honeysuckle family and can grow to a height of 33 ft.

Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. or 1 box of shells
• 8 tbsp. butter
• 8 tbsp. flour
• 5 c. milk
• 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
• 2 tsp. prepared mustard
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• Bread crumbs for topping

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, then add the garlic salt, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and the mixture begins to boil. Add the cheese and stir until the cheese is melted. Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat the pasta.
• Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Bake for 25 minutes, then Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Cook an additional 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

Enjoy! Have a great weekend!

Archaeology:

A ROMAN SHIPWRECK IN THE ANCIENT PORT OF ANTIBES A team of archaeologists from Inrap have uncovered a Roman shipwreck in southern France, in what was once part of the bustling ancient port of Antibes.

Antibes was known as Antipolis, a Greek colony originally founded by the Phoenicians of Massalia. The date of its origin is uncertain, but situated on the coast of Provence, Antipolis occupied a privileged position on the sea routes linking Marseilles to the Italian coast and contained a natural harbour – Anse Saint-Roch – which protected shipping from prevailing winds. Read full story from pasthorizonspr.com