The humble coconut has undoubtedly had its fifteen minutes of fame – having gone from an exotic tropical treat you slurp on the white sand beaches of the Bahamas, to a pricey beverage consumed in the name of clean eating.  It’s not surprising that the market for this super-drink has raked in $1 billion, turning it into quite the burgeoning industry over the years.

But coconut water may soon be on the back burner once birch sap hits the market.

Yup, that’s right–birch sap.  If you’ve been keeping up with random beverage trends in Northeastern Europe and even parts of Asia, you’ll known that this super ingredient may have just what it takes to supersede the coconut and start a new craze of drinkable plant water here in the U.S.  And the health benefits speak for themselves.

Like coconut water, birch sap is high in potassium, macronutrients and electrolytes, and has been consumed by those in Scandinavian and Baltic nations for centuries.  Not only is this sustainable plant-based beverage a known detoxifier, it has also been traditional used to help treat hypertension, urinary infections, gout and kidney-related problems.

With the market’s heavy demand for coconuts and the havoc it’s wreaking on the small farms and communities growing them, tapping birch trees for sap is the smarter way for consumers to enjoy organic beverages.

Eager to try birch sap for yourself? Good news – you have a few options to choose from.  If you have a birch tree in your backyard, the instructions for harvesting are pretty simple (keep in mind that late winter/ early springtime are the ideal seasons to tap birch trees for sap).

Here’s what you need to do:

• Drill a hole approximately 2-3 inches deep at an upward angle (which allows the sap to flow freely)
• Insert spigot (tap) into newly drilled hole, making sure to remove any wood shavings
• Hang a bucket/container from spigot to catch the sap.  You can also connect a hose from the mouth of the spigot to flow down into a bucket/container (as shown here)

If power tools aren’t your thing, there’s an even easier way! Simply rubber band plastic bags at the end of clipped birch tree branches and watch as they fill up with crystal clear liquid.

Since it’s possible that harmful bacteria can be found in the sap, boiling the liquid for a brief period of time will kill any yeast or bacteria and is a smart option, however it will also kill the good bacteria which contains healthful probiotics and nutrients.

Like coconut juice, drinking it when it’s absolutely fresh from the source is the best, but preserving with canning is also a suitable option.

Not a birch tree parent? Not to worry.  There are two companies that sell birch sap in the U.S., both of which get their product from Northern Europe, so you know it’s legitimate. Danish company Sealand Birk sells flavored birch sap water for $24.95/10 bottles, and Byarozavik – a U.S. based company whose name is Slavic for “birch tree water”- sells 12 bottles for $29.95.

Either way you chose to experience this latest and greatest health food, whether tree tapping or adding it to your online shopping cart, definitely give this one a try before another craze comes along.

The post Move Over Coconut Water – There’s a New Drink Trending (And You Can Harvest It Yourself)! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Looking for ways to go holistic in the New Year? Stock your home with these essential oils to help calm nerves, treat acne breakouts, ease migraines and even stimulate memory.**  Some can even be used as homemade cleaning supplies.  Here’s a short list to get you started.

Rosemary Oil: Said to help long-term memory and alertness, rosemary’s therapeutic aroma is a holistic approach to boosting concentration and stimulating mental activity.  In fact, a 2003 research study found participants who inhaled rosemary oil during an exam displayed significantly higher cognitive function, giving scientists a reason to explore rosemary oil as a treatment option for those with onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Tea Tree Oil: Having the reputation of a cure-all oil, tea tree oil can be used to treat and cure a variety of topical infections and irritations. Its antiviral and antimicrobial properties allow the oil to work magic on issues such as nail fungus, dandruff and even chicken pox.  Suffering from a common cold? Tea tree oil provides relief from nasal congestion and coughing when rubbed on the chest and inhaled throughout the night.

Calendula Oil: Extracted from the petals of the marigold flower, Calendula uses are often associated with dermatology, as its main properties help heal scars caused by acne breakouts and can also ease the discomfort associated with psoriasis.

Frankincense Oil: Scientists at Cardiff University have recently found that the healing power associated with this age old herbal remedy may in fact be the answer to treating arthritis, along with several other ailments.  Frankincense’s many benefits range from cosmetic to medicinal, including its astringent property that helps strengthen gums along with toning and lifting skin.

Peppermint Oil: This calming essential oil not only soothes upset stomachs and minor topical irritations, it also alleviates symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and can be used as an aid to relieve coughs and congestion– as menthol (found in the stem and leaves of peppermint) are known to thin mucus.

Lavender Oil: If you’re looking to add to your aromatherapy arsenal, be sure to include lavender oil.  Studies have found that this essential oil can help those suffering from insomnia, dementia, acute anxiety and migraines. Lavender oil has also been proved effective as a hair care treatment for those experiencing hair loss associated with alopecia, an autoimmune disease where the body rejects its own hair follicles.

Lemon Oil: Cold-pressed from the rinds of lemons, this essential oil contains 68% d-limonene, a powerful antioxidant that is characteristic of lemon oil’s cleansing and purifying properties.  When you’re not using it to boost your immunity or clearing up facial blemishes, turn it into a window cleaner by adding 10-20 drops to an even mixture of water and vinegar.  Spray on windows, mirrors and stainless steel, and wipe off with paper towels for a streak-free shine.

**Disclaimer: These essential oils are used as topical remedies and should not be ingested. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult with doctors before use.  Use as directed.

The post 7 Must-Try Essential Oil Remedies appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Once summer kicks in, it becomes everyone’s M.O. to cave to the siren call of endless weekend barbecues and blast the A/C like a stereo at the fingertips of a metalhead. And does anyone ever think twice about these things? Psshhh… no. So it may surprise you to learn that your summertime lifestyle is, more than likely, harming the Earth. Happily, there are a lot of simple habit tweaks to help you go green during the summertime, and you’ll be shocked at just how easy a lot of them are to incorporate into your everyday!

Up the Efficiency of Cooling Down

Did you know air conditioning use in the US alone costs Americans $11 billion and releases 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year? Those numbers are so big, they’re hard to wrap your head around. Happily, the things you can do to help are much more manageable.

•Adapt your appliance use. If it’s a real scorcher out there, you can reduce your need to amp up the A/C by avoiding the use of heat-heavy appliances like ovens, hotplates, and irons.

•Opt for energy efficient light bulbs. CFLs, those newfangled squiggly bulbs, are not only energy efficient and wallet-friendly, they put off less heat and will play a part in keeping your home inherently cooler.

•Invest in a smart thermostat. To max your A/C efficiency, get a programmable thermostat stat! Synced with your daily schedule, this gadget will help you avoid leaving the A/C on all the time, which is a huge waste. Bonus? You’ll save around $180 a year and keep cool.

•Set up for shade. Pro tip: install your A/C unit somewhere shady, and it will use 10% less energy! To go the extra mile, add awnings or solar screens to your windows. According to WebMD, “The Department of Energy estimates that awnings can reduce solar heat gain – the amount the temperature rises – in your house by as much as 77%.

•Become a fan on fans. When night lumbers down and it cools off a bit, use fans to blow cold air into your home. Consider using ceiling fans during the day too; they’re 90% more efficient than central air.

BBQ Best Practices

On the 4th of July alone, BBQs result in the release of 225,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and the equivalent destruction of 2,300 acres of forest. What can you do to help? So glad you asked!

•Be Pro Propane. Charcoal briquettes may sound sexy, but they’re pretty darn polluting. Propane burns cleaner, and keeps you from killing trees when firing up your noms.

•Choose Reusable. We’re sure you’ve an inkling as to just how wasteful it is to use disposable dishes and napkins. Though toting around reusable picnic settings might be marginally less convenient, true, it makes a big difference (and looks a heck of a lot prettier!). Don’t have something appropriate? You can find something fitting in an eco-friendly way: by swapping, of course!

Easy Green Tips

•Pump It Up! Instead of using aerosol-bottle sunscreens that are a big ‘Oh no!’ for the ozone, use sunscreen that comes in a squeeze tube or a bottle with a pump-style top.

•Shine with Solar. Invest in a solar charger for your electronics. This will not only cut down on your energy usage, it’ll make it easier to charge your gadgets on the go!

By incorporating even a few of these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a summer that’s green as the grass outside your door, so start changing those habits, and spread the word!

The post Tips on How to Go Green This Summer appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.