These three products have one ingredient in common. What is it? The answer is Carmine. On cosmetics, this may be labeled carmine, crimson lake, cochineal, or natural red 4. On food, the label will list cochineal extract or carmine. Foods that contain carmine include some brands of yogurt, candy, and non-refrigerated juice. What is Carmine?…
Archives for October 2013
Water Kefir: Oxygen or No Oxygen?
Should you make water kefir with an airlock or just cover it with a cloth? Is the process more like kombucha or sauerkraut? I have been making water kefir for several years now and so far have not used an airlock. I cap the jar tightly during the second ferment to increase carbonation. (An airlock…
How to Test for Toxic Mold
Wondering if toxic mold is an issue in your home? Hiring a hygienist is one option. Another is to perform your own dust sample. Learn how to test for toxic mold. Dust sampling can be a good way to assess the health of your environment. The ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) test is recommended as…
Our Toxic Mold Home as We Left It
It was Saturday October 4, 2008. Chris arrived home at 8:30 p.m after a long flight from Chicago. I was standing in the driveway ready to vacate our home. It had become clear that our home would never be safe for us. After two mold remediations, it was time to start over. (Read about Chris’…
Hydraulic Fracturing: New Report
Hydraulic fracturing, the controversial process of extracting natural gas from shale rock layers, is rapidly expanding across the country. It is currently in 17 states with more than 80,000 wells drilled or permitted since 2005. Little is known about the long-term implications of this practice. While fracking companies assure us all is well, a report…
Our Unique Healing Journey
I’ve learned the hard way, that healing is a process and there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to health. October 4, 2008, our family vacated our home and everything in it. Toxic mold can do this – often ripping families apart in the process. Fortunately, our marriage survived. Our kids did too. It has…
