Welcome to Our Newsletter!
Issue 29 - December 2011
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What's Happenin' at OWH?
A sure sign that winter is just around the corner is the return of the elk!
Every fall, as the snows begin to pile up in the mountains, the elk begin to cautiously work their way down towards our farm. Even though there is plenty of fresh green grass in the fields growing on surrounding farms, they always know where to come first. This year is even better because we managed to get our fall cover crops planted early enough to be well established. This has provided the elk with several acres of fresh green cover crops including Australian field peas, clovers, vetch and winter wheat and oats. The first sighting included about twenty, and we expect the herd to increase to around thirty. The bull elks have not appeared yet but we know they are just a short distance away watching over the herd.
The bees have been tucked in for the winter and our final harvest of root crops is finished. This break in farm activities won't last long, though, as we still have seed to clean and planting to be done in the green houses.
It's been a good year here at OWH, and our harvest have been bountiful. We will experience shorter days as we move deeper into winter, but today, it's time for a short break. I'm going to have a hot cup of tea with a spoon full of our fresh honey, just as mother nature has ordered.
Slow down, sleep a little more, and enjoy the break because in just a few weeks, the days will start to get longer and we will move into the light.
- Randy Buresh, RN, Co-Owner and Farmer |
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Kickin' Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural and necessary response to physical injury, infection, or exposure to chemicals. Chronic inflammation is something different, and can be caused by over-exercise, stress or simply be the result of aging.
Traditional wisdom, combined with new scientific research, validates the use of many plant-based herbal products to offer nutritional support for inflammation.
Here are our Top 5 for Reducing Inflammation:
- Balance Your Fat Intake. The imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 in our diet causes inflammation in our bodies.
- Quit Smoking & Other Bad Habits. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, and caffeine have been associated with increased levels of inflammatory proteins in the body.
- Lose Weight. This is a vicious cycle because the more overweight we are the more inflammation there is in our bodies.
- Sweat! Researchers have observed that aerobic exercise significantly reduces C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation).
- Think Flavorful Foods! Many of the herbs and spices we add to flavor our foods also promote a normal inflammatory response by actually changing your body chemistry in a healthy way.
More on Inflammation>
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Remedies and Recipes
Jo reviewing
Sustainable Energy Drink
Joanne Roberts, R&D Oregon's Wild Harvest
 5 hour energy? 6 hour energy? How about sustained energy from herbs and natural sources? Commercial energy drinks are packed with high levels of sugar, and sometimes, caffeine that may create a temporary burst of artificial energy, but after the body has metabolized the caffeine and sugar, you will be feeling the same, or possibly more lethargic. This recipe makes a great drink that refreshes, energizes, provides antioxidant protection and hydrates your body and makes it a perfect workout beverage for before, during or after your workout. More>
Clove Pomanders
Joanne Roberts, R&D Oregon's Wild Harvest
 Pomanders are an old European tradition that dates back to the time when it was necessary to mask the odors resulting from poor sanitation. This spreads a nice scent throughout the house and the oranges themselves act as Christmas decorations. With a little supervision and assistance, children can make them easily. More>
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