My journey with calendula and marigold started as a practical endeavour, initially driven by their renowned pest-repelling abilities, which complemented my vegetable garden’s needs. As I planted them among my vegetables, these vibrant blooms not only deterred pests but also turned my garden into a lively tapestry. The constant hum …
August 2024
Rejuvelac
I studied Dr. Ann Wigmore’s work many years ago and have always been fascinated by her contributions to the world of fermented foods. One such creation is Rejuvelac, a probiotic-rich drink made by fermenting sprouted grains in water. Popularized in the 1960s by Dr. Ann, the founder of the Hippocrates …
Koji Full Spectrum Enzyme (for humans and compost making)
Koji, scientifically known as Aspergillus oryzae, is a type of filamentous fungus used extensively in Asian cuisines and fermentation processes. It’s regarded as a culinary powerhouse due to its ability to produce enzymes that break down complex substances into simpler ones. What fascinates me is the comprehensive range of enzymes …
Synergy, Herbs, Minerals & Soil
I’ve been wrestling with how to articulate my thoughts on the desire to analyze herbs for specific nutrients especially minerals. To break down these complex plants into neat little lists of vitamins and minerals, to quantify their goodness in milligrams and percentages is not always best (extractive in nature). I …
Expanding Our Perception of Life’s Rich Tapestry
Why We Need Umwelt: Ecological Storytelling Imagine, for a moment, that you’re not just you. You’re a bee, a wolf, a tree, or even a bacterium. How would the world appear? What would you sense? How would you interact with your environment? These questions aren’t just flights of fancy; they’re …
The Politics of the Soil Food Web: Nature’s Underground Diplomats
Beneath our feet lies a complex world of soil microbes engaged in intricate “belowground politics.” These tiny organisms form alliances, communicate, negotiate, and sometimes even sabotage each other’s efforts, offering profound lessons for human society. This underground realm unveils fascinating dynamics that can reshape our understanding of both natural and …
Terrain Theory vs Germ Theory
The various microorganisms that make up the human microbiome are often viewed through two contrasting lenses – the germ theory and the terrain theory. The main difference between these approaches lies in their fundamental perception of microbes and their role in health and disease. The germ theory, which underpins much …
Cofactors and Coenzymes: Unraveling the Mysteries of Nutrient Interactions
Your hunger and passion to eat illustrate the body’s need for daily nourishment. However, the food we consume cannot be directly utilized by our internal systems. It must undergo a series of transformations to make vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates available to the body through complex biochemical reactions. These …
Relationship Between Human & Soil Biomes
The intricate relationship between human microbiomes and soil microbiomes presents a fascinating parallel, illustrating the interconnectedness of all living systems on Earth. Just as the human gut microbiome is crucial for our health and well-being, the soil microbiome is essential for the health of plants and the entire ecosystem. In …