Arsenic in rice originates from groundwater, soil levels, and pesticides previously applied to rice fields. In flooded rice paddies, arsenite, an inorganic more toxic form is prevalent.

Rice absorbs more arsenite in flooded fields because it cannot differentiate arsenite and silicic acid. Rice likes the silicon because it strengthens the stem. It can absorb  10 x's more than other grasses. As it absorbs more silicon, it also absorbs more arsenite. (MaryLou Guerinot, Dartmouth College)

Rice can also be grown in aerobic conditions where fields are not flooded. Arsenate, another toxic form of arsenic is prevalent in this condition. Rice cannot differentiate arsenate from phosphate, a beneficial nutrient available in soil. As rice absorbs phosphate, it also absorbs arsenate.

Rice needs high levels of silicon and phosphate to strengthen, protect, and enhance its nutrition. The most obvious way to lower arsenic absorption is to lower the use of pesticides containing arsenic used in agricultural fields.

Recently, the F.D.A. has solicited pharmaceutical veterinary drug companies to phase out arsenic in more than 100 pet products. The use of arsenic in poultry has already been removed commercially.

Source: Urvashi Rangan, Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center 

Strontium is detected in 99% of U.S. drinking water. The present amounts raise concern in at least 7% of public drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the E.P.A. to check unregulated contaminants of concern in drinking water every 5 years. The E.P.A. will make a decision about regulating Strontium levels in drinking water in 2015.

Strontium is a trace element that can replace calcium in the bones. It especially affects children, infants and adolescents. I am concerned for pregnant and lactating women also. Small levels of Strontium could affect mother's milk. Also the skeletal formation of fetus may also be adversely affected by Strontium levels. 

Recently, the E.P.A. has decided not to regulate 2 organophosphates in drinking water. They originate from pesticides. The E.P.A. estimates up to 10% of pesticides drift from their target during application. These and other pollutants of similar nature could easily land in our sources of drinking water. The E.P.A. has no regulatory government agency to over rule its decisions. Only the court system can over rule an E.P.A. mandate.

Concerned about contaminates in our drinking water? Contact an environmental agency lobbying the E.P.A. . They often collect funds to take the E.P.A. to court on our behalf. Or, you can always contact your state and national representatives who have contacts in Washington. Let them know your concerns. 

Questions? email Judy Griffin, PhD. at petitefl@aromahealthtexas.com

Concerned about Strontium in your bones? Contact Judy Griffin about a trace mineral analysis consultation at 1800 4962125/ 817 293 5410

Source: Chemical and Engineering News: October 27 2014. 

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics will be collecting more data on what is killing our honeybees. We all know pesticides are a culprit, but mites and lack of habitat will also be included. The new surveys will look at small bee keepers with less than 5 hives. The goal is to document colony movement, stress to the hives and losses. This seems to be necessary to provide funding to help the bees and legislation to remove toxic pesticides from the market. We hope.

The good news is the USDA will provide 4 million dollars to farmers and ranchers to use conservation and provide cover crops that provide food for the bees. This is a small amount, but it is a start.

The reason the USDA is beginning to move to help the bees is because of environmental groups protesting toxic pesticides.  Also,folks  are willing to contact their congress men and women to aid in the honeybee dilemma. We need research and answers to allow the colonies to grow and pollinate our food. Yes, I'm petitioning each of you to let state and national legislators know this is important. I'm also asking you to plant flowering herbs and plants that attract and feed bees every year. Whether you grow in pots or gardens doesn't matter. If you have questions about easy plants to grow, please contact me or the county agricultural department or local nurseryman. If you live in the area, I may have some cuttings or extra plants you can have for the asking.

We started the organic movement 50+ years ago, one gardener at a time. We can do the same to save bees. Keep the faith.

Recent regulations by the European Union to assess all insect repellents for toxicity and safety leaves only a few choices for consumers.Among the pending insecticides, lavender geranium and citrus essential oils and a seed extract from the Neem tree,Margosa, are expected to pass assessment.

In my travels and research over 20 years writing  Mother Nature's Herbal, I learned about these and many other natural insect repellents. I have found the best repellents come out of my gardens. I successfully use lavender for ants, moths and many flying insects. Lemongrass and citronella repels mosquitoes and geranium repels fleas, and most household pests. What the essential oils don't repel, Neem will. It has been used by gardeners for centuries to repel bugs from food crops and restore wood products. It's now recommended to wait up to 7 days before harvesting crops after application of Neem. It's time to take notice of what's growing in your garden that can replace potentially toxic products.

Author Judy Griffin, PhD.

A recent study at  University of Nebraska indicates cellulosic ethanol fuels can emit 7% more carbon dioxide into our atmosphere than gasoline. Research was conducted by Adam Liska's  team and published in Nature Climate Change. The study included the reduction of carbon in the soil left by corn residue. Researchers  noted that removing these residues releases 50-70 grams of carbon dioxide per megajoule of energy from the biofuels produced. The Renewable Fuels Association naturally attacked the research.

Congress needs to look into the use of corn produced biofuels after several years of usage. Americans are paying more for corn and corn derived products to support renewable fuels and clean up the atmosphere. We have the right to know how well this is working and what we can do to improve production. Why pay more and get less?

Please pass this info  to your congressmen and especially senators. Ask them to look into this and be accountable for definitive results. The energy it takes to produce corn biofuels may greatly exceed the benefits, if they exist at all.

Please contact me with concerns and any additional info.

Judy Griffin,PhD.

www.aromahealthtexas

petitefl@aromahealhtexas.com 

Youtube now has my How to Make A Natural Perfume lecture available for viewing . We learned during the class that the base aromas extend and hold the fragrance of a perfume. I taught how to make a base using essential oils, concretes and absolutes to achieve a lasting natural perfume. Two formulas for bases are available on Utube that can be used with many, if not all natural perfumes. One base uses vanilla and balsams; the other has an oakmoss scent. I introduced tonka bean and labdanum base scents as very fragrant base aromas. Next , I gave many formulas of the heart or body of the perfume. These include roses, jasmine, litsea cubeba, champaca, tuberose, neroli and frangipani, ylang ylang extra, and other essential oils that combine well with these aromas. Champaca and Tuberose are the most exotic perfume heart perfume ingredients.. The heart of the perfume includes the dominant scents. The top scents are next and are usually citrus,such as the 4 oranges made from the orange tree, lime and litsea cubeba, a flower used for its lemon scent. Top notes also include spices, such as coriander, nutmeg, and cardamom. Top notes are the first scent we smell when we open a perfume. Top aroma notes define the aroma and grab our attention to continue exploring this wonderful perfume.

Natural perfumes are cured, or married, for 2-4 weeks so the flavors can become a unified living entity of scent. After analyzing this new aroma, we can add a few drops of any of the scents to further define the aroma. Actually, you can quickly take a sniff after a few days, but be sure to allow the aroma to blend a full 2 weeks or longer. Oxidation can change the blend after opening, so be patient!

It's important to understand why we want a natural perfume and what essential oils, absolutes and concretes actually do in a perfume.  Natural perfumes are living scents that evolve and change like we do in the course of our lives. Commercial perfumes are made from chemicals that mimic the scents of plants. Concretes , absolutes and essential oils are made from the plants and have all the subtle scents that unfold in petals of aroma. Natural perfumes do not harm the environment. They encourage bee activity and do not offend the water supply or environment. Chemical perfumes are in all personal care, household, and skincare products. These are one category of pollutants that harm fish, wildlife, and our domestic pets who drink contaminated water. Synthetic perfumes are also in organic and natural products listed as parfume and fragrance, lavidin, vanillin, just to mention a few. These perfumes do not blend with our unique aroma we have since birth and support self healing. Natural perfumes do and release a cascading , large amount of endorphins as they caress and unfold from our skin. Perfumes made from Nature can increase longevity and our experience of quality living. Our smell awareness awakens to increase memory and keep us from having neurological illness,such as Alzheimers. Scent can be an enjoyable  force for a healthier life.

Join me on Utube to learn more about making a natural perfume. Also read the previous blog describing concretes and absolutes in natural perfumery.I teach limited class intensives when we make a personal, natural perfume. If you are interested, please contact me at www.aromahealthtexas.com.