Author Archives: mojo

09 Aug

What Is Kava Kava (Piper Methysticum)?

Kava Kava is a Tongan word for the herb Piper Methysticum. Native to the western Pacific, it’s historically used in ceremonial rites among the native people of Polynesia, Vanuatu, Hawaii, and Melanesia to name a few. Aboriginal partakers of the herb call it Grog. In Samoan and Tongan cultures, Kava Kava is used in ceremony that receives guests in a spirit of reverence and observes sacred ceremonies affirming identity. The psychoactive herb has long been a preferred brew among the royal bloodlines of Pacific Islanders.

Kava Kava Roots

The plant’s roots create a sedative effect that doesn’t interfere with mental clarity when processed as a drink. The effect of its kavalactones (including dihydrokavain, methysticin, and yangonin) are thought to influence the brain’s neurotransmitters. In addition to Kava’s mood stabilizing effects, it’s an aid for sore muscles, a pain reliever comparable to conventional medicines, a topical numbing agent, and a remedy for nocturnal incontinence and urinary tract infections. Kava Kava will also cleanse the blood and is recommended as a cardiac stimulant by Dr. John R. Christopher. In veterinary applications, it can calm animals that are extremely feral or inconsolably angry.

 

Scientific Conclusions About Kava Kava

In controlled double-blind studies, Kava Kava is shown to be more effective than placebo.The Cochrane Collaboration’s 2003 review took a proverbial fine-tooth comb to a large body of Kava Kava research and agreed the herb has enough of an effect (if minimal) on anxiety to be considered a viable treatment alternative. At least 7 studies have concluded that Kava Kava is an efficient anti-anxiety medicine (many feel it is just as effective as traditional medicines prescribed to this end). Cognitive improvement is an additionally recognized effect of the herbal remedy.

Kava is actually a member of the pepper family piperaceae that is traditionally chewed or consumed as a tea or liquid extract. For more controlled and convenient ingestion, it can also be taken in the form of a capsule or tablet. It is a powerful aid for conditions that cause general anxiety (including insomnia – by regulating cycles and causing a need for less sleep).

 

Safety Concerns Surrounding Kava Kava

Kava is considered generally safe if taken by individuals who do not suffer from a liver ailment, kidney condition, or Parkinson’s disease. The herb should not be taken before surgery as it can cause an extension of anesthetic effects. There is also a caution against consuming alcohol while taking Kava Kava supplements to avoid liver toxicity. Individuals taking blood pressure medicines should consult their medical service before taking Kava Kava as the herb may thin the blood and obstruct blood clotting. The remedy is also a diuretic that can exaggerate the impact of drugs sharing similar effects.

Kava Kava is considered unsuitable for children and women who are pregnant or nursing. The drug’s contraindications include anti-psychotic medications, benzodiazepines, and drugs falling under the SSRI classification (antidepressants). Kava Kava should not be ingested for intervals extending beyond 3 months without a rest period of two weeks between treatment cycles to allow the liver time to recuperate.

09 Aug

Kava Kava Side Effects And Interactions

Kava kava side effects has recently received much attention from many people who are divided whether it is safe or not because it is a mild narcotic. The final conclusion was  that kava kava has no effects when taken in moderate doses although its abuse can lead to health problems. Kava extracts are used as an herbal product for anxiety, tension, stress and insomnia. It is also used to make dietary supplement and is a trendy drink with calming effects. It is highly beneficial to our bodies, however, kava kava side effects  should not be ignored.

A list of kava kava side effects

A major new review of scientific knowledge on kava has left an unsolved mystery as to why island people can drink it safely while people of the west like in the USA and Europe sometimes experience toxic effects. One of the most severe kava kava side effects is liver damage,  other symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain and elevated liver enzymes has also been noticed in some individuals. Kava  kava drink is known to cause allergic reactions like hives, itchiness and scaly skin rash called kava dermopathy. Usage in heavy doses can also cause throat and mouth swelling and difficulty in breathing.

Other kava kava side effects  include hypertension, reduced protein levels, muscle weakness, visual impairment, blood cell abnormalities and mild dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Kava kava should not be used with alcohol or with any prescription drugs used for anxiety or depression. Reports show that it may cause unpleasant side effects when taken with medications used to treat Schizophrenia. 2.3% of patients who had an open trial were isolated with kava kava side effects that included gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches and restlessness.

How Much Kava Kava Is Safe?

The amount of  kava taken depends on the purpose for using it and the individual sensitivity to its side effects. Death has not yet been reported in any medical literature from use of kava extracts. The review of scientific research done on kava kava side effects show that toxicity found no consensus . It was concluded that the root problems were from  the preparation of kava, the generic differences among individuals and the particular species of kava used. For more info on recommended kava kava dosage check this article.

Who Should NOT Take Kava Kava

Kava should not be taken by pregnant women, children, nursing women and people with liver, kidney and Parkinson’s disease.Kava may lower the blood pressure and interfere with blood clotting. It should not be used by people with bleeding disorders.  It is a diuretic therefore it may have an addictive effect if taken with drugs and some herbs. It is advisable to avoid possible kava kava side effects by taking it in low doses and build up while watching for any reactions. Kava kava in moderate doses presents no side effects , however, if any reactions are noted a doctor should be consulted.

What Else Should You Keep In Mind In Order To Avoid Possible Side Effects?

When purchasing  your kava supplement make sure that it is manufactured by a recommendable facility to avoid substandard products. Kava kava is considered to be a dietary supplement therefore manufactures do not have to guarantee it and explain its actual ingredients. Nonetheless, its better to be sure to avoid potential kava kava side effects.

09 Aug

Kava kava dosage, how much should you take?

Kava kava dosage depends upon age, user’s health, existing disease conditions and continuing medicines. Kava kava is a herb derived from plant Piper methysticum. The roots of this plant are used for sedative and healing properties. It has been used as ceremonial drink in Pacific island for over 3000 years. Apart from that, it is used for its medicinal effects such as sedative, diuretic and muscle relaxant. Roots and rhizomes are used for preparing the medicine. It is used in the form of powder, fluid extract and tonic. The beneficial effects of Kava kava are due to the presence of kava lactones in it.

It is a mildly psychoactive beverage which is used for its relaxing and calming properties. It is a mood enhancing beverage that is used to reduce anxiety. It is also effective in treating insomnia, stress, restlessness, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression. Other medical conditions like neck pain, throat pain, headaches, respiratory tract infections, menstrual problems and chronic bladder infections. It produces physical and mental relaxation and a sense of wellbeing. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is used in relieving symptoms of gout, cystitis, prostatitis and bronchial congestion.

Traditionally Kava kava is used in the form of non-standardised extract (without adding any chemicals) to get the benefits of the whole plant. In some parts of the world, whole kava roots are chewed for their medicinal value. Kava kava liniment is directly used externally as a local anaesthetic or pain reliever. It is chewed to give relief from throat pain as it produces numbing effect on the throat and tongue. It is important to know about the concentration of kava lactones in the product. Avoid products that do not mention kava kava dosage on the label.  Kava kava should be taken under doctor’s supervision!

Recommended dosage

Doctors recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing intake over time. The recommended Kava kava dosage ranges from 50 to 250 mg of kava lactones per day. The dosage is divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day.

When To Avoid Kava Kava

Kava kava has to be avoided in certain conditions like pregnancy, breast feeding, liver disease (cirrhosis and hepatitis) and any allergies. Chemicals in kava may pass into breast milk with unknown effects so it is avoided in nursing women. Kava kava is not given to the children.

It should not be taken for more than 3 months without a 2 week rest period. Alcohol is to be avoided when one is taking kava as it increases the risk of liver damage. It is not taken in combination with certain other drugs due to drug interaction. For example, kava has to be avoided when one is taking sedative medications, phenothiazine medicines, medicines for depression or alprazolam. There is limited data on interactions of other herbs with kava. Doses generally recommended for kava have different effect on different people.
Kava Kava induces a feeling of relaxation, peace and contentment along with sharpening of senses. By taking the recommended Kava Kava dosage, one can experience its beneficial effects.

09 Aug

Where To Get Kava Kava?

Because kava kava grows only in the Pacific, people who wish to purchase kava kava products may find it difficult to find them in local stores. Before it became popular in western countries, it was very difficult to know where to get kava kava. People could only get them when they visit the Pacific countries that produced them – mainly Hawaii, Vanuatu, Melanesia, as well as Micronesia.

Kava Kava Farms

Kava kava is grown in kava kava farms in Pacific countries and is even considered a very important cash crop in Fiji, Tonga, and Vanautu. It is very difficult to grow this plant in cool countries and is evident in how kava kava products are only available through importation.

Kava kava is traditionally prepared by extracting the root of the plant and either pounding, chewing, or grinding them. Kava kava root or bark that is grinded is mixed with a little water because the root releases moisture naturally with this method. The pounding method involves pounding the roots between a large stone and a small log. The pounded roots are then added with cold water and consumed immediately.

In Pacific countries, kava beverage is normally available from a Nakamal, or a small establishment where locals socialize. As of present, there are already some Nakamals that serve kava kava beverage in non-Pacific countries but these can be very hard to find.

KavaKava Root Powder

Because of the plant’s growing popularity around the world, many people now want to know where to get kava kava without having to travel so far just to have them. This has resulted to the introduction of kava kava root powder which is exported from the Pacific to other countries. A tablespoon of powder is mixed to a cup of water with the option of adding more powder to increase potency.

Kava Kava Pills And Supplements

Many pharmaceutical companies are also now producing kava kava pills and herbal supplements that are made with the kavalactones extracted from the kava kava plant. A small kava kava pill can have as much as 150 mg of kavalactones whereas a traditional bowl of kava kava beverage contains 250 mg of kavalactones.

While the kava kava plants are mainly grown in Pacific islands, there is a huge market for them overseas. There are many companies that import kava kava products to markets and stores in other countries but these products are not readily available in most stores because it is not considered a mainstream product. Kava kava products are normally sold in health and supplement shops but availability sometimes becomes a problem.

Also Available Online

Luckily, many companies are importing kava kava products and marketing them through the internet. It is convenient buying these products through the internet because it is always readily available and the buyer no longer has to waste time and effort trying to find these in local stores.

There are many types of kava kava products which can be ordered through the internet. These products include Kava powder, instant kava powder, kava cordial, kava strips, kava pills, kava cola, and kava chocolate among others.

One common online place to get kava kava products is Amazon.

09 Aug

Kava Kava And Anxiety, Can It Help?

People who experience anxiety can have a difficult time coping in their lives, as it can affect their daily function and how productive they can be. If that is you, then you should take a look at kava kava and how it can help you cope with anxiety.

If you are wondering what kava kava is, it is basically a plant. It comes from the pepper family and for a lot of years, it has been used for sorting out certain conditions.

How Does Kava Kava Help Anxiety Patients?

What makes the kava kava suitable to be taken by anxiety sufferers is in how it is able to make you feel calm, both in the mind and in the body. Because anxiety affects so many people all over the world, there have been many medications that are supposed to help those who suffer from it, but medications that enable the body to be calm usually come with side effects . With kava kava, there are no side effects from taking it. This makes it a better alternative as it is healthier, and what makes it effective is as a result of the kavalactones that are contained in it.

It is not just people who struggle with anxiety who get to benefit from this. It is also effective in decreasing pain, and it is also anti inflammatory. This means that it does a great job in treating other conditions ranging from stomach aches to gout to asthma to many others.

The reason it works so well for anxiety is because it encourages the body to relax, and when the body is relaxed tension and stress is decreased and you are able to sleep better. It is a well known fact that anxiety sufferers have issues when it comes to relaxation and being able to have a good nights sleep. With kava kava, this will be a thing of the past, as your body will relax enough to embrace sleep.

As you know too much of a good thing is never recommended, because it can take away from the benefits that one gets from eating it. It is the same with kava kava, it should be taken moderately. It will affect different people differently, and others can end up with their skin reacting to it if too much of it is consumed. Others actually get intoxicated when they take too much of it, to the point where they look like they are on a drug of some sort and their personality is altered, so it is extremely important to not take more than you should in the quest to get better results.

Kava Kava Can Help But It Is Not All Good

Though it can help a lot with anxiety, there are certain people who should not take it because the effects of taking it will be worse than the benefits that they could possibly get from it.  The people who would do more damage to themselves from taking kava kava are people who have issues with heart problems, lung issues or mothers to be. Also, moms who are still breast feeding need to refrain from using it.

Those who are on anxiety treatment should not take kava kava if they are taking other drugs. This would be a really bad idea. If you want more info on possible side effect of taking kava kava check this article.

Putting all the negative things aside, kava kava is a great herbal remedy for anxiety, as long as it is taken moderately (see here for some recommended dosage of kava kava). It is a great option for those who need the help, and you can take it without the fear of getting addicted to it.

09 Aug

Can Kava Kava Seeds Be Used To Grow This Plant?

The key point to note about Kava kava seeds (Piper methysticum) is that the plant’s seeds are generally infertile. So in order to grow new Kava kava plants you usually need to use roots, runners and of cuttings, rather than by attempting to get a new plant direct from the seed. Roots are also used for all the products make out of kava kava from kava drink to kava kava powder. This means seeds are pretty much useless :).

13 Jul

Broccoli and Why You Should Be Eating It

When you are thinking about superfoods that will sustain and nourish your family, you may find that you are a little bewildered about broccoli. For so many years, many of us have thought of broccoli as one of those foods that you have to eat, not one that you would want to eat. However, new research is coming out that tells us that there are plenty of reasons to eat this dark green veggie. Learn a little bit more about broccoli and why it belongs in your refrigerator.

broccoli

What Is Broccoli?

The first records of people cultivating broccoli as a food crop date back about 600 BC in the Mediterranean region. The vegetable that was being grown at the time was more leafy, and looked more like the cabbage-type plants that broccoli is descended from, rather than the broccoli that we are used to today. Broccoli features heavily in Mediterranean cuisine, and it only came into wide usage in the United States during the 1920s. This vegetable is a member of the brassica family, and the part that is commonly eaten is the flowering part of the plant, which consists of fairly tender stalks and tiny flowering heads. Today, it is grown primarily in China and India, as the crop requires a consistent cool temperature.

Superfood!

Perhaps you remember being told to eat your broccoli, but you may never have received a good explanation for why you should do so. First, it is fairly high in vitamin C and potassium, both of which people often have a hard time getting enough of as they go through their day. On top of that, it is also a fantastic source of vitamin A, a fantastic source of dietary fiber, and some reports indicate that a high level of broccoli consumption can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Health Benefits?

IMG_0030

Broccoli has many health benefits which are not immediately apparent. In the first place, it has a high dosage of sulfur compounds, which can create a pungent odor when it is being cooked. However, those same sulfur compounds have the effect of reducing the risks of colon cancer, ovarian cancer and bladder cancer. On top of that, it also has a fantastically high level of anti-oxidants, which also work to prevent cancer in the body. Eating it regularly helps you boost your immune system while also supporting your cardiovascular health. It is very nutritionally dense; as a matter of fact, it might be one of the most nutritionally dense foods around. It is an excellent choice for pregnant women, as it has been shown to reduce birth defects, and it can also reduce the possibility of cataracts. With this in mind, it makes perfect sense that you might be interested in adding this powerful brassica to your daily diet!

How Do I Eat Broccoli?

When you are thinking about getting more broccoli into your diet, you’ll find that all you need for a daily serving is about ½ cup of cooked broccoli. However, if you prepare it right, you’ll find that you’ll definitely be interested in eating more! To prepare a very tasty side dish for dinner, start by cutting up about four or five cups of broccoli or by thawing frozen florets and turning your oven up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss your broccoli florets in a mixture that includes 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then place it into a roasting pan and roast it in the oven for about fifteen to twenty minutes or until the edges are slightly browned. This allows you to keep the fresh green taste of the broccoli without risking the sulfur smells of cooking it. To spice up this recipe a bit, add some crushed garlic or some lemon juice to the mix.

02 Jul

Camu Camu Berry: 250 Times the Vitamin C of an Orange

Camu Camu

The Camu Camu berry, also known as myrciaria dubia, is the fruit of an Amazonian riverside tree commonly found in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. The tree is partially submerged in water for close to six months and produces small white flowers with waxy petals. It takes approximately six to eight years for the tree to initially bear fruit. The small deep red and purple colored berries resemble cherries and are significantly high in Vitamin C content. The berries are typically harvested during high flood by boat or canoe and distributed for use all over the globe.

History

When historically used by Natives of the Amazon region, the Camu Camu berry provided a rich source of nutrition and phytochemicals needed to sustain proper health in ancient times. Traditional uses of the berry included alleviating pain, treating infection and inflammation, and healing wounds. People living within the Amazon region today still use these berries for other than nutritional purposes. In some cases, berries have been applied to unhealthy hair in an effort to treat brittle, split ends and to restore texture, strength, and shine.

Why Is It a Superfood?

The Camu Camu’s high concentration of vitamins and minerals has made the berries a highly aspired superfood worldwide. The berries likely have a higher concentration of whole food Vitamin C than most other fresh foods. In fact, one serving of theses berries may have up to 250 times more Vitamin C content than an orange. The berries are also rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium, providing natural boosts of energy. Amino acids present in them include serine, leucine, and valine. Their increased levels of the antioxidants ellagic acid and quercetin make them optimal for promoting immune function and cardiovascular health. Antioxidant function also extends to help prevent untimely oxidative cell damage that will advance the aging progress.

The popularity of the Camu Camu has increased incrementally after some of its health benefits were discovered. Aside from its significant vitamin and antioxidant content, this superfood also helps protect the nervous system from degenerative diseases, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. In the absence of certain nutrients in a diet, the nervous system may be exposed to damaging toxins from unhealthy food choices, making it more susceptible to certain mental disorders or impairments, such as depression.  It is also a great protective source for the eyes and greatly reduces the risks of macular degeneration and development of cataracts. Preventative effects extend further to protect against certain types of cancer as well as liver disease.

camu-camu-berry

The Camu Camu berry’s health benefits may also impact exposure to seasonal illnesses. The risk of acquiring the common cold or the flu after exposure to respiratory viruses may be severely reduced if this superfood is a regular part of a person’s diet. Its antiviral components also help fend off numerous other viruses. The berries may also protect against certain bacterial infections and inflammations in the body. It has been found to stave off gingivitis and gum disease in some patients.

How to eat it?

It can be consumed in a variety of ways. Since its taste is essentially rather sour, the berry is typically not consumed in its raw form. One of the most popular ways the berry is distributed is in the form of powder or capsules. After the berries are dried and fashioned into a dark red powder, they are ready to be used as a natural supplement. Camu Camu berry powder may be added to certain types of foods or drinks, such as shakes, smoothies, juices, or simply a glass of fresh water. In its supplement form it should be added very sparsely. Since it takes approximately fifteen pounds of raw berries to produce merely one pound of powder, the supplement’s vitamin C content is still rather high in very small quantities.

07 May

Are Eggs Really A Superfood?

First thing first – not a very long time ago, eggs were not only NOT considered a superfood they were considered to be very bad for your health raising your cholesterol levels. But as it is very often when it comes to food, one days worst enemy is the next days best friend and vice versa. Studies have shown that even though eggs do contain relatively high amounts of fat, eggs and dietary cholesterol do NOT adversely affect cholesterol levels in the blood. In fact, eggs raise HDL (the good) cholesterol. They also change LDL cholesterol from small, dense LDL (which is bad) to large LDL, which is benign.

So eggs have no association with either heart disease or stroke in otherwise healthy people. Even more, they are very rich with antioxidants (primarily  Lutein and Zeaxanthine) that are unique to eggs and protect against the eye diseases Macular Degeneration and Cataracts. So – do not be scared of eggs.

Ok, now we can move on.

Eggs

Birds lay eggs in order to reproduce young and before that happens people collect them and use them for food. The edible parts of an egg are the yolk and egg white, the hard shell sourounding it is the eggshell. Eggs have been used for a long time in human diet. In ancient times people collected eggs laid by wild birds (which were interestingly not chickens). People used quail, turkey, ostrich and other wild bird eggs. In some parts of the world wild eggs are still collected.

eggs-in-birds-nest

Today eggs are bough in supermarkets or directly from farms that raise poultry. You can primarily get chicken eggs, only occasionally other types of eggs are available.

Eggs in cooking

Eggs are a nutritious food that is popular all over the world. They are a great source of protein and can easily be used to replace meat products. Occasionally, people consume them raw, however it is best to only eat cooked eggs since cooking usually prevents food poisoning. Eggs can be cooked in a wide variety of ways – they can be used in baking breads, cakes, cookies and other products, they can be boiled, scrambled, fried or poached. They are also used to create mayonnaise and can even be pickled for preservation. Coating an egg with clay, mud, or salt paste can also stop it from spoiling. Long-term storage of these coated eggs can cause fermentation and these fermented eggs are often considered a delicacy.

eggs

Health Benefits

Many different nutrients are contained in eggs. The yolk contains vitamin E and A. Vitamin A maintains the health of bones, skin and eyes. Vitamin E assists with keeping body cells functioning properly. They are an important source of vitamin D which helps the human body resist disease. Eggs also contain several of the B vitamins, calcium, iron & folic acid. They are also low in calories, all of the fat of eggs is located in the yolk. Many people only use the egg white to reduce consumption of fat. The yolk also has choline which is important for brain health. Some types of eggs can provide omega 3 fatty acids which helps to maintain heart health.

How to Prepare Eggs

There are lots of different ways to make eggs and making them is one of the basic human skills. It’s up there with being able to take a slice of bread and put jam on it. So we won’t bore you with different egg recipes:). But if can master scrambled eggs Jamie Oliver style I’m sure you’ll score some extra points:

 

09 Apr

Celery: a Superfood Packed With Vitamins and Minerals

There’s a myth about celery that claims that the mere act of eating it causes you to lose weight. That is, you burn more calories chewing and digesting the stuff than it has. Well, maybe not, but for centuries celery has been known as a superfood, rich in vitamins and minerals and low, if not quite that low, in calories.

Some Facts
Celery is a member of the umbelliferae family, and so is related to dill, parsley, carrots and fennel. It comes in bunches of stalks with a common base and leafy tops. Be mindful not to throw out the leafs because they’re also good. It’s in season during the summer and can be grown in a backyard garden. Celery is a biennial, which means that its life cycle lasts for two years.

The domesticated celery we eat is descended from the wild celery, which is believed to have originated in southern Europe and northern Africa. Wild celery is a little different from domesticated celery in that it was leafier.

celery-sticks

The popular celery sticks.

 

Why It’s a Superfood
Celery is a superfood because it’s absolutely packed with vitamins and minerals. A cup of celery provides 36.9 percent of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin K, a vitamin necessary for blood clotting. It gives 9 percent of the B vitamin folate, 9 percent of Vitamin A, 7.5 percent of potassium, 6.7 percent of molybdenum, 5.6 percent of fiber and 5.2 percent of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and is an antioxidant, which helps prevent the cells of the body being damaged by free radicals. It also cuts down on the body’s inflammatory response, which can worsen conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Celery is also rich in phthalides, substances which help lower cholesterol and coumarins, which might have anticarcinogenic properties.

Health Benefits
Celery was used as a medicine before it was used as a food. Though it’s been used since the time of Homer, it wasn’t really valued as a food in Europe till around the 18th century, and didn’t show up in the United States till the early 1800s.

The phthalides found in celery have been shown to help arteries to dilate, which can lead to decreased blood pressure. Celery is also high in potassium, calcium and magnesium, which are also minerals known to lower blood pressure.

Celery seeds can be used as a diuretic, which means they help you to get rid of excess fluid, mostly by increased urination. The coumarins found in celery not only appear to fight cancer, but they support the production of white blood cells that fight pathogens.

celery

Celery

 

Best Way to Eat Celery and a Recipe
Celery should be bought when it’s crisp and the head is tight. There should be no brown or yellow spots on the stalks and the leaves should be bright, light green and also free of spots or wilted patches. To store it, put it in a plastic bag or wrap a damp cloth around it and put it in the fridge. It’s best not to wash it until you’re going to eat it. Don’t put celery in the freezer, as it doesn’t freeze well. Celery can be chopped and added to salads, or can be eaten dipped in peanut butter or ricotta cheese. The leaves can be used in salads. Here’s a recipe.

Celery and Scallion Casserole
3/4 cup scallions
1 cup chopped celery
2 tbs. sweet butter
2 cups raw rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp. sage
Dash of black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook the scallions and celery in the butter until they’re tender. Place them in a baking dish. Cook the rice in the chicken broth until its half done, then pour over the celery and scallions. Add the sage and pepper and bake for 40 minutes or until the rice is done.