So, what's the deal with inflammation? There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic (sometimes called systemic) inflammation. Acute inflammation arises after a cut or scrape in the skin, an infected ingrown nail, a sprained ankle, acute bronchitis, a sore throat, tonsillitis or appendicitis. It is short-term and the effects subside after a few days. Chronic inflammation is long-term and occurs in “wear and tear” conditions, including osteoarthritis, and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease, Walker said. Habitual or environmental factors, such as excess weight, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, smoking, pollution, poor oral health and excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to chronic inflammation. Often, acute inflammation is perceived as "good," because it is the body’s attempt to heal itself after an injury, and chronic inflammation as "bad" but Walker said that is not a very useful distinction. Whether acute or chronic, inflammation “is the body’s natural response to a problem, so it makes us aware of issues that we might not otherwise acknowledge,” he said. 
Inflammation kinda makes me think of the battles with sin in my own life. Some sin is sudden and acute and reminds me instantly of how much I continually need the grace of God in my life. It happens, we catch it, repent, and me move forward. Some sin, is festering, chronic, and is slowly killing us from the inside out. We do not want to acknowledge it or deal with it until the pain or discomfort it causes becomes so tremendous that we can't help but do something about it. Pain is often a way of the body or the soul saying, "Hey! There's a problem here." God's grace, correction, Word, love, discipline, and mercies are the healing properties that renew the broken soul of a person and begin to bring it back to health. I pray that we will reflect on that today and be honest with God If there is an area of our life that needs His healing. 
​

So, it's totally time to start thinking about fall! Sorry to those of you who love east coast summers, but my favorite season of all is fall. The only downside to that snuggly time of year is that the kids go back to school and germs start spreading around again like secrets. Thankfully, we are the recipes of our great grandmas to keep us warm and healthy. Master tonic aka "Fire Cider" aka "4 Thieves Tonic" has been keeping people healthy and kicking infection butt for a long long time. So many of these "old" recipes have been lost in this modern generation, and we have turned ourselves over to antibiotics and dayquil. I believe that it is time to uncover this hidden gold and get back to our roots (pun intended). 
There are many ways to make Master Tonic, but here are a few ideas:

• Ginger: Has a wonderful warming effect on the body, which causes us to sweat and expel toxins. Ginger is also known to sooth the gastrointestinal tract. Ginger enhances blood flow…and can even thin the blood, so talk with your doctor if you are already on a blood thinner.
• Horseradish: Ever eaten a spoonful of wasabi paste on a dare? Yeah me neither….why would anyone do that! Ahem. If you had, you would know the sensation of instant sinus shock, they clear up immediately. That’s why it’s in this tonic. Bu-bye stuffy nose…..right now!
• Onions: Onions are a rich source of the antioxidant Quercitin, which is anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, thought to have diverse anti-cancer powers
• Garlic: Natures antibiotic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal! It can also enhance blood flow…and can even thin the blood, so talk with your doctor if you are already on a blood thinner
• Jalapeños: The active ingredient in peppers (capsaicin) is a well known pain reliever. Peppers are also anti-inflammatory. So, in effect its like putting a little ibuprofen in the tonic….only its not ibuprofen, its peppers. Save your stomach from the NSAID stomach rot! They actually help your digestion too. Winning!
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Unless you have been living under a rock, you may have heard of the many, many, many uses and benefits of apple cider vinegar. Well, aside from being a great furniture polish and hair rinse, it also helps your bode eliminate toxins. Plus, it helps strengthen the immune system, promotes digestion, and relieves sore throats, colds, and sinus infections.

In my video, I also used cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and most importantly turmeric! This is an anti-inflammatory power team.Top turmeric benefits:

1. Fighting inflammation
2. As an antioxidant
3. Protects the heart in various ways
4. Helpful for arthritis
5. Brain boosting
6. May be helpful for fighting diabetes and cancer

​ I feel that the amounts are different depending on how much spice or how much of a certain flavor someone prefers. 
After you let the mixture infuse and ferment in a dark place for 4-6 weeks, you can strain it and add raw honey or pure maple syrup. It is good as a preventative in a shot glass or spoonful, a throat rinse or spray, added to tea or juice, and even a marinade for meat or as a salad dressing. Whatever the use, Master Tonic will give your body the kung fu moves it needs to battle off the bugs and blues this winter. 
LOVE YOU ALL! Thanks for stopping in. 
-Lea
​