When it comes to Pipe give me Wood

Sir Wedgey

Now that the Taboo is lifting from the Cannabis Culture and people are waking up to the recognition that this natural herb has medicine purposes The industry for smoking devices has exploded.  The designs and creativity are varied and all unique.  Artisans have come out of the wood works to create pipes from wood, metal and glass.  In this blog lets explore the options and opinions that are surrounding the world of smoking devices.

Pipe smoking is as old as time and isn't just centered around Cannabis.  Pipe smoking comes from every culture around the Globe and is used for Rituals, Community Gatherings and just for Personal Use.

The Petite Pocket Puffer

In Africa as well as in Native American and Asian cultures elders have spent time in reflection while smoking.  The natural herbs and spices that were imbibed where usually placed in wooden or gourd pipes that were hand carved from the native plants.

In the United States our Native American brothers and sisters used the Natural Environment to create Peace pipes and ritual pipes from wood.  

However in our world today with the vast materials that we have created as a collective society, have given way to a plethora of choices.  The three main materials we want to discuss are 

Wood, metal and glass pipes.  

WOOD

Smoking from a wooden pipe is natural and pleasant.  These pipes are not easily broken as glass and are a more pleasing experience than metal.  

Wood pipes are hand carved and crafted by an artisan and are not the easiest to accomplish.  There is care in the wood selected.  There is also a need to have "an eye" as a sculptor in order to design a pipe that is not only beautiful but that will function and have longevity.

Wood pipes are easy to clean with a simple pipe cleaner as the pipes are usually built to have a straight path through.

To preserve the longevity of the pipe screens can be placed in the bowl.  

Be gentle with how you fire the bowl and learn how your pipe works best.  Too much fire isn't a good thing...light the herb or tobacco lightly it is to burn NOT char!!!!

Using natural tobacco and herbs in Wood Pipes is simply a perfect pairing of Nature.

Juniper Pipes

Walnut Pipe

Mesquite Pipes

Metal

Metal pipes were created because the impression is that they are more geared toward the longevity scale.  Metal pipes although creative and functional are pretty straight forward in design and aesthetics.  

Metal pipes are pretty cool if you aren't into the aesthetics or overall smoking experience.  

Metal pipes are easy to clean and have individual parts that can be taken off the pipe.

Metal pipes although may last longer to me have a less quality in design and experience.

Glass

Glass pipes are wonderful additions to your pipe collection.  Glass pipes are easy to clean but you must use caution as these pipes BREAK.  Glass pipes are expensive!!! Do you best not to drop it!!!!

There are tons of amazing Artisans that use glass and the variety of glass pipes is overwhelming.  

I have always been a fan of glass but my preference is Wood. I am clumsy...

Glass pipes are all the craze and I understand why.  You can get powerfully creative with glass and shape it in any way the designer eye goes.  The color choices and combinations are out of this world.  Smoke shops across the globe have several varieties.  

**Where as Wood pipes are more uniques and specialized.  Also you haven't the need to be as cautious with Wood pipes.**

For those of us that like to smoke the perfect smoking device helps create the experience.  Whether it is a chill spot in your natural setting as you reflect on your day or if you are sharing a bowl with your friends at a gathering, your choices of design are personal and should always be special as you are.  You can honor your experience with a Natural Wood pipe and stay in the flow of the natural vibrations.

Visit your local smoke shop and ask to see the different material choices.  You can also take a look at Fire and Air in a Can.  They have a wonderful collection of Wood pipes that are reasonably priced.  Each pipe is individually made and designed.  Several of the pipes are one of a kind so you literally have your own pipe design!

Some of our favorite smoke shops beside Fire and Air in a Can are:

Fire and Air in A Can

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FireandAirinaCan

Pittbull Tobacco and More

2200 Colonial Ave #5, Norfolk, VA 23517

Phone: (757) 383-6109

EAV Smoke & Vape  1307 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Phone: (404) 300-3568

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FireandAirinaCan  https://www.facebook.com/ShopToulousseandSaint/?ref=page_internal

9 Essential MUST HAVES in Your Medicine Cabinet.

9 Essential MUST HAVES for Your Medicine Cabinet.

Activated Charcoal - Must HAVE

1. Alleviates Gas & Bloating- it really relieves gas pain and settles sour tummy!
2. Treats Alcohol Poisoning & Helps Prevent Hangovers
3. Mold Cleansing

Dr. AXE says... Activated charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in its millions of tiny pores. Typically, however, it’s not used when petroleum, alcohol, lye, acids or other corrosive poisons are ingested.

It doesn’t absorb the toxins, however. Instead it works through the chemical process of adsorption. In the body, absorption is the reaction of elements, including nutrients, chemicals and toxins, soaked up and assimilated into the blood stream. Adsorption is the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface.

The porous surface of activated charcoal has a negative electric charge that causes positive charged toxins and gas to bond with it. The nooks and crannies in activated charcoal are created through a heating process. It’s important to note that activated charcoal is not charcoal used in your barbecue grill! Barbecue charcoal is loaded with toxins and chemicals, and should never be consumed.

Golden Seal

1. Sinus Conditions
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
3. Allergy Prevention
4. Fever Reduction: While a fever does signal that the body is fighting off an infection, ongoing fevers can exhaust the body, cause dehydration, and even brain damage in extreme cases. Goldenseal can effectively lower fevers and reduce the strain on the body during prolonged illnesses.

Parasitic Issues: Parasitic worms are not a huge problem in the western world, but they are still a major threat in places that don’t have access to clean water; the anthelmintic properties of goldenseal can help to starve the intestinal worms and cause them to die, where they will then be passed from the system via normal routes (it also acts like a laxative, making this elimination even easier).

Colloidal silver is used to treat infections due to yeast; bacteria (tuberculosis, Lyme disease, bubonic plague, pneumonia, leprosy, gonorrhea, syphilis, scarlet fever, stomach ulcers, cholera); parasites (ringworm, malaria); and viruses (HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, herpes, shingles, warts).

1. Antibacterial
2. Wound Care/Skin Health
3. Antiviral

How Colloidal Silver Benefits Work 

According to a report written by Richard Davies and Samuel Etris of The Silver Institute in a 1996, there are three primary ways that colloidal silver can help heal the body: 

1. Catalytic Oxidation: Silver naturally holds onto oxygen molecules, which readily react with the sulfhydral (H) groups that surround bacterial and viruses. In turn, this helps block the life-preserving cellular process known as cellular respiration, which is defined as “the set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products.” 
2. Reaction with Bacterial Cell Membranes: Silver ions can attach to bacteria cell membranes directly and produce the same respiration-blocking effect.

1. Binding with DNA: Shown to literally enter bacteria DNA, up to 12% of silver has been detected in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to one source, “While it remains unclear exactly how the silver binds to the DNA without destroying the hydrogen bonds holding the lattice together, it nevertheless prevents the DNA from unwinding, an essential step for cellular replication to occur.”

We use Silver the minute we start to feel a cold trying to take hold...after a day of Silver the cold rarely wins!!!

  

Oil of Oregano 

1. Immune System Support
2. Protection Against Harmful Organisms

If you haven't experienced OoO just know that it is powerful and tastes awful and can be rather traumatic if you put the drops in water or juice!  i recommend using tablets for first timers!  I do highly recommend adding oil of oregano to your arsenal of natural healing tools, as it has a wide range of uses. This herbal oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can help fight off infections. antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties.

**In addition to its reputation as a natural immune booster, oregano oil also packs a punch against unwanted body fat. Its main active ingredient, carvacrol, is thought to modulate genes and reduce irritation in white adipose tissue. In one study, when fed a high-fat diet, mice not given carvacrol quickly became obese. In contrast, mice given carvacrol gained significantly less weight and even had lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in their blood.

Elder Berry 

Health benefits of the elder plant include naturally improving colds, the flu, sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and even cancer. When used within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the extract has actually been found to reduce the duration of the flu with symptoms being relieved on an average of four days earlier. During the 1995 Panama flu epidemic, the government actually employed the use of     
                                                                        the elderberry to fight the flu.

It gets better. When it comes antioxidant power, elderberry is higher in flavonoids than blueberries, cranberries, goji berries and blackberries.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup

INGREDIENTS:

• 3.5 cups cold water

• 2 cups organic dried elderberries

• 1 tablespoon fresh or dried organic ginger root

• 1 teaspoon organic cinnamon powder or 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 cup raw honey

1. Bring mixture to a boil.

1. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 40–45 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by about half.

1. Remove from heat and mash the berries.

1. Pour through a strainer or cheesecloth into a glass bowl. If you use a cheesecloth, make sure to squeeze out the juice.

1. Add honey and stir until well-combined.

1. Bottle final product in a sterilized glass container.

DIRECTIONS:

Pour water into saucepan and add elderberries, ginger and cinnamon.

Elderberry tea is another great option. You can either buy teabags or you can purchase dried berries or flowers and make a tea by combining one tablespoon of berries or flowers with eight ounces of water.

Mullein

Mullein flowers, leaves and root can be used to aid in respiratory issues such as chest colds, asthma and bronchitis.

"Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive. Research has shown that the herb has strong anti-inflammatory activity, and lab studies suggest that mullein flower infusions have antiviral properties."

Mullein leaf tea will help to clear your lungs and open the air ways to help you breath.  The use of Mullein flowers can help to relax you and to aid in restful sleep.  Make a tea of the leaves and flowers for a restful night.  A tea of the flowers will help relieve pain and can induce sleep.  

For external inflammations or skin conditions that cause pain us the tea mixed with vinegar and water to relieve the skin.

If you haven't time for tea, then the use of a tincture will work just as well!  You can get Mullein tinctures and dried leaves from your Local CO-OP or health food store.  We are currently in the process of brewing Fresh Mullein tinctures. We do however carry Mullein leaves here:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/500267382/dried-mullein

The recipes below can be helpful:
1.  Steep 1 tsp. of leaves and flowers in 1 cup of water.  Drink twice a day.

You can also use Mullein leaves to smoke in a pipe!!

Burdock

I first used this herb when I was living on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Every Sunday I would go to the Makuu Farmers Market to buy all of the delicious hydroponic veggies grown on the Hamakua Coast.  Once my face was recognized and conversations took place, I was accepted as part of the Clan.  (Was later given honorary Hawaiian status by Uncle Kaliko!)). Some of the local Aunties had terrible soars on the lower legs, and knowing that I was the Herb Doctor they asked that I help.  I was more than willing to oblige their request.  I loved them so, taking me into their tribe and treating me as family and all.  After asking a series of questions about their diet, exercise, living situations I surmised that the skin lesions were a results of internal issues rather than a topical skin issue.  It would take a power herb to punch those infectious wounds right the hell out.  Enter the powerhouse Burdock.

 Burdock is one of the best blood purifiers.  It can also reduce swelling on joints and help rid calcification deposits.  Burdock promotes healthy kidney function to help clear our blood of harmful acids.  Burdock helps to metabolism carbohydrates with inulin, a form of starch.  Other uses for Burdock is when mixed with Sassafras and used as a tea it can soothe  our hypothalamus gland and it aids the pituitary gland.  It helps to release an ample supply of protein to adjust hormone balance in our bodies.  Pretty damned cool wouldn't you say.  Just so you know... A healthy pituitary gland helps in regulating weight...

While living in Atlanta and working at a local Health Food Store I also suggested Burdock tea to another gentleman that had a poor diet, overweight and skin issues.  We as with the Hawaiian Aunties, surmised an internal issue rather than a topical issue.  He drank 2 cups of Burdock tea a day for a month and his skin healed.  He also was inspired to eat better and put in a little exercise.  This power from Mother Nature is real y'all.   

To make a Burdock tea simple take the dried root 2 teaspoons to 8oz of hot water and enjoy.  

The topical I made was a mixture of Burdock root, tea tree and golden seal.  It is used as a poltice on the wounds.  

1. Burdock hair rinses can be made to help with dandruff.
2. Burdock tea can be used as a mouth rinse for canker sores.

Yarrow

Yarrow is used as a tonic in helping to regulate the functions of the liver.  It tones the mucous membrane of the stomach and bowels and heals the gladular system.  It acts as a blood cleanser and opens pores to permit perspiration for elimination of waste.  It relieves the kidneys and can help with incontinence.  Use of the leaves helps in blood clotting on wounds.  

Although I prefer the use of Comfrey root or leaf to heal wounds, Yarrow leaf can also be used on cuts, not only for healing but in clotting and to stop bleeding when used externally.  

Read our Comfrey Root blog post here:  http://teawithtoulousse.blogspot.com/2016/11/comfrey-for-pain-and-healing-broken.html

For we women with painful menstrual cycles and clotting, Yarrow will help with easing cramping.  Either taken as a tea or in a sitz bath, yarrow helps to relieve clotting and will stimulate bleeding.  Because it stimulates bleeding and releases clots the painful process we suffer at the beginning of our moon cycle can be substantially eased by taking Yarrow as a tea.   I have used yarrow with all three of our daughters.  When I can wrestle the grumpy emotional, hormonal drama queens down during their moon cycles, they experience relief of cramping and bleed with more ease. Drink Yarrow tea twice a day the day before and during the first two days of your moon cycle.  Use 1 tablespoon of herb to 8oz of hot water and steep.  You can also make a tincture.  The video link give instructions on How to Make A Yarrow Tincture.  http://youtu.be/AljqzkynECQ

NOTE ***  because Yarrow tones the mucous membrane of the stomach it is great for bowel cramping as well.  It aids in digestion, bloating and gas issues.  

Echinacea

I have always loved this herb and the flower would make a great addition to any garden.  

To make a tea:  Boil 10 ounces of water.  Once to a boil turn off heat.  Use one teaspoon of dried Echinacea, add to water and steep for 10 minutes.  Drain with a strainer into your cup and enjoy.  I like to add agave to mine sometimes.  

This is our friend Echinacea!  Echinacea is one of the best herbs that you can use for maintenance  for your immune system.   And with Spring in bloom and summer coming it would be a good idea to begin boosting your system!

Echinacea stimulates the immune response and increases your bodies ability to resist infections.  Echinacea can improve the lymphatic filtration and drainage...which we all need after a really long winter!  Echinacea can also remove toxins from the blood.  It supports white blood cell activity!

This King of the Blood Purifiers is considered a non-toxic way of cleaning out your system! You can use Echinacea as a natural antibiotic on the daily to support you system.

Echinacea can be purchased as a tea, tablets or in a tincture.  I prefer tinctures but the tea is quite lovely too!  You can get Echinacea products from Health Food or Herb Stores.  Like most herbs, if you choose to boost your system, use the tea or tincture on a 3 on 1 off system.  Meaning three weeks on and take a week off the herb.  Allow your body to process over that week.  You don't want to tox your system.  

**Always use herbs safely, look for the contraindications, and ask your doctor if you are taking meds.

As always, Thank you for reading our blog faithfully!  We really enjoy spreading good natural remedies!  Please feel free to comment or ask questions!  Also remember to Plus One this Blog Post on Google Plus!

We Love You! 

Toulousse

Check out our Etsy Shop!  Here:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/FireandAirinaCan

I Broke myself and these Antibiotics make me farty! Healing the Gut!

I Broke myself and these Antibiotics make me farty!  Healing the Gut!

Okay so this is how it happened.  We were returning home from our sawmill guy, the dude that cuts our giant juniper slabs into smaller pieces so that we can create our beautiful natural edged cardboards.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/500259156/natural-wood-cutting-boards  We were 2 miles from home leaving the County Road and onto the dirt road to get home when we came around the corner there was a herd of deer just chilling in the road…

Saint hit the brakes in the CJ7, something caught, we spun around, Lost control, hit the ditch rolled in the Jeep.  The deer ended up being fine (yay!), the jeep has been in better shape, Saint got a little banged up and hurt his shoulder pretty bad hanging onto the steering wheel so that he didn't fall on top of me,  me I got a smashed right-hand and a really fucked up back…

3 days after ER

My right thumb is broken in two places and one of the breaks snapped my poor little thumb bone like a twig!  My right index finger is completely smashed at the carpel.  I have four huge lacerations that required stitches and the transverse Break in my thumb requires that I take antibiotics for fear of infection, bone infection!

And I know some of you might remember that two years ago when I broke my left arm right at the wrist I never even went to the doctor. I used comfrey poultices to heal the bones and also used a mixture of seven essential oils to help with the pain. I am using comfrey politics on my wedge lumbar!  Quite the experience!  

http://teawithtoulousse.blogspot.com/2016/11/comfrey-for-pain-and-healing-broken.html 

In this particular case because of the lacerations and the way that my hand was broken I had to go to the doctor I had to get stitches and I had to start taking antibiotics so that not only could the broken bones and lacerations heal but it was really important to fight off any infection.  I have sense ,after the ER visit,  have seen the orthopedic doctor And will be in a cast for the next seven weeks I am so thrilled that I have dictation on my MacBook Pro today  I can still blog for you yeah technology!  

So now here I am 28 days later and off antibiotics but damn am I farting and my guts killing me.  

In this blog I want to give some foods that we can eat while on antibiotics and after, to help restore the flora in your gut and to promote healing in the body let's read on…

Antibiotics

Okay so we know Antibiotics work to help prevent bacterial infections.  The problem with antibiotics is that not only do they kill the bacteria that may cause you infection, they also kill all of the good bacteria in our guts.  Some of the side effects antibiotics have are intestinal gas and diarrhea, this is a result of the disruption of the species composition in the intestinal Flora.  

Gut flora (gut microbiota, or gastrointestinal microbiota) is the complex community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals, including insects. The gut metagenome is the aggregate of all the genomes of gut microbiota.^[1] The gut is one niche that human microbiota inhabit.

All the good bacterial colonies in the gut die along with the bad.

I asked some of my friends that are in "the know" what I can do to help heal my gut.  I am not a fan of probiotics!  Below is a comprehensive list of foods that we can eat to restore balance to our intestinal flora.

My Japanese friend Kito works in the field a genetic biology and suggested to me that in his culture as well as in science fermented Foods can help to introduce beneficial bacteria into your digestive system.  I myself I'm not the biggest fan of Kombucha, it is a bit too vinegary for me however I do like the brand Bucha, and can tolerate it's taste.  But there are other fermented food that can be eaten other then forcing yourself to drink a vile tasting Blah!  

Polenta

Benefits: This high-fiber, corn-based complex carbohydrate has a fermentable component Background:  Corn, the base of polenta, earns credit for fostering a healthy gut. Polenta’s insoluble fiber travels directly to the colon, where it ferments into multiple strands of gut flora. It’s good to note that polenta, like kombucha, varies in fermentable components.

Fermented plant-based foods: tempeh and miso

Benefits: Fermented foods, such as tempeh and miso, are trending for a reason. They directly inoculate your gut with healthy live micro-organisms that will crowd out the unhealthy bacteria, improve the absorption of minerals, and improve overall health.

Background: Fermented plant-based foods are probiotics that have been found to improve the health of the intestinal cells, improve immune function, decrease allergies, reduce the risk of colon cancer, and treat diarrhea.

“Meghan Jardine, M.S., M.B.A., R.D., L.D., C.D.E., is the associate director of diabetes nutrition education at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting effective medical practice, higher standards in research, and preventive nutrition.”

Here's a list of other foods to help the healing process…

Bananas

Benefits: Restores health of the bacterial community, may reduce inflammation

Background: bananas work to maintain harmony among microbes in the bacterial community, known as phyla. This is one reason bananas are a standard prescription for an upset stomach. Bananas may also reduce inflammation, due to high levels of potassium and magnesium.

Broccoli, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower - yes I know these are fart makers

Benefits: Cruciferous vegetables contain sulfur-containing metabolites, known as glucosinolates, which are broken down by microbes to release substances that reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of bladder, breast, colon, liver, lung, and stomach cancer.

Background: glucosinolates latch onto carcinogenic intruders in our colon and kindly show these pathogens the way out. Over the long run, this pays big dividends: Studies show people who eat the most cruciferous vegetables reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent. One more reason to load up on leafy greens!

Beans

Benefits: Any legume will help release short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that strengthen your intestine cells, improve absorption of micronutrients, and help with weight loss.

Background: Beans feed good gut bugs, heat up your immune system.  They are packed with fiber, protein, folate, and B vitamins, which play a role in regulating a healthy gut.

APPLES

Having a healthy digestive tract is imperative for our overall health. After all it’s how our bodies absorb and utilize all those amazing nutrients we consume. 

Apples contain a unique type of fiber called pectin, which has been shown to help improve digestion because of it’s soluble nature and ability to bind to cholesterol or toxins in the body and “get rid of them”.

Pineapple We call it Nature’s Candy 

Bromelain. Pineapple also has a digestive enzyme called bromelain, which is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes work together to help your digestive system break down and absorb proteins from the foods you eat!  

And I know somebody may be asking why I just didn't Post a blog about probiotics it's because I hate them and I think it's a stupid fad causing people to eat worse popping a pill to make your stomach feel better! Stop that shit and eat the foods that nature created for us to help us rebuild intestinal flora.  Let’s use healthy habits instead of pill popping insta fix!  RANT OVER!

I hope this is helpful if you've suffered or are suffering from the side effect of antibiotics. Luckily for us Natures always taking care of us in one form or another we just have to listen to her and discover which of her healing properties is best for us. There are probiotic drinks available in the hippie section of regular stores or at health food stores. And just a quick mention raw natural yogurts or yogurts that have live active cultures can also be used to restore a happy gut.

Now that we are in this setback, although it is temporary, we still have our ETSY Store Open although production Will be limited until my hand heels.  Go on over to the shop and give us a favor and you may even win a prize for April!  

We love you!

Toulousse

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AND ALL 8 DEER LIVED AND WERE NOT HARMED!!!

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