Plant onions, reap good health!

Grow your own onions for great health benefits!

One of the best ways to improve your health is through nutrition, and food is never more nutritious than when we grow it ourselves, and can eat it fresh from the garden. (Not to mention all the exercise you get while working in the garden!) It’s time to plant onions here, so we want to share some of the unique health benefits of this little bulb. Not only does it smell heavenly when sautéed, it’s also good for you.

Heart  

• help to prevent atherosclerosis

• May lower cholesterol

• Can help lower blood pressure

• Strengthen blood vessels

Lungs

• help prevent bronchitis

• alleviates bronchial constriction caused by allergies in asthmatic people

Digestive

• helps support growth of healthy bacteria

• Can reduce risk of colon tumors

• May lower risk of stomach cancer and esophageal cancer

Immunity

• help to prevent coughs and colds

• Appears to function in both antibacterial and antiviral ways

Other

• may be very effective to decrease bone loss common in menopausal women

• helps to decrease inflammation

• shown to decrease risk for many other types of cancer as well

Onions provide fiber, vitamin C, and chromium. Green onions are a good source of vitamin A. Onions also offer various antioxidants, including Quercitin (Quercitin is the most credited for cancer-prevention qualities and is more concentrated in outer layers of red and yellow onions than in any other food source).

Onions vary in their levels of protective substances. Stronger-tasting onions, such as New York Bold, Northern Red, and Western Yellow have higher levels of phenolics and flavenoids, making them much more active in promoting health. However, even Vidalia onions (my personal favorites, and ranking much lower in protective substances) can boast local stomach cancer death rates half of the national average.

You should remember that many of these beneficial flavenoids are concentrated in the outer layers, so don’t overpeel your onions. Another good tip: Quercitin is not "cooked out" when onions are slowly simmered in soup, but rather it is transferred into the liquid of the soup, so adding onions to any soup-type dish you prepare will help you to offer healthful benefits in every spoonful.

The only known medical issue is that because onions have some blood-thinning properties, they can increase the effect of anti-coagulants. And of course, eating very large quantities can lead to stomach upset. Most of the studies considered people who ate about ½ an onion per day and found they enjoyed full health benefits, while a few of these benefits are achieved by as little as 1-3 servings per week. As much as one onion per day was consumed to arrive at the benefits in a couple of the studies.

Book Review - Prescription for Nutritional Healing

This is one of our favorite reference books and we can highly recommend it to either professionals or the general public. It is a near-exhaustive volume covering diseases and conditions both common and rare, and discusses in depth the effect that various aspects of nutrition have, both good and bad.

While the book focuses on nutrition, there is enough additional information on herbal supplements as well to be a wonderful resource from that perspective. (For greater detail, see Prescription for Herbal Healing, but if you can only have one, we recommend this one.)

A definite must-have for the bookshelf of anyone interested in a naturally healthy lifestyle. You won't be disappointed.

Fresh vs. Frozen?

We’ve heard a few clients mention that “Fresh is always better than frozen” when it comes to fruits and vegetables. In it’s purest form, that statement is true. However, it can lead to some misconceptions when you apply it to today’s marketplace.

It really all depends where your fresh food comes from. If you are fortunate enough to have a nearby farm (or grow your own!) and can be assured that the food you are selecting is at the peak of ripeness and freshness, then all the better. There is no better source of food. But depending on where you live, the season, and the food you want, that is not always possible (in fact, it usually isn’t!).

What if you want strawberries in January in New England? Chances are, you won’t be finding any that were locally grown. The strawberries available to you will have been picked far away from you, and then stored in a warehouse. From there, they have been trucked or flown in from a great distance, taking more time. Possibly they have spent a day or two sitting at a distribution center in the process of changing hands one or more times. And … strawberries just don’t keep that long, so they will have been picked before they were ripe, or had other methods applied to keep them from spoiling. The “fresh” strawberries you buy at the supermarket … well, just aren’t fresh anymore.

If frozen strawberries were handled properly, they could have been picked at that peak of ripeness, frozen immediately, retaining most of their original flavor and nutrients. They would still be inferior to strawberries that were growing in sunny fields that morning, but on the other hand, they are far better than strawberries that were picked under less ideal conditions over a week ago.

I wish we all had access to organic, locally-grown produce year-round at the peak of freshness, but that just isn’t going to be possible for most people. Of course, you could always move to the tropics! *wink* But short of that, we should be aware of what our food choices are, and make the best decisions we can from the available choices.

Be healthy!

Making my healthy lifestyle before I break it

Guest post written by Ken Foyster

One thing that I try to do when I'm making a New Year's resolution is actually come up with a way to meet that goal. This year I'm making a goal of not just weight loss, but to maintain a healthier lifestyle than the one that I've had lately. It's just been kind of tough to try to eat healthy lately because work has been so stressful. I can't even think of how many times I've had Chinese takeout lately. But it's still too many. So I'm going to try and make small adjustments so that it won't be too crazy.

While I was online looking for some ideas about how to get myself into some healthy habits, I ran across some info on miracle ear aquavi and decided to go in and get tested to see if I need hearing aids. I've suspected as much for a while anyway.

The first step in my healthy lifestyle, I think, is learning how to prepare some healthy meals. I can barely boil water and it seems like most fast food and takeout is unhealthy, so that's probably a big part of my problem.

5 easy ways to make exercise a habit ... for life!

It is now one week into the New Year, and it seems most everyone is sticking to their New Year’s Resolutions. Great job, everyone! We’re here to help you in any way we can.

Fitness is a goal almost everyone has mentioned to us. While eating right, getting enough rest, and other factors are important, the main element of becoming more fit is exercise. Instead of considering exercise a chore to be checked off your list, try these tips for making it an ongoing habit that fits into your healthy lifestyle.

image courtesy of Body Glove wetsuits

1. Make exercise enjoyable – Do you hate jogging? That’s ok. Find something you DO enjoy. One of the benefits of living near the relatively warm waters of the Gulf is that you can easily enjoy your favorite watersports all year round by wearing a wetsuit. Or maybe you love dancing? You might like to try a slide aerobics class? Instead of thinking of exercise as a chore, look for opportunities to have fun being active!

2. Vary your routine – Some people can get into an exercise routine and love it, but most of us tend to get bored or burned out after days or weeks of doing the same-old same old. Try varying your activities week to week, or even within the same week, whatever suits your interest level. Even something as simple as adding music, or a change of scenery can be beneficial. I stepped up my jogging by running on the beach, just below the tideline, or in knee-deep water for great resistance and it really renewed my interest as well.

3. Exercise with a friend – Having a friend along can be the best motivator for many of us, and often a competitive spirit emerges that helps boost your effort as well as your motivation. Remember that even man’s best friend makes a good exercise companion; I used to love to go hiking with my dog, and your pet will benefit from the extra activity as well.

4. Make time in your schedule – Make exercise a priority, enough so that you schedule it on a regular basis. Maybe first thing in the morning to get you going, or perhaps the gym or your favorite park is on your way home from work. Don’t just say “I’m going to exercise 30 minutes a day” but decide WHEN you are going to do it, and commit to your plan. Then when the inevitable happens and “things come up” they won’t sidetrack you. And on those days when you are “too tired” … well, unless it is illness making you not want to exercise, JUST DO IT anyway!

5. Reward yourself – There are lots of ways to do this. Keep a log of your exercise, and leave space at the bottom to jot down benefits that you notice. Most likely you will be finding that you sleep better at night, you feel more refreshed in the morning, you find it easier to stick to your diet, your mind is clearer, your clothes are getting looser. Take time to read over those tidbits in order to fuel your motivation. Also plan to reward yourself for goal milestones as well. Promise to reward yourself for exercising 5 days a week for two weeks by purchasing an item of clothing, or maybe at the end of a month's faithful exercising you will enjoy a bit of pampering at a day spa!

The key to fitness is making exercise a regular habit. If you can stick with it until it becomes a way of life, you will achieve your goal of improved fitness. More than that, you will be well on your way to enjoying better health for the rest of your life.

7 ways to NOT to fail at your healthy resolutions

Many New Year’s Resolutions center around becoming more healthy, proving that we all see that as a worthy goal. But statistically as few as 2% of people report that they achieve or even keep working toward their goals by the time the year ends. Why such dismal failure? And what can you do in order to better assure success with the most common health-related resolutions, such as a desire to lose weight, quit smoking, eat healthier food, become more fit, or manage stress better?

• Be reasonable. One of the first reasons why New Year's resolutions fail is that goals may be unreasonable. Instead of saying "I'm going to lose 100 pounds," tell yourself that you are going to lose 15 pounds. Plan to reward yourself (perhaps by buying $30 in new clothes) and set your next goal on the day you accomplish the first. Which brings us to the next strategy ...

• Be specific in your goals, your rewards, timetables, and anything else related to your plan. Write down all of these details in a notebook, keep them handy and refer to them once a week or so. Don't be afraid to update or adjust them as needed.

• Have a plan. A map is always the best way to reach a destination. HOW do you plan to eat healthier? Finding out which foods are the most important to switch to organic is a good step. Cutting out processed foods and finding alternatives you can make instead is also important. Do your homework, and decide what steps you should take, which are most important, and break them into manageable pieces (such as changing only ONE food to organic per week, and changing ONE day per week to homemade lunches). 

• Keep yourself motivated. There are many ways to do this. Post a note where you will see it every day (maybe on the fridge to read before you grab a snack, or on the mirror to re-read while you brush your teeth). Are you losing weight? Take a pic of yourself (in your new "reward outfit") and post it with your fridge-note. Are you quitting smoking? Put the money you would be spending on cigarettes in a separate account and use it to do something you've really looked forward to (and post a pic of your fun). Tell other people what you want to achieve -- it's harder to go back on your word if other people know about it.

• Enlist support. Maybe there is a local group you can join related to your goal? Or find a friendly online forum to cheer you on. If you are already part of an in-person or online community, ask if others have similar goals and form a sub-group from friends you already know.   

• Anticipate setbacks. Not trying to be negative here, but difficulties will arise. Maybe you will be invited to a party but there will be lots of rich food. Tell yourself in advance, "I will eat from the veggie tray and drink sparkling water." Repeat it out loud. Chances are very great that the suggestion will pull you through, and you'll do exactly that! But if you don't, or in any other case that you don't stick to your plan, don't think you've failed and give up. It's like falling off a horse, get back up, dust yourself off, tell yourself you'll do better next time and get right back on. It doesn't hurt to remind yourself of how far you've come in spite of any setbacks. 

•  Replace the bad with good. Chances are, it was a bad habit of some sort that inspired your desire to change. And there is a competing good habit that will help you reach your goal. If it was poor food choices that led to your problem, find a healthy food item you love to replace it. Smoking robbing your health? Many ex-smokers take up jogging to increase lung capacity and provide extra motivation to quit. 

Use these strategies to help you successfully achieve your goals. You may even find that once your confidence is raised by your achievements, you look forward to tackling even more goals. The end result can be a changed life.

Electronic cigarettes?

With New Year's Day right around the corner, a lot of our clients are talking about losing weight, reducing stress, and addressing other health concerns as part of their New Year's Resolutions. We have a few clients who smoke, and we've been asked about using electronic cigarettes in order to quit smoking.

I will first admit that it wasn't a topic I was very familiar with, so I decided to do some research before I answered.  And I was really surprised at what I found.

There ARE testimonials of people who have quit smoking, or greatly reduced their smoking habit, and who credit this to their use of electronic cigarettes. However, it seems that the idea has many opponents as well, and their voices are surprisingly strident. But rather than get into a long philosophical discussion about the FDA's standpoint, or that of various health and anti-cancer organizations, I'll just get to the essence of what I learned.

I've been curious about the devices since I first saw them advertised, and wondered about their implications for health. Most electronic cigarettes use heat to vaporize a solution of nicotine, flavorings, and propylene glycol or glycerine into a water vapor which is then inhaled. The vapor delivers the nicotine to the user, along with the flavor.

Almost all of the substances believed to cause cancer from burning traditional tobacco cigarettes are not present, and the others are present in comparatively minute amounts. For the smoker's gratification, nicotine is still delivered, and the action of smoking (involving the hands, mouth) is still satisfied. For these reasons, many argue that electronic cigarettes are a safer alternative.

However, the substances that are inhaled have not been extensively tested, and vary from brand to brand. Most of our clients will recognize propylene glycol to be of special concern. We try to offer products free of propylene glycol even for topical use. The vapor from electronic cigarettes is meant to be taken into the body via the lungs, making it that much more dangerous than shampoo, for example. 

I would also add the subject of exposure to second-hand smoke as a factor to consider. Most non-smokers would prefer not to be exposed to second-hand smoke on principle, and there are many of us who are concerned about the health risks associated with exposure. 

Whether or not the devices are actually helpful in stopping smoking is not something I can comment on. Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest they may be helpful. Legally they cannot be sold or promoted for this purpose in the US, since they have not been tested as such.

Even so, if a client comes to me and has tried other methods and yet failed, and asks me if they should try electronic cigarettes, what would I tell them? In conscience, I could not tell them NOT to try it, since it might indeed help. If the client can successfully quit smoking, their health would benefit so much that it would be unethical for me to advise them against trying it at all.

One of the major issues I see with these products that does concern me is the potential to entice non-smokers to try it, if they get the idea that it is relatively safe. Nicotine is still a drug, and a very addictive one. Also the flavors available might be something that make it more appealing to younger people, which pretty much takes us back to the now-banned commercials of rugged cowboys and sensual models designed to romanticize smoking in the first place.

For now I am holding a neutral position on the devices. There may be situations where they may be helpful, and there may be other situations where they may be harmful. I think it is important to weigh potential risks and benefits, and make decisions on a case by case basis.

Incidentally, our preferred method of quitting smoking is to take a high-strength liquid lobelia extract, which tends to make smoking unappealing and benefits the lungs, and marshmallow herb capsules which also help to expel build-up from smoking from the lungs. These must be paired with a desire to quit smoking. For motivated clients, this combination has been proven very effective.

Written by Trish A. 

Interesting Ways To Take Care Of Your Teeth

If you're tired of the same-old same-old when it comes to taking care of your teeth, try spicing up your dental routine a little bit. Here are some weird, wonderful and downright wacky dental products that can put a little extra fun in your oral hygiene routine.

Flavored dental floss: Tired of mint and cinnamon? Then how about putting some new flavors on the floss menu? Try pickle, ranch, bacon, or cupcake frosting flavored floss instead! Tired of having salad stuck in your teeth? Use salad-flavored floss instead! Maybe you don't have time for breakfast in the morning, or perhaps you're just watching your weight? If so, try the breakfast flavored floss combo. It includes coffee, waffles and bacon to start your morning out right. If you want to take a walk on the wild side, then you won't want to pass up the absinthe floss. Check out the whole flavored floss collection at Archie McPhee (http://www.mcphee.com) and perk up your routine.


Flavored toothpaste: Toothpaste doesn't have to come in boring flavors either. You'll find some excellent alternative toothpaste flavors at Archie McPhee. Bacon flavored toothpaste could await you every morning. (Who doesn't like bacon?) Don't forget to check out the pickle and cupcake flavored toothpastes, too. They make great gifts, or keep them for yourself and enjoy the ride! Having trouble getting someone in your house interested in the dental hygienist program? Try ice cream flavored toothpaste. For the truly adventurous: pine flavored toothpaste. Yup.

Tooth Tunes: This one may not appeal to everyone, but for kids and pre-teens, Tooth Tunes is where it's at. This toothbrush plays music for two minutes – the recommended time for brushing. As long as the music is playing, the brusher should be brushing. Tooth Tunes toothbrushes come loaded with clips from more than two dozen pop music artists. The music isn't readily audible by anyone other than the brusher, and is triggered by pressure on the brush head. Tooth Tunes are distributed by Hasbro/Tiger Electronics and are available at most general merchandise stores. A single toothbrush – batteries included - will set you back about $10.

Brushing Timers: Not interested in listening to the music in your head while you brush? Then try a toothbrush timer. Whether it's a mechanical timer or a simple sand timer, these devices can help ensure that you're spending enough quality time with your toothbrush. You can find toothbrush timers online and in stores. They're great tools for teaching kids to brush, but they only measure time spent, not good brushing techniques.

Electric and Ultrasonic Toothbrushes: They've been around forever but there are a whole new line of electric toothbrushes that can help you keep your teeth clean. Spinning brush heads promise to clean up your teeth better and faster than manual toothbrushes do. If you want to get really tooth-techy, take your brushing to a whole new level and try an ultrasonic toothbrush. These gadgets will set you back seriously but promise to deliver a better time at the dentist than a manual toothbrush does. You can get a sonic setup for the whole family, too.

Flavored mouthwashes: With all this fun you're having brushing and flossing, you need a fun mouthwash to complete the picture, right? Well, you're not in nearly as much luck as you are with brushing and flossing. Aside from the standard vanilla mint, regular mint, spearmint, ultra mint, peppermint, orange, and grape flavored mouthwashes (and don't forget regular Listerine), you're not going to have much luck here. Why? To be truly effective, mouthwashes need to be tough enough to stand up to heavy hitters like garlic. One of the best (and only) contenders in this category? You guessed it: mint!

Fighting the holiday blues

The holidays are a time that we expect to be bright, cheerful, and filled with celebration. However, life isn’t always perfect, and those expectations compared to the reality of life, and the demands they place on us can have the opposite effect. Stress and depression is at an all-time high during the holiday season, drug abuse rehab centers see many “hit bottom” and be admitted, suicide is up, and drunk driving fatalities reach their peak



Our intention is not to spread gloom on anyone’s holiday, but a more realistic approach can suggest effective coping strategies. First, remember that time spent with family is more important than the cost of the gift. Holiday meals don’t have to be gourmet affairs. Meaningful discussion, inviting others, and something as simple as a few candles on the table can make dinners special. Don’t over-extend yourself – it’s ok to say no if you don’t have time for something. Take time out to relax. Refreshing yourself can make you more productive the rest of the time. If you can’t be with loved ones, or if you’ve had a death in the family, realize that it is normal to feel sad. Not every holiday is or has to be perfect – don’t put that expectation on yourself. Remember that helping others can be the best lift you can give to yourself.


Even if your holiday is wonderful, be aware of others around you. Invite a lonely neighbor or co-worker for dinner and cookies. Be especially aware of those who may have lost a loved one recently, or near the holidays. Those who have been recently divorced may be especially lonely and depressed. Anyone who has been admitted to a drug abuse rehab center in the past may be at risk for falling back into drinking or drugs. Don’t expect anyone to be happy or cheerful just because it’s the holiday season. Instead, give them the opportunity to talk in case the holidays are proving especially difficult for them, and encourage others to seek help if necessary.

Written by Trish A. 

Should you throw away your Neti pot?

News of a tragic death in Louisiana makes this a good time to talk about the proper use of Neti pots, which are used for nasal irrigation. These have long been a popular, and effective, means of cleansing among our clients, providing many health benefits.

However, users should be aware that pouring water through the nostrils places the water in contact with membranes that provide less of a barrier to infection. The infection that led to death in Louisiana was the result of an amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. E xposure to Naegleria can lead to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is almost always fatal. This is the second death in Louisiana this year from the same cause.

A few precautions can prevent infection. While many sources recommend warm tap water to make the flushing solution, we have always suggested using distilled water in the Neti pot. It would also be acceptable to use tap water that has been boiled. The Neti pot should always be carefully washed to prevent other infections as well, especially if the user has a cold or influenza.

Incidentally, it is important to use a safe source of saline as well. Makers of Neti pots offer safe commercial products. If you wish to make your own solution, you can use a non-iodized salt (sea salts can be problematic as well, unfortunately, depending upon how they were processed), and add a pinch of baking soda.

We are saddened by this tragedy, and hope that all of our readers and clients will be careful to use their Neti pots safely.

Written by Trish A. 

Decorating

Guest post written by Kevin Beach

As I was scanning through my options for programming offered through direct tv deals southgate, I always find myself during this time of year stopping for periods of time to watch how designers transform homes into magical showplaces for the holidays. With the simple addition of a few holiday touches, any home can sparkle and shine. Last week on HGTV, a designer attached a plain, green wreath to a kitchen chandelier. She attached the wreath to the light fixture with three strands of beautiful silver ribbon. From the bottom of the wreath hung a handful of simple silver Christmas ornaments suspended with fishing line. The ornaments seemed to be floating magically from the wreath. It was a beautiful, yet simple idea that transformed a rather ordinary space into a place inviting for any holiday feast. What I was even more impressed with was the ease of this project. Sometimes designers on these shows make these do-it-yourself projects seem so effortless, but for the amateur, these projects never translate into such easy tasks. This project, however, required minimal skill, and could be done in a matter of minutes.

Indoor Air Quality -- Mold

One of the major factors to consider in indoor air quality is the presence of mold. There are a number of potential health risks associated with mold exposure, including asthma and allergies as well as more serious concerns. Mold cannot be completely wiped out – there will always be some mold spores present. The problem comes when the mold finds an environment in which it can grow.

Anytime there is excess water, whether from flooding, a burst pipe or other plumbing issues, or any other cause, the homeowner should act quickly. If the water has not penetrated beyond the surface, it may be possible to sufficiently dry the area yourself. However, if you have any doubt about lingering moisture that you cannot clean up yourself (like water that has penetrated carpets, or soaked into wood), it may be safer to hire professional water damage cleaners. Austin based cleaning and restoration company, The Steam Team (http://www.thesteamteam.com), explains that higher levels of moisture in the air can cause damage to absorbent surfaces even in unaffected areas of the home. Mold and mildew can grow on books, papers, walls, ceiling tiles and other surfaces and compromise the air quality as well as damaging your property, so it is important to act quickly.
If mold and mildew begin to spread, especially in hidden areas, it can be much more difficult to combat later.

Flood damage, moist areas, plumbing leaks, or improper ventilation are all possible causes of mold growth, and any of these warrant careful inspection of all surrounding areas. Mold can affect walls, wood, ceilings, air ducts, clothing, furniture, carpets, books, papers, and many others. Simply painting over the surface will not necessarily prevent further mold. Mold can continue to grow under the paint if it is not properly cleaned.

We’ll continue our next indoor air quality post with alternative cleaning supplies …

Written by Trish A. 

Dressing for clients' comfort?

Today we would like to share some of our experiences as natural health care providers in the hopes that it might benefit others who provide services similar to ours.

In addition to client consulting and providing dietary supplements, we have offered a number of alternative therapies. We usually wear casual office clothing during consults and in the store area while assisting customers with their choice of supplements and other products. Dressed in regular clothing, the public sees us as friendly and providing personalized help, and as being more caring.

However, we have found that most of our clients are more comfortable in a therapeutic setting when the staff is dressed in medical scrubs or white lab coats. For some, therapy becomes almost invasive if it is carried out on a too-personal level, and they are able to relate better to a more professional appearance. The scrubs and lab coats also seem to help inspire confidence in their care providers. Because of this, we have made it a practice for those who provide therapies to dress in them.

Image courtesy of http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/

Another feature that is important to assuring the comfort of clients is making them feel that their privacy is always being respected. Some clients are uncomfortable discussing personal health issues on the open floor of the store area, so we make it a practice to guide them to a private consulting room. If possible, it can also be helpful to have both male and female consultants on hand for those situations where clients may need to discuss sensitive personal details.

We have found that respecting clients’ comfort issues goes a long way toward reassuring them when they may be dealing with health issues. When they are comfortable, clients share more information, which helps us provide better service. And when they feel reassured, they are much more likely to follow through with the course we suggest. When their condition improves as a result, we have just cemented a new relationship with a satisfied client, and increased our reputation at the same time.

Natural Supplements for Pet Health

In many instances, using herbal supplements intended for humans can be safe and effective for pets as well. Of course, you should check with your veterinarian or a qualified natural health practitioner to be sure, as some herbs, essential oils, etc. that are safe for humans can also be toxic for pets. Cats especially are sensitive to essential oils, which we often don’t consider a possible danger, since they are usually not ingested.

Sometimes they can be significant money savers, and even life saving as well. My almost 2-year old German Shepherd dog recently started showing signs of malnutrition in spite of being well-fed. As it turns out, his pancreas is now failing to produce digestive enzymes and he was starting to literally starve to death, no matter how much food he ate. There is a veterinary product available in powdered enzyme form, but the cost is around $200 per bottle for a total cost of around $2,000 per year for a dog his size. As a temporary measure, I gave him a good broad-spectrum human enzyme I had on hand while I looked into other possible treatments. The cost of the human enzymes was around $30 per month, for a total of about $360 per year.

As it turns out, that is not the best treatment for many dogs, though it is standard protocol in the US. In the UK and other countries where it is available, pig pancreas is the treatment of choice, and it seems many dogs respond very well to it. It didn’t take long to discovered that pig pancreas is not available at any price in the US, due to USDA slaughterhouse guidelines. I was able to source some for free from a wildlife butchering service that handles wild hogs, but there would never have been enough available to keep my dog healthy.

So I turned to pancreatin. It is easily purchased from a local health food store, and even MORE effective than the enzymes I was giving him, for just over $10 a bottle. I was able to reduce the dosage since it is so much more effective, and now his treatment cost should be around $15 a month, for an annual total of only $180. At the same time, it seems so far that it will be more effective than either the human or veterinary enzyme preparations. So don’t overlook human supplements, in cases where they may prove both safe and effective, as alternative treatments for your pets either.

Chapped Lips

It's that time again ... cold air, drying winds, and chapped lips. There are many products available, but Burt's Bees make some of our favorites.

Burt's Bees lip balms come in both tins and tubes, and personally I find the tubes to be especially helpful as you don't have to worry about your fingers possibly contaminating the balm. Many of our clients prefer the Original with the peppermint oil. I enjoy it myself, since it provides a nice tingle along with the soothing beeswax. Another favorite is the balm with Pomegranate oil. It does a wonderful job of moisturizing and protecting the sensitive skin of the lips with a delicate flavor and flush of color at the same time. There are other flavors and types available, but these are our two biggest sellers, and my personal favorites. I usually carry both of them in my purse at all times.

Oh, it's not so much a worry this time of year, but you want to be careful not to leave them in a hot car in the summer, since beeswax melts easily. However, I have done it more than once, and if you just turn the tube upright and leave it there again, it melts back into a useable shape, though the tube may sweat a little. But there's no need to throw it away if you do happen to melt it.

Natural Bath Salts

You can make your own natural bath salts easily and inexpensively. Enjoy a refreshing, spa quality bath in your own home, or make them to give as beautiful and luxurious gifts for your friends.

The basis of the mix is salt. We like dead sea salt, which can often be found at health food stores or is available online. There are a number of other bath salts available as well. You can also use Epsom salts, or a combination of epsom and sea salts. The bath salts are best made in a glass bowl and mixed with a wooden spoon. You will also need to choose the essential oils you wish to use for scenting. We especially like lavender for a relaxing bath, but there are many other choices. Peppermint oil makes a refreshing bath, while rose is a romantic scent. See our post on essential oils for more ideas.

There is no real "recipe" ... bath salts are very easy to make. Add about two cups of salt to a bowl, and begin adding essential oil. You will probably need about 15-30 drops of oil, depending on the type used. Peppermint oil is very strong, for example, and would probably require no more than 15 drops, where rose oil (usually in a carrier oil already) would probably require 30 drops. Just stop and stir the mixture well every 7 drops or so until you reach the desired strength.

Bath salts are best stored in a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid, though care must be taken with glass containers in the bath. If giving as a gift, you can decorate a glass jar filled with bath salts, or you can place the salts in a cellophane bag and tie with a pretty ribbon. Gifts can be as simple as a single jar of bath salts, perhaps with a wooden scoop for an exfoliating puff attached, or as elaborate as a gift basket, which could contain a variety of bath salts, handmade soaps, a loofah, scented oils, candles, chocolates, a super-fluffy towel, and other luxury spa items, decorated with flowers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing all of our readers a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

Remember, you can enjoy all your favorite foods. If calories are a concern, try just a taste of the really "bad for you" foods. Eat slowly and allow you body to tell you when it's full. And most importantly, take some time to reflect on what you are most thankful for. A thankful heart helps to put our daily stresses in perspective and focus on the positive instead of the negative, and that can be one of the most important things you can do to live a healthy life.

Cut out snacks for weight loss? No way!

Today’s Yahoo! News released the warning that women who eat snacks between breakfast and lunch may not lose as much weight, even though overall they consume the same number of calories as other dieters.

I just want to offer some possible insight into the mechanics of eating and weight loss. It used to be thought that it was a simple formula of calories in – calories out = weight gained or lost. That is still essentially true, and the calories contained in food don’t change BUT the way your body burns them can and does.

The problem I see with limiting snacks is that it prevents dieters from taking advantage of how most of our metabolism works. When our bodies have a steady input of fuel, the system relaxes its guard and says “There’s plenty of food, we can go about our business as usual.” That means the body burns calories in a normal way. On the other hand, when calories begin to be severely limited, or we go through periods of not fueling the body, the body reacts with “Uh-oh, we might be entering a time of food shortage, we better to hang onto everything we can!” which results in fat being burned even more slowly.

A very successful eating program for weight loss would involved a number of small meals a day. You don’t need to consume a large amount of calories in any meal, but just let the body know that food is available and there’s no need to take drastic conservation measures.

Another factor that I personally have found to be very relevant to metabolism and hunger cycles is the type of food eaten. If you have toast, or cereal, or something else typically grain-based as your main breakfast fuel, the body burns those carbohydrates quickly and you feel hungry again, usually before lunchtime. On the other hand, eating a diet that includes eggs or another quality source of protein for breakfast, along with a portion of your daily fat allowance, tends to burn off slowly and keep the body satisfied for longer periods.

With this reasoning, a good diet plan might include protein and fat at breakfast, not in amounts large enough to wreck your diet, but including a reasonable percentage of your daily allowance (instead of the way most of us have learned to eat, with the greatest food intake being our evening meal). Then a couple of hours later, a snack such as nuts, fruit, yogurt, etc would be appropriate (though you may find you don’t even THINK of food at that time). Lunch should also include a protein source of some kind, but be a light lunch overall. An afternoon snack is definitely in order, and nuts at this time might be even more beneficial. The evening meal should contain a smaller portion of lean protein. Of course, vegetables and the remainder of your diet should be spread among your snacks/meals. It is possible to include a snack after dinner as well, if you have not consumed all of your daily food before that point.

It will be a balancing act, and it takes time to learn and adjust. The overall goal should be to not deprive the body of protein for great lengths of time, especially early in the day. You should probably consume no more than 30% of your total protein/fat and calories after your mid-afternoon snack. Instead, opt for more food earlier in the day, when you are doing your daily tasks and your body is more apt to burn it off more quickly. Aim for a slow weight loss, especially if you have a significant amount to lose, and you are much more likely to be successful in the short term as well as the long term.

Good luck, and healthy living!

Houseplants to improve indoor air quality? Part 2

So, how do you choose which plants would be most effective in your situation?

Of course, preference plays a part, and you may need to find non-toxic plants if you have pets that like to chew on them. Fortunately, many of the plants tested are easy to grow so that shouldn’t have to limit your choices too much.

Some plants are better than others at removing particular pollutants, so you may want to consider what kinds of harmful gasses, etc. are likely to be present in your home. Consider the sources of the pollutants. Many building materials as well as carpets, fabrics, and wallcoverings contain formaldehyde, so it may be in greater concentrations in homes that are newly constructed, remodeled, or redecorated. Benzene may be found in oils and paints as well as some cleaning compounds. Trichloroethylene can also be found in paints, as well as adhesives, varnishes, and inks. Carbon monoxide is often the result of improperly vented fireplaces or seepage from the garage.

If benzene is your biggest concern, the best plants are English ivy, peace lily, mother-in-law’s tongue, and bamboo palm, along with gerbera daisy and chrysanthemum.

Trichloroethylene was most effectively removed by peace lily, bamboo palm, and gerbera daisy.

Formaldehyde was best treated with bamboo palm, peace lily, mother-in-law’s tongue, dracaena marginata, dracaena warneckei, spider plant, and pothos.

You may notice that bamboo palm and peace lily made it onto all three lists, so either would be a great all-around air cleaner. Many of the other plants remove two of the three contaminants listed and would also be good choices.

Carbon monoxide is converted and used in photosynthesis by all green plants, so any of them can be helpful in cleaning it from the air. IMPORTANT – We do NOT recommend relying on plants alone if carbon monoxide is a concern. While removing carbon monoxide from the air is important, we suggest installing a carbon monoxide detector to alert you in case levels rise higher than the plants can metabolize, as it can still be fatal.

Because of the action of the soil, another very important factor is the amount of soil exposed. Plants with lower leaves that block the soil can be made more effective by removing the lower leaves. You should also avoid coving the soil with decorative material if air quality is your concern.

How many plants should you use? If plants are in pots 6” or greater in diameter, fifteen or so plants should greatly increase the air quality in a 2,000 square foot house. A variety of plants is recommended.

Below are the scientific and common names of these plants, and others that are recommended.


Hedera helix -- English ivy
Chlorophytum comosum -- spider plant
Epipiremnum aureum -- golden pothos
Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa' -- peace lily
Aglaonema modestum -- Chinese evergreen
Chamaedorea sefritzii -- bamboo or reed palm
Sansevieria trifasciata -- snake plant, iron plant, or mother-in-law’s tongue
Philodendron scandens `oxycardium' -- heartleaf philodendron
Philodendron selloum -- selloum philodendron
Philodendron domesticum -- elephant ear philodendron
Dracaena marginata -- red-edged dracaena or dragon tree
Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana' -- cornstalk dracaena
Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig' -- Janet Craig dracaena
Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii' -- Warneck dracaena
Ficus benjamina -- weeping fig or ficus tree

Scent-sational! (part 4)

Besides potpourri and candles, there are natural ways to freshen the air.

If there are offensive odors, vinegar is a good neutralizer. For a general odor neutralizer, you can mix 5 parts water to 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle, and spray it in the room. Don’t wet surfaces, just mist. If the odor is strong, you can use more vinegar – you can even go with pure vinegar and add a few drops of essential oil but be warned that this mixture will not smell good as you spray it, but odors should be neutralized as the vinegar dries.

Other substances that help to absorb odors are charcoal, coffee grounds, and baking soda. These can be placed out of sight, or in an open dish, or hung in a fabric bag.

For a general room freshener, you can just add a few drops of essential oil to a small spray bottle with water. Rubbing alcohol in the mix helps the oils dissolve better, but either way it will need to be repeatedly shaken. Spray this as you would any room freshener. Citrus is especially effective. My favorite mixture is 2 parts orange to one part lavender essential oils.

If you have an aromatherapy diffuser for essential oils, it probably makes the best use of your oils. However, if you don’t, you can also use a small crock pot with water and add essential oils to that and set it on simmer, or just place a small pan of water and essential oil on your stovetop and set it on the lowest setting.

And don't forget the earlier posts ... as we are coming into the holidays, some of the most delightful options are combinations of spices in hot water on the stove. Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and nutmeg can make a cheery house that smells like baking pies! 

Houseplants to improve indoor air quality?

We’ve all heard about how houseplants improve indoor air quality. Usually spider plants and Boston Ferns are touted as the most effective. But do they REALLY work? Should you buy indoor plants and expect them to improve your air quality?

NASA did controlled studies on a number of houseplants and found that various harmful agents were significantly decreased or even almost eliminated in the controlled chambers the plants had been placed within. So that proved that plants improve indoor air quality, right?

Well, in fact they DO, but not in exactly the way we had first imagined. The plants DO remove some pollutants through their foliage in the process of photosynthesis and respiration. However, what you don’t normally hear is that the scientists at NASA also discovered that by removing lower leaves of the plants and exposing more of the soil to the air, the plants actually did a BETTER job of cleaning the air. It seems that not only does the foliage help to clean the air but, maybe even more important, micro-organisms in the soil also absorb pollutants and essentially use them as food. In doing so, they effectively neutralize the pollutants. What’s more, the longer the microorganisms are exposed to the pollutants, the more they “learn” to use them as food, and so they can become even more effective.

That’s not to say that you should write off using indoor plants to clean the air … just a little more information that might help you select the best plants for you and increase their effectiveness.

Stay tuned for part 2, when we will discuss some of the best plants for the job.

Cooking for clean air

We've been talking about some of the many factors that affect the quality of the air we breathe indoors.

Even the pans we use to cook can have an adverse affect on respiratory and general health as well. The older style of non-stick pans contain PTFE which can leach into the air at high temperatures. The common mishap of having a pan boil dry can produce enough toxins to kill animals such as pet parrots, who have particularly sensitive respiratory systems. The same levels can cause headaches in humans, and higher concentrations can have more serious effects.

Because cooking pans can also interact with foods, it is safer to use materials that will not introduce anything harmful, either to the air or to our foods. For this reason, we avoid coated non-stick pans and aluminum pans altogether, and instead prefer stainless steel, glass, or cast iron. (Cast iron can leach a small amount of iron into foods, but of course iron is an essential mineral and it is not dangerous at those levels but can even be beneficial.)

Another source of indoor air pollution, especially for people with asthma, is nitrogen dioxide, which can be produced by burning fuels such as wood, kerosene, or gas. If you cook with a gas stove, use the vents while cooking. And if you have a fireplace or heating appliance that burns fuel, make sure it is properly ventilated as well. 

Stay tuned for more in our series to improve indoor health, during this season when most of us are spending more time indoors!

Cleaning for air quality

A number of factors that affect indoor air quality are related to how we clean our homes.

Dust mites can cause respiratory problems. To help control them, wash sheets at least weekly, and consider dust-proof covers for mattresses and pillows. Also limit stuffed animals or try to buy only those that can be washed and dried.

Dust particles can also aggravate some respiratory problems. Carpets and upholstery should be vacuumed regularly, as should any soft surfaces that may attract dust (curtains, tapestries, etc.). Dust often, paying attention to areas that are often missed, such as behind furniture, on the top edges of picture frames, door frames, and windows, ceiling fan blades, and on top of the fridge, as well as behind furniture that is placed against the wall. Another source of dust that is often overlooked are artificial plants. Consider real plants instead, which help to clean the air as well.

If you own a cat, try a dust-free, unscented litter, and pour it slowly and from just over the litterbox.
Chemicals used in the home can also pollute indoor air. Air fresheners, cleaning supplies and pesticides  are some of the most common offenders. Instead, try these green alternatives.

Click here for our Scent-sational suggestions

Click here for recipes to make your own green cleaners.

Also be aware of perfumes, hair spray, deodorants, and other products you may use that are diffused into the air. Look for safer alternatives at your local health food store.

And lastly, if mold or mildew is a problem anywhere in your home, make sure to clean it thoroughly, and if possible prevent future moisture problems. In the case of shower curtains and other places that usually remain moist, regular cleaning is necessary. 

Air Scares

In the words of the Twilight Zone passenger ... "Do you want to see something REALLY scary?" How about what's in the air that most of us are breathing ...

Air quality is an important consideration, especially since most of us spend much more time indoors than we did a generation ago. At the same time, houses are being built much more air-tight in the name of efficiency, trapping indoor air pollutants. They are also being manufactured and furnished using modern synthetic materials that are out-gassing many more toxic substances than building materials, carpets, and furniture made in the traditional way. Tightly sealed buildings also trap and keep in moisture, allowing mold and mildew to grow more easily, producing even more toxic spores and substances. Then we move into these buildings, and proceed to clean them using modern chemicals, which release even more dangerous fumes into the air. Even the cooking utensils we use can release toxins into the air as a result of being heated.

You can have problems with your indoor air quality without realizing it. Not all of these dangerous substances can be detected in the air, especially without specialized equipment. Many of them are odor-free. Some of them work slowly in the body, and their effects may not be known for many years. Others can be immediately toxic and fatal.

But there are things you can do to improve your indoor air quality. Be aware of possible pollutants, remove the ones you can, choose alternatives when available, and clean the air. Stay tuned for more information on all of these topics, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Collagen revisited

We’ve done articles on collagen in the past, but I wanted to offer more information on this topic, since so many of our clients and readers are seeking information.

First, what is collagen? Collagens are proteins, and found naturally in the body. They are most abundant in connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments, skin, muscle, and cartilage. Most people are interested in collagen for one of two reasons … the relief of arthritis symptoms, or the benefits to skin, making it appear more youthful. The body makes collagen, but as the body ages, it makes less and as a result, skin becomes less elastic and you may experience arthritis symptoms as a result as well.

We have had success with supplements that included oral type I and type II collagen, and some of our clients swore by them and made them a part of their ongoing supplement program. However, we had so much better results with a collagen matrix supplement that we discuss this with everyone who comes for help with arthritis symptoms.

Genacol is the brand-name of a collagen matrix supplement. It is not collagen, per se, but is composed of the factors the body uses to produce collagen. While supplements like glucosamine often do produce results, it usually takes a couple of months to begin to see them. Genacol on the other hand has decreased pain in almost all of our clients who have taken it in less than a month (only one client reported that he was not satisfied with the results).

For maximum effectiveness, 3 capsules should be taken around 10pm before sleeping, and a source of silica should be taken as well (such as horsetail). Incidentally, viral and bacterial infections, as well as a serious deficiency of Vitamin C, can interfere with production of collagen.

For those clients who are interested in collagen production for a more youthful appearance, Genacol does make a gel product, which might be more effective since it is applied directly to the skin. It has in fact been very helpful in reducing pain of arthritis sufferers. However, what I do always tell clients who are seeking results from collagen for wrinkle control is that the BODY decides what to do with the supplements we take, and they may not begin to see appreciable results in the appearance of skin if the body is busy replenishing collagen to the joints, which would be the most likely use of collagen in a depleted body.

Common uses of essential oils

Essential oils are wonderful to use in making bath salts or otherwise adding to the bath. They have wonderful properties to suit any mood or occasion. Following is a list of some of the more popular essential oils, and their more common aromatherapy and skin care uses.

Lavender - useful for relaxation

Eucalyptus - used to treat migraines, aching muscles and respiratory infections, and to bring down fever

Tea Tree - fights many kinds of skin infections and conditions, and useful for people suffering from flu symptoms

Lemon - used to bring down fever and helpful to boost immunity (some people may show allergic reactions)

Sandalwood - calming, stimulates libido, and moisturizing

Jasmine - elevate mood and decrease tension, increase libido (should not be used during pregnancy)

Patchouli - helpful for skin care, alleviates depression (should be used in small amounts since it is very strong)

Bergamot - an emotional lifter, useful for anxiety or depression

Rosemary - stimulates mental abilities and decreases muscle pains and headaches (avoid if you have hypertension, epilepsy, or are pregnant)

Cedarwood - also helps to relax when someone is stressed (do not use during pregnancy)

Marjoram - calms hyperactivity, relieves stress and fights fatigue (should not be used during pregnancy)

Ylang-ylang - useful to treat headaches and for nausea, can help lower blood pressure and is calming (do not use too much as it can cause headaches if overused)

Chamomile - calming, and helpful to treat acne

Peppermint - increases alertness and sharpens focus (can be irritating to some people, and should not be used during pregnancy, avoid getting in eyes)

Rose - good for the skin and lifts mood (avoid during pregnancy)

As you can see, many of them should not be used during pregnancy.

These can be added to bath salts, or placed in a vaporizer to be inhaled. For skin application, they can be used for massage oils or added to the bath or bath salts. NOTE: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Peppermint, and Ylang-ylang should be not be applied directly to the skin unless very diluted in a carrier oil. If lemon is applied to the skin, you should stay out of the sun.

Help for Arthritis Sufferers

There are many options for supplements to help the arthritis sufferer, and just as many opinions about what is best. It would take a book to fully discuss them, but here is a rundown on some of the more common supplements ...

MSM is often recommended. It can be easily taken in capsules. Another favored method is to buy powdered MSM and add it to a gallon of water, then drink from that container. It has virtually no taste and works well this way. MSM often does help with the pain of arthritis, but on it's own does not really address the root of the problem (which admittedly can be one or more of a variety of causes). For this reason it is usually suggested along with other supplements, particularly glucosamine.

Glucosamine CAN be helpful in repairing some of the damage suffered in arthritic joints. However, it does not work in every case, and often it takes a couple of months before knowing if it will work in your case or not. It is certainly worth a try, but it is a more expensive ingredient than MSM. For these reasons, it might not be the best supplement to start.

Various collagens can be helpful, but they range from not at all helpful to slightly effective, to very effective. We have seen MUCH better results from Genacol brand, which is a collagen matrix rather than just the collagen in isolation, and seems to help your body actually rebuild it's own collagen. In order to be as effective as possible, it should be taken at night before going to bed, and some form of silicone, such as horsetail, should also be taken at the same time. When Genacol became available, it quickly became our first suggestion since it helped over 98% of those who tried it within the first 30 days, sometimes within 10 days.

Various topical ointments and balms can be helpful for the pain itself. Tiger balm and Olba's oil help soothe arthritis pain in those who experience relief from warming ointments. For the opposite approach, BioFreeze offers a cooling gel that has also been very effective at pain management for a number of clients. Rubbed into aching joints, these can provide hours of relief from pain.

In some cases, homeopathic treatments have been very effective ... in the case of highly acid body it sometimes is the only thing that seems to work, and it tends to be the least expensive option of all. Hyland's makes an arthritis formula that is a combination of various homeopathics that has worked in very stubborn cases. And in the case of acidosis, we have seen nat phos at 30x work seeming miracles in as little as 2 days. At an average cost of $8 a bottle, clients have commented that nat phos is sometimes worth it's weight in gold. If you do choose to use homepathics, remember to take them correctly. The powder-type pills are mostly sugar pills with the active ingredient being a dusting on the surface, so if you handle them with your hands, the oils from your fingers might rub too much of the homepathic off. Instead, we instruct clients to tap 4 or 5 pills into the lid and dump them directly into the mouth without touching them. Their effectiveness can be reduced by caffeine or mint, so we suggest not drinking caffeinated beverages, eating chocolate or mints, or even using a mint toothpaste for about an hour or so after taking the tablets. Remember too that homeopathics can be taken every 15 minutes in an acute situation -- the dosages are so small that it's not a matter of overdosing on them. When the symptoms begin to alleviate, you can decrease the dose to every couple of hours or just a few times a day.

These are just a few of the supplements that have proven helpful to our clients who suffered from arthritis, but they are among some of the best.

The Evils of Carbs

So … you want to lose weight. The best way, get on a no-carb diet? After all, carbs are evil, and should be avoided at all costs, right?

WRONG!!!

That view is a little too simplified, like most of the “advice” we often hear. Carbs are actually necessary for the body to function. They are like the gasoline that fuels a car. Carbs break down into sugars in the body, and are used as fuel for all the processes that take place on a cellular level. Without them, your body’s functions would suffer.

But all carbs are NOT created equal. The most useful distinction to make between carb sources are those that are refined (sugars, white flours, white pasta) and ones that are not processed (whole grains, fruits, potatoes, carrots, beans).

Unprocessed foods usually retain all or most of their vitamins and minerals. They also have much higher levels of fiber, which is helpful in decreasing cholesterol, aiding digestion, and helping to prevent heart disease and diabetes as well as many kinds of cancer. So while you do get the necessary sugars when eating unprocessed carbs, you also get essential nutrients in much greater density, and health-promoting fiber as a bonus.

Processed or refined carbs, on the other hand, often have much or all of the real nutrient value removed. They digest more quickly, which causes blood sugar to spike to high levels and then suddenly drop, making you hungry much sooner and at the same time increasing the risk of diabetes because your pancreas has to work overtime to deal with huge swings in blood sugar.

So the next time you are looking at carbs in your diet, don’t toss the good out with the bad. Foods made with white flour such as pastries and white breads, foods high in refined sugar such as soda and candy, and white rice and pasta should be more restricted. The bulk of carbs in your diet should come from nutrient and fiber-rich sources such as whole grains, fruits, sweet potatoes, and carrots in order to keep the body in optimum health.

Eat right, be healthy! Naturally!

Green cleaning

Making your own household cleaners is not only safer for you and your family and better for the environment, but it saves a lot of money too. You’ll benefit by having cleaner indoor air and minimize your exposure to many toxins  by switching to some of these replacements for common cleaners. There are MANY ways to make these, but here are a few that have worked well for us. Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments.

To clean windows and mirrors, put a couple of cups of warm water in a spray bottle and add 3 tablespoons distilled vinegar and about 5 drops of liquid dish soap. Shake well and spray on to clean. No rinsing is required.

Spray cleaner for other most other surfaces, add a couple cups hot waster to a spray bottle, add ½ teaspoon washing soda and a drop of liquid dish soap. Spray on and wipe off, no rinsing required.

To scrub tiles and faucets, you can use plain baking soda with enough water added to make a paste. It won’t scratch surfaces, and rinses easily.

To kill mold on surfaces, put pure vinegar in your spray bottle and spray it on the surface, and leave it to soak in. Or put a couple of cups of warm water in your spray bottle, add a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil. This will be a more expensive solution due to the cost of the tea tree oil, so you may want to use distilled water and a very clean spray bottle, and it should keep indefinitely after mixing.

Furniture can be polished by adding about 12 drops of lemon oil to 2 cups warm water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray a light mist onto a clean cloth, and apply with the cloth. I usually wipe again with a dry cloth to leave furniture completely dry.

You can attack bacteria on cutting boards by slicing a lemon and rubbing it over the surface of the cutting board. If it has been used to cut meat, squeeze out extra juice and let it sit on the board for an hour before washing.

These natural cleaners will have your home sparkling clean without chemical pollutants, leaving your home more "green" and more green in your wallet too!  Happy cleaning!

Scent-sational! (part 3)

Candles are yet another way to scent your home, and provide a beautiful ambient glow at the same time. You can either buy scented candles (we recommend soy or beeswax candles scented with essential oils rather than the cheaper scented candles made with synthetic fragrances), or you can make your own if you like.

One tip we would like to offer: especially if you buy fairly expensive scented candles in a jar, you can use a candle warmer or mug warmer to heat the candle to melting, and the scent will infuse throughout the room, using up very little of the candle itself and providing hundreds of hours of scent from a 50-hour candle. The wick can migrate, but otherwise the candle is unharmed.

Making melted and poured candles are an easy way to get started. If you choose to make your own candles, you can often find petroleum-free vegetable based wax (such as soy) at craft stores. You may be able to find beeswax there as well. Other potential sources include health food stores. If not found locally, these can easily be found online.

Beeswax must be handled more carefully than soy wax, which can sometimes be simply melted in the microwave. Either can be melted in a double boiler as well. Once you remove the wax from the heat source and allow it to cool briefly, you can add essential oils. Some oils are stronger than others, but a good starting point is about 3 drops of oil per cup of wax.

Pour the melted wax into a container or a mold, and add the wick. Allow it to harden and you have your candle. If you plan to use a candle warmer and never burn the candle, you can simple pour it into a small jar, mug, or any other heat-proof container and allow it to harden, no wick needed.

Enjoy!

Cold and Flu Prevention

While many pharmacies and other outlets are gearing up for the annual sales of flu shots, we would like to share strategies for staying healthy naturally during cold and flu season.

 Vitamin C. More than any other supplement, Vitamin C shows promise in boosting the immune system. Ideally take at least 1000 mg. per day of a source that includes bioflavenoids. You may take 500 mg twice a day, or the whole 1,000 mg at a time. If I ever do get sick, I take 1,000 mg doses repeatedly throughout the day, spaced at least a few hours apart. Extra Vitamin C gets flushed from the body, and is safe at these doses. But taking more than 1,000 mg in a single dose, the extra will not be absorbed and you are wasting your money.

 Vitamin D has also shown some promise in recent months as a preventative for the flu virus, especially since most of us do not get enough natural Vitamin D (from sunlight) during the winter months. Vitamin D causes the body to produce an infection-fighting protein, and shows promise especially against those infections which affect the lungs. Levels necessary vary for different people, but a good starting point is around 2,000 IU per day for adults and 600 IU for children

 Immune-boosting herbs. There are MANY to choose from. One of my favorites is Echinacea, which is most useful before you get sick (I take it for several days beforehand if I have to go on an airplane, or attend a convention, etc.). It can also be helpful if taken at the very first sign of illness, which for me is a slight tingle in my throat, usually. If it isn’t caught right away, don’t bother with the Echinacea, as it works more as a preventative. Also, it cannot simply be taken for weeks on end, or it will lose its effectiveness. Some herbs/supplements that can be taken longer term include Astragalus, Garlic (garlic oil is better and comes in capsule form), Oregano (again, oil is better), and even probiotics such as Acidophilus and Bifidophilus (much of the battle for infection/health is fought in the digestive system).

 Eat right. Never underestimate the power of good nutrition … food is what makes the body, and what makes the body run. With proper foods, the body works much better and is much stronger. Don’t forget to take in enough fluids as well, which might take some effort if you are less conscious of being thirsty when the weather cools.

 Decreasing your stress levels as much as possible. Sometimes this is easier said than done, and many things in life produce stress. However, taking time out for yourself to do something you enjoy, relaxing, and pampering yourself are all ways to decrease the effect stress has on the body. Consider taking a stress-formula vitamin B complex when life comes at you with situations you know are going to be stressful. This is the right place to mention staying warm enough. Your grandma always said “Put on a jacket or you’ll catch cold!” While it’s not true that getting chilled makes you sick, as everyone used to believe, it IS true that becoming chilled stresses your body and dampens your immune system, so it can mean the difference getting sick or not if you have been exposed to any viruses.

 Getting enough rest. Very often a good night’s sleep can mean the difference between succumbing to an infection and fighting it off.

 Avoiding crowds, especially in closed-in places with re-circulated air. When you must place yourself in those situations, it can be a good idea to prepare in advance by taking immune-boosting supplements beforehand.

 Cleanliness precautions, such as washing your hands frequently, and avoiding touching your face. Many viruses are transferred by touching surfaces where the infection has been deposited, and then carrying them by hand to mucous membranes, especially inside the mouth, nose, and eyes. If you do get sick, it is important to sneeze into your sleeve or shoulder and not your hand if you don’t have a tissue, so that you don’t spread the virus to others when you touch things.

 If you DO get sick … the above precautions still hold true. Nutritious food, sufficient fluids, enough rest, staying warm enough, Vitamins C & D, immune-boosting herbs, and continuing cleanliness precautions will go a long way to getting you better faster.

There is one more “cure-all” we’d like to mention here. Actually, there are many of them out there, and a lot of them work quite well, but we’ve found this one to be especially effective, if you can stomach it. (And some people actually find the taste pleasant.) If the infection is starting in the throat, as many of them do, try gargling for a few moments (or as long as you can stand) with pure apple cider vinegar (not the distilled, clear kind from most supermarkets, but the cloudy kind with the “mother” that is usually sold at health food stores). It is a powerful anti-microbial agent that has stopped infections before they progressed many times in our house, and for many of our clients.

We hope you will use these precautions and have a healthy winter season!

Scent-sational! (part 2)

In our first Scent-sational! post we talked about simmering potpourris. This time we turn our attention to dry potpourris, which involve a few more steps but are still not difficult.

To make your dried potpourri, you can gather and dry your own botanicals, or if you are in a hurry you can also purchase them dried for you. Many kinds of leaves, flowers, and branches can be used in potpourri, since most of the scent is added using essential oils. If you gather your own, you should collect them midday on a dry day when it has not recently rained. They should be further air dried in a warm area, out of direct sunlight which can fade them, and should be turned every day or two to prevent mildew. The most effective way to dry them is on a flat screen which allows air circulation on all sides.


When you are ready to begin mixing your dried potpourri, you should have materials such as bark or wood shavings which will better hold the scent from the essential oils. You can also use vermiculite, orrisroot, or purchase a fixative intended for making potpourri. Your potpourri will hold its scent longer if you add your selected essential oils directly to any these materials and allow it to soak in for several hours before mixing in the flowers and leaves.

Choices for essential oil will depend on your preferences. Lavender is an ever-popular choice. Other commonly used oils are rose, rose geranium, balsam, orange, lemon, ylang-ylang, bergamot, sandalwood, patchouli, and cedarwood. There are many other possibilities.

Generally you will want to consider if your mix is to be floral or spicy, and choose scents that appeal to you within that category. Add several drops of your favorite scent, then add other scents one drop at a time until you reach a combination that pleases you. One of my favorites is rose/bergamot/ylang-ylang.

After your oils have soaked in the fixing material for a few hours, add the flowers and leaves to that mixture. Stir it all very well, then place it in a tightly sealed container for a day or two to cure. Your potpourri is now ready to use!

 Dried potpourri is stored in an open container to allow the fragrance to scent the room, or can be put in sachets to be placed in clothing or linen closets or in drawers. You can also make it last longer by keeping it in a tightly sealed glass jar and only opening it when you wish to release the scent.

Enjoy!

Lavender sachets

The lavender is finishing up it's bloom here soon, and it will be time to harvest and put to good use. Lavender is good for relaxation and helps to induce restful sleep. It's nice to use in the bath, especially before bedtime. It has the added benefits of repelling fleas and other insects (a friend of mine used to take a nightly lavender bath and her terrier would often jump in the tub as well ... the dog never had fleas!).

We were going to prepare instructions for making lavender sachets, but found a website with great instructions and even a video, so we will let Nana tell you how it's done.

Enjoy, and look forward to sweet dreams!

Scent-sational! (part 1)

 There are many ways to scent your home safely and naturally. You can avoid expensive air fresheners that very often use unsafe chemicals made to smell LIKE something natural, but which actually pollute the air. Instead, try some of these natural alternatives.

One choice is potpourri, which can be either simmering potpourri or dry. Simmering potpourri is normally made of strongly scented natural materials and placed in a warmer of some kind. We usually just put ours in a pot of water and place it on the stove on a very low burner, and the house is wonderfully scented in no time. Dry potpourri is usually made of dried botanicals that have essential oils added for fragrance and is then placed in an open container so that the scent can diffuse into the room. Dried potpourri gradually loses scent over time, but can be refreshed by re-applying the oils, or you can place it on the stove as simmering potpourri for one last use before discarding it.

There is no set “recipe” though you will doubtless come up with combinations that you prefer. One word of advice – keep a list of what materials and amounts you use when making any fragrance product, in case you discover something you especially like, so that you can duplicate it later. Simmering potpourri can include anything that smells good, but a common variety would be cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, rind from oranges or other citrus (or whole citrus), dried orange, and possibly bay leaf. If you want it to look pretty on the stove, toss in a handful of cranberries and use the fresh orange sliced and tossed in peel and all. Even a combination as simple as a broken-up cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves, and a dash of nutmeg simmered in water can produce a home that smells as though you are baking apple pies! (Warning: simmering potpourris can make you HUNGRY.)

Next time we will talk about dry potpourris. 

Jump Start New Year's Resolutions

Take a moment to think about your New Year's Resolutions now. Will you be one of the millions who says to themselves, "I've got to lose weight this year"?

If you will ... why not start taking steps NOW. Yes, I know the holidays are coming up, but that's the point. You have two choices. You can either eat all you want through the holidays, and come January first, tell yourself, "Ugh, I have to lose FIFTY pounds!" (Fifty just given for an example here.)

Or, you have another choice. Don't put on those five extra holiday pounds. Right now, you only need to lose 45 pounds. Instead, get out and take a little walk each evening. Get just a little more exercise. You don't need to deprive yourself of all the holiday foods you love ... if you do, you're that much more likely to "fail" on your "diet" because you felt so slighted. Instead, go ahead and have the slice of pumpkin pie. Just make it a smaller slice, and don't follow it up with a slab of pecan pie, telling yourself that you really like pecan too and after all, it's the holidays.

Instead, begin practicing just a little restraint. It will pay off in the end. You'll enter the new year maybe a few pounds lighter than you are now instead of heavier. And maybe more important, you'll face yourself with the realization that you CAN exercise (and maybe even enjoy it!), and that you DO have the willpower to resist temptations. And you'll have that much less to lose, and be that much further on the path to your goals. All of that means you will be MUCH MORE likely to succeed than if you simply ignore what you know if coming and make both your body and your confidence suffer in the meantime.

Eggs … are they safe?

With all the scare about recalled eggs and salmonella in recent news, many people are steering clear of eggs out of fear of infection. Are those fears founded?

They can be. Eggs that are infected with salmonella are impossible to recognized from uninfected eggs. Salmonella from inside eggs can be transferred to other surfaces in the kitchen, and can end up in other foods. Unwashed hands that have gotten salmonella-infected egg during cracking, etc. can carry the bacteria to other foods and surfaces as well.

The good news? Salmonella is easily killed by simply cooking the eggs. If the eggs are to be used in baked goods, that is not usually a problem (no licking the batter spoon, though!). But if you like your eggs sunny side up, it may not be cooked enough to fully kill the bacteria.

The real issue I have with this scare is the number of people that are suddenly afraid to eat pastured or farm-raised eggs. I find that ironic, since the recalled eggs are all from egg producers that raise their hens in battery cages, which means many hens are housed in small cages, usually several to a cage and usually stacked on other cages, in order to produce as many eggs as possible in as small a space as possible. Such conditions can lead to the spread of disease and the suppression of the chicken’s own immunity and, to my mind, increase the risk of tainted foods.

On the other hand, selling eggs to local customers from perhaps 150 or so hens that range the pastures of two local farms and are fed organic feed, allowed access to sunshine, grass, and bugs all day, living as chickens naturally would live, has not produced any sickness in all the years we’ve been selling eggs. Since the salmonella usually comes from an infected hen and gets inside the egg as it is being formed, and is not generally caused by any external contaminants, it is the health of the hen that should be the primary concern here.

I believe the same holds true for meat, milk, eggs – any edible product that is made from animals. If the animals themselves are healthy, the end product is much more likely to be healthy. I’ll still take my healthy chickens’ backyard eggs with no worries.

Resveratrol - Anti Aging substance

Resveratrol is a natural phytoalexin found in grapes and red wine. It is an antibiotic substance and is used to fight the likes of fungi and bacteria on its health. Researchers believe Resveratrol helps decrease heart disease rates and may have other health benefits. Reseveratrol is found in Japanese knotweed which is commonly grown in China but other plants which produce Reveratol are peanuts, cranberries and in the skin of grapes.

There are many stories about Resveratrol, but the biggest concern for women is its beauty benefits. Some say it works for a successful diet. Others think it works for anti aging. You can hear all the good stories you want on the net. But it all boils down to what it does to YOU. You can only try and find out, really.

The good news is that there is no side effect or any bad thing. You can also find some free trial supplements also, thank goodness. Nothing to lose, and hopefully you gain something!

Better health through herbal teas

Tea is a favorite beverage for many, but there are many varieties of tea, used for a wide range of purposes. While many people think of black tea when they consider a beverage tea, there are many other options that offer various health benefits. Many types of herbal teas are commonly available on the market to address different health and wellness concerns, often to better effect than the same herbs taken in capsule form. Blended teas are available as well, offering improved flavor as well as carrying the medicinal benefits of their various constituent plants. Another increasingly preferred choice are green teas.


Used for centuries as a wellness and beauty tonic as well as a daily beverage in most Asian countries, green tea has been growing in popularity in the US. Especially in recent years, more and more people are discovering its varied health benefits. Green tea's mild an pleasant flavor lends itself well to different combinations, making it a favorite base of combination teas. Green tea itself provides a large dose of antioxidants, which help promote health in many ways by protecting the body's cells from the damage often associated with aging and cellular metabolism. It is one of the richest sources of catechins (one of which is found in no other source) which may offer a high degree of protection against some cancers (even in the face of other high risk factors). Bioflavenoids are also in abundance in green tea, making vitamin C more complete and helping to boost immunity, protect the skin, and offering a host of other benefits.

A segment of the population has been seeking green tea more widely for its metabolic-boosting ability. Drinking green tea every day has been shown to increase metabolism, and may also be useful to help reduce cravings. This makes green tea a very sought-after diet drink. Sencha, a very high quality green tea, is a good choice for this intended use. Oolong (sometimes spelled Wu-long), while not exactly a green tea, is another popular choice for weight loss.

Also growing in popularity are the number of herbal tea combinations made with green tea. Besides enhancing and complementing the flavors, combining herbs allows the one drinking the tea to experience the increased benefits from other plant sources as well. Acai tea mixed with green tea is a good example. A richer source of antioxidants than other superfruits (such as goji berry and mangosteen), acai is a good choice for preventing free radical damage to cells and improving cellular health. The high availability of antioxidants in acai offers a number of anti-aging benefits. With its complement of nutrients and other vitamins, acai also helps promote healing and boost energy levels. These properties make it a perfect enhancement to green tea for anyone who wishes to improve their health, fight aging, and feel better.

Take advantage of the easy availability of quality herbal teas and combinations available. Find teas you enjoy, and sip your way to increased health and wellness!

Eczema

Eczema can have a number of causes, and can also be a symptom of an underlying problem, such as hypochlorhydria (low levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach), leaky gut syndrome, or an overgrowth of candida. Many cases of eczema are allergy-related.

The allergy can be to something external. Finding the cause is an important step in treating the eczema. It may be necessary to change, at least temporarily, to non-allergenic shampoos, lotions, soaps, etc. and avoid contact with various chemicals, nickel, plants, etc. to see if there is any improvement. In some cases where contact cannot be avoided (such as a person who must be exposed to these things in the course of their work), the sufferer can wear nitrile gloves in order to prevent various substances from coming into contact with the skin. These gloves are latex and powder free, an important consideration since latex allergies are common. These can be purchased from a dealer in medical supplies.

Many other eczema cases are related to dietary allergies. You can try eliminating all common allergens at the same time, and adding them back in at the rate of one per week to find the triggers, or cut out one category at a time to try to find the culprit. Foods that commonly produce allergic skin reactions include eggs, peanuts, soy foods, wheat, dairy products, strawberries, processed foods, and chocolate.

Gluten is an especially worth considering. Try eliminating gluten from your diet for 4-6 weeks and see if there is any improvement, and then re-introduce gluten-containing foods back, one food each week.

Helpful herbs include chamomile and pau d'arco. Both can be used either internally or externally. Aloe gel with a few drops of lavender oil applied in a thick coating over the affected skin can produce very good results. If the skin is very badly affected, you can mix goldenseal root powder (open a capsule) with vitamin E oil and apply that. Betaine HCl can be taken as a supplement to increase levels of hydrochloric acid (it should be avoided if your stomach is too acid). Vitamin E is another important supplement, and various EFA supplements - borage oil, flaxseed oil - can benefit the skin as well.

Atmosphere for Healing

An atmosphere for healing is especially helpful for people who are fighting illness or for those in addiction recovery. We are pleased to see facilities that concern themselves with the whole individual, rather than just an addiction. Natural surroundings that promote inner serenity help provide balance to the individual's emotions as they recover health. Nutrition is of prime importance in helping to regain health as well. Facilities that offer nutritious and fresh organic foods help build up the system and strengthen the body. Especially while going through drug detox, it is important to avoid the addition of further toxins from added pesticides and antibiotics.

An environment for healing is especially helpful in the case of dual diagnosis . More than 50% of admission cases have a concurrent psychosocial or emotional illness. For these people, the benefits of emotional serenity and natural surroundings are of even greater benefit. Nature helps relieve emotional stress and anxiety, and emotional healing can progress more quickly than it often does within a more artificial and clinical environment.

A variety of therapy options and personalized services allow a program to be tailored to suit an individual, giving every chance for success. Individual, group, and family therapy are part of the treatment process. Challenge and adventure therapy and equine therapy assist development and healing as well.

We are pleased to see programs that address the needs of the whole individual and are not relegated strictly to a clinical setting, allowing a fuller opportunity for healing of the whole person.