Sunday, May 10, 2015

Farewell Gathering for Evi and Ivan at Vive Mexico - May 10/2015


Our Farewell Gathering with Bernadette, Alan, Jordan and Debra took place at Augustine's Restaurant, "Vive Mexico". His lovely open garden area and the warmth and love he shares so graciously makes San Juan Cosala a magical place at night. The streets are alive with children playing, decorations in brightly coloured paper hanging on cords that cross each road high above shops and homes. 
Vive Mexico serves up delicious Mexican food. Augustine's love of art is reflected on the walls which display local paintings that change each month. He cares deeply for his town, and is not only a chef, but an architect, builder and organizer.  He finds innovative community projects and generously offers his land to support woman now growing Moringa Trees in a garden that are sold in the US. It empowers the women, the leaves are transported to the US and sell for $100. a kilo. This is just one of the many projects he helps plan, initiate and sustain enthusiasm for that provide his fellow Mexicans with hope and inspiration. 

Moringa Trees- Information Re: Health 


ten benefits of the moringa oleifera tree

The Moringa Oliefera is one of many trees that we here at tentree are planting incountries around the world. It also happens to be one of the most useful trees around. Here’s a list of the top ten benefits of the Moringa Oleifera Tree!
1. In most cultures, the Moringa Oleifera is referred to as the miracle tree or the tree of life and the majority of it is edible and can be consumed by all ages. We’re off to a good start.
2. Moringa contains more that 90 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, and 36 anti-inflammatory compounds. It also has 18 amino acids, including the 8 essentials that our bodies need to survive but cannot manufacture ourselves (and must be supplied through diet). All this is 100% naturally occurring in the Moringa, whereas most multivitamins and calcium supplements available on the market are made using synthetic ingredients that the human body absorbs very minimal nutrients from.
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3. The flowers can be cooked down and are said to taste of mushrooms. The flower juice is useful for treating urinary problems and as a natural laxative. Tea made from the flowers has also been used as a common cold remedy.
4. The seeds can be eaten like peas or roasted like nuts but are often ground into powder and used in treatment of scurvy skin diseases, insect bites, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramps, STDs, and boils due to their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. They have been used as a relaxant for epilepsy. And after oil has been extracted, the seed cake can be used as fertilizer or a flocculent to purify water.
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5. The oil extracted from the seeds can resist rancidity and is used to treat bladder and prostate problems, as well as stomach disorders. It can relieve headaches when rubbed on the temples and is also used in perfumes, skin care, and hair oil. It is also being studied for its potential as a biofuel.
6. The leaves are commonly known as the most nutritious part of the Moringa and have no proven side effects to this date. Gram for gram, these leaves have 7 times the Vitamin C of an orange, 4 times the Vitamin A of carrots and calcium of milk, 3 times the potassium of bananas, the Vitamin E of spinach, and the iron of almonds, and 2 times the protein of yogurt. Regularly consuming Moringa leaves has been linked to a boosted immune system, lower blood pressure, improved digestion and mood, and weight loss due to its high fiber and low fat and calorie levels. They’re also regularly used to treat fevers, bronchitis, anemia, and eye and ear infections.
7. The roots and bark are used to relieve lower back or kidney pain, for cardiac and circulatory problems, and as a condiment (much like horseradish), tonic, or tea for inflammation and digestion. (the roots and bark have all of the properties above but are more concentrated and should have more care taken when used as a medicine because the alkaloid spirachin (a nerve-paralyzer) has been found in the roots).
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8. Moringa has been used as a sexual virility drug to treat erectile dysfunction in men and increase sex drive (as an aphrodisiac) in women. It has also been known to prevent pregnancy; But in the case of having a baby, it will increase and nourish breast milk production.
9. In Jamaica, the sap is used for a blue dye and in Haiti the trees are grown as windbreaks and to help reduce soil erosion because it is fast growing (flowering begins within the first 6 months of planting) and drought resistant. It is also in full-leaf at the end of the dry season when most other foods are typically scarce.

  


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

We Are Heading to Magdalena to Look at Opals and Find Some for Ivan's Jewelry - April 14/2015

Hello Folks,

We are planning a trip to Magdalena, the Opal Town. Mexican Fire Opals are beautiful and it's the place to find them. Ivan wants to create some new jewelry using these beautiful opals hand chosen.

We will leave her on April 16 and return April 17 unless we find the little towns require another day or so. (I doubt it)

Our old red Sunfire Pontiac (refurbished, but working well) should get us there:)

I am studying about Mexican Fire Opals and Irene sent us lots of tips. It will be an adventure and what could be smaller to take home?

The days are warmer now, but it's dry so when it 90 degrees (30 c) it doesn't feel too hot. Many days are cooler and perfect for my silk painting.

Our thoughts are slowly moving to life back home, we will be in Gibsons on May 13.  I look forward to another summer! This trick of enjoying two summers is often confusing, but it suits us.

Warmest Greetings,

Evi y Ivan

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Some Photos Karen Took During her Visit to Jocotepec




Our visiting friends are our third set of eyes, showing us new and different ways to view the surrounding beauty. It is a joy to share this little bit of paradise with others. It always allows me to make new disoveries, deepen connections with my Mexican friends and celebrate life.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

A Day in Chapala - March 29- 2015

March 29, 2015

     It’s always delightful when we have a guest who has never been to Mexico.  Each year we have more to share, greater enthusiasm, and more information. (but never enough!!) 
    Karen joined us 6 days ago and we have been on the “go” visiting towns, Tiangis (markets), feasting with friends, and delighting in the fruits of Mexico with renewed enthusiasm.
    We enjoyed the pool and view at the Racquet club, explored the back roads of Jocotepec and visited Montse so Karen could enjoy a hair treatment, Mexican style. This often includes Montse’s kids leaping on top of each other in the very small salon, her grandmother sitting on the couch and the local kiosk delivering food.  Yet the chaos did not compromise Montse’s skill as a stylist and the results were great!
     We’ve enjoyed delightful weather, endless interesting conversations, and the beauty of the Jacaranda trees now in bloom. These tall trees with their purple blue petals look stunning next to the still blooming brilliant yellow Primavera Trees.
     Yesterday Marta, our Mexican friend, came over and gave Karen and I a wonderful massage.  Marta is multi-talented, she does reflexology, massage and knows so much about herbal medicine.  She is always glad to answer questions and fill in our information gaps when it comes to tradition and life in Mexico.  She took us to an herbal store as Ivan’s shoulder was causing severe pain. We now have topical Peyote Cream!
      Here are a few visuals of our unusually active life between the old road in Joco, and the festive Tiangi in Chapala.