Let’s take a look at true Colloidal Silver
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 25, 2008
Have you heard of the Blue Man Fraud? Well, until just recently, I had not. It appears this man decided to make a home-made solution which he claimed was Colloidal Silver. When he prepared the solution, he believed he was making colloidal silver, which is not true. The fact is that Paul has a condition called argyria, which turns the skin a blue gray color, that he got by taking his homemade silver compound that was mostly an ionic silver solution. Apparently there was a campaign to scare the public away from using colloidal silver products. The tactic was to claim that the Blue Man’s condition was caused by his use of Colloidal Silver, thus implying that anyone who uses colloidal silver would suffer a similar fate. Sounds more like simple insanity if you ask me! Who in their right mind would do such a dangerous thing?
Well then, let’s take a look at some facts about true Colloidal Silver…
Colloidal silver appears to be a powerful, natural antibiotic and preventative against infections. Acting as a catalyst, it reportedly disables the enzyme that one-celled bacteria, viruses and fungi need for their oxygen metabolism. They suffocate without corresponding harm occurring to human enzymes or parts of the human body chemistry. The result is the destruction of disease-causing organisms in the body and in the food.
How it Works
The presence of colloidal silver near a virus, fungus, bacterium or any other single celled pathogen disables its oxygen metabolism enzyme, its chemical lung, so to say. Within a few minutes, the pathogen suffocates and dies, and is cleared out of the body by the immune, lymphatic and elimination systems. Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, which destroy beneficial enzymes, colloidal silver leaves these tissue-cell enzymes intact, as they are radically different from the enzymes of primitive single-celled life. Thus colloidal silver is absolutely safe for humans, reptiles, plants and all multi-celled living matter.
Product Quality
Many brands of colloidal silver are inferior. The highest grade is produced by the electro-colloidal / non-chemical method where the silver particles and water have been colloided, i.e., dispersed within and bound to each other by an electric current. The super-fine silver particles are suspended indefinitely in demineralized water. The ideal color of colloidal silver is a golden yellow. Darker colors indicate larger silver particles that tend to collect at the bottom of the container and are not true colloids. If a product contains a stabilizer or lists trace elements other than silver, or if it needs to be shaken, it is inferior. If a product requires refrigeration, some other ingredient is present that could spoil. The container and dropper must be glass, as plastic cannot preserve the silver in liquid suspension for any length of time. Some brands with high concentrations of silver may actually not be completely safe. High concentrations of silver do not kill disease germs more effectively than the safe range of 3 to 5 parts per million (ppm.).
Note - This post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease. Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem, or may be prone to allergic reactions before using new forms of medicine.
The Art of aging Gracefully and Naturally
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 14, 2008
Most people are shocked when they discover I am a grandmother. They usually look twice when they hear my little ones calling out to me at the park, or when we are out for a walk. When people ask me how I manage such a youthful appearance, I generally shrug and say “I am just lucky, I guess”. Then I get serious and tell people it has to do with keeping active (I love to dance and practice martial arts, tai chi and yoga), my faith in nature, and a positive outlook. I try to feed my body with nature and health in mind, although I do tend to indulge upon occasion (who doesn’t??), and pay close attention to what I put on my skin.
Our skin is like a sponge… everything we put on it is absorbed into our bodies to a certain point. Maintaining great health and youthful looks is really quite simple. Finding great natural products designed to promote skin wellness and reversing the signs of extrinsic skin aging while preventing future skin damage is an important step. Our faces are exposed to all kinds of harsh elements, and with the right anti-aging wrinkle cream added to our skin care regimen, we can prevent and even reverse such harmful damage.
I have had the pleasure to try out an excellent renewal face lotion from Epionce. I was particularly impressed with the subtle citrus scent, and smoothness as it gently penetrated my skin. It left my face feeling soft and supple, without the greasy feel of some facial lotions. This gives me to believe the claim that the Epionce products actually penetrate deep into the skin’s protective layer as well as the glue that holds your skin cells together. This causes your skin to become extremely healthy, where it will work to repair itself and grow as normal as possible creating an anti-aging effect. This means younger, healthy skin with an increase in collagen production and less visible signs of sun damage, aging, wrinkles and fine-lines.
I am looking forward to trying the renewal eye cream to help smooth and nourish the fine lines around my eyes. You may be certain that I shall endeavor to perfect the art of aging Gracefully and Naturally, and am quite happy to share what I learn along the way.
Choosing the very Best in Nature
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 1, 2008
Shall we venture into one of my most favorite subjects surrounding natural health and aromatherapy? I can honestly say how healthy and alive I feel at the wonderful young age of 45, due to my passion of setting examples of a healthy lifestyle, so that those I encounter are encouraged to do the same. When it comes to vitamin nutrition, I am an avid student, striving to learn all I can to live a long, healthy and fruitful life.
Incorporating aromatherapy and finding the highest quality of essential oils to maintain physical, emotional and spiritual balance is essential. Those who know me, can attest to my love of the scent and many beneficial uses of my favourite herb, lavender.
Lavender Highland is an evergreen, woody shrub that grows about 3 feet high. It has pale green, narrow leaves and beautiful, violet-blue flowers. The entire plant is highly aromatic. Lavendula vera is also known as Lavendula officinalis and Lavendula angustifolia. All these names indicate a true lavender. The essential oil from a true lavender is prized for its ester content. (Esters provide a relaxing quality with a sweet aroma.) The best Lavender in the world, with the highest ester content, comes from the high-mountain region of Provence, France. This is Oshadhi’s Highland Lavender. No other Lavender compares to its exquisite aroma and unsurpassed therapeutic qualites for skin care, first aid, and stress.
Another favourite is Geranium Rose Organic. There are many species of Geranium and hundreds of varieties. Amongst them, there are a group that are used for their essential oil. The most common are Pelargonium graveolens, asperum, roseum, odorantisimum, and radens. Geranium is a perennial shrub with serrated leaves and small flowers, growing from one to three feet high. The entire plant is aromatic. As a group, the Geraniums have been ever-popular, once believed to be a great healing plant. The essential oil is one of the most versatile and seems to be particularly good for women.
As always, I am impressed with the selection of these great essential oils, along with organic skin and personal care, vitamins, minerals and much more, as can be found at Choice Nutritionals.
May I have a spot of Organic Tea please?
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 12, 2008
There is nothing like a delicious and highly nutritious cup of tea. Amongst my favourite herbal delights, drinking tea has got to be my top form of consuming natures finest. Not only for the wonderful aroma, which brings it’s own pleasure, yet the feeling tea gives me when I truly need a few moments of relaxation. Of course I have my own personal preferences, which include the lovely flavors of peppermint, ginger, cinnamon, chamomile, lemon grass, tila flowers, catnip, and hops, just to name a few. My daughter also has her own favourite… Madagascar Vanilla Red, which is made with rooibos and vanilla bean.
My family knows that I am quite enthusiastic when I recieve tea gift baskets. This is a form of giving that shows how much one cares, as it is a gift meant to pamper the person recieving the gift.
So, whether tea is offered and consumed in the form of ceremony or for the simple pleasure, remember that special person with a wonderful and lovely selection of tea gift baskets available for our own choosing.
Can you smell the Cinnamon and Honey?
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 7, 2008
Let’s talk about Cinnamon and Honey. Here are some interesting facts one just might like to take into consideration…
Bet the drug companies won’t like this one getting around. Facts on honey and cinnamon… it is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a “ram ban” (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly world news, a magazine in Canada, on its issue dated 17 January 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists.
Heart diseases
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.
Arthritis
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
Bladder infections
Take 2 tablespoons of cinnamon powder and 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.
Toothache
Make a paste of 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and f5ive teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied 3 times a day until the tooth stops aching.
Cholesterol
2 tablespoons of honey and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
Colds
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take 1 tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
Upset stomach
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.
Gas
According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
Immune system
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
Indigestion
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on 2 tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
Influenza
A scientist in Spain has proven that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
Longevity
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink ¼ cup, 3-4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases.
Pimples
3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for 2 weeks, it removes pimples from the root.
Skin infections
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
Weight loss
Daily in the morning 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in 1 cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
Cancer
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder for 1 month 3 times a day.
Fatigue
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that 1/2 tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.
Bad breath
People of South America, first thing in the morning, gargle with 1 teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
Hearing loss
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing.
Well then, unless one has an allergic reaction to either Cinnamon or Honey, it would be a great idea to keep a good supply of these natural wonders on hand!
A delicious and delightful cup of Tea
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 5, 2008
The internet is a fabulous place to discover unusual items and unique gifts. It simply amazes me how much smaller the World seems, yet how much more is available than one could have ever imagined. I am definately one who looks for things that are extraordinary or different, and I do believe the Teaposy Tea Set most certainly falls into this category.
The Teaposy Blooming Tea Gift Set is a tea set where the tea is actually contained within dehydrated flowers. This flowering tea set also comes with six vacuum-sealed, handcrafted, natural herb flowers that are ready to blossom when immersed in hot water. The Teaposy Blooming Tea Gift Set is an artful fusing of aesthetics and some of the world’s finest white needle tea, rich in antioxidants, and infused with Jasmine. Take a few moments to view this video, and see if you agree that this blooming tea set is a gift to be remembered…
Antioxidants in Beans and Berries.. yumm!
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 1, 2008
As an avid bean and berry lover, I found the following article to be quite interesting. I have been taught to follow the example of our veggie eaters in the animal kingdom, as Nature truly shows us the way to optimum health and healing. My family enjoys the delights of dining on every color of the rainbow. I suppose science will catch up someday…
‘Berries, Beans Top ‘Best Antioxidants List’
(HealthDayNews)
A variety of veggies, fruits and nuts battled it out this month for the top spot on a new list of the 20 most antioxidant-rich foods, ranked by nutrition scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In the end, small red beans won the day, narrowly beating out wild blueberries as the food with the highest concentration of disease-fighting compounds per serving.
Antioxidants fight damage to cells from rogue molecules called “free radicals.” Experts believe this assault on cells may fuel killer diseases such as heart disease and cancer, and even aging itself.
The new Top 20 list, published in the June issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, “is a relative ranking of the capacity of foods to interfere with or prevent oxidative processes and to scavenge free radicals,” explained list co-creator Ronald L. Prior, a USDA nutritionist and research chemist based in Little Rock, Ark.
Prior and his colleagues used the most advanced technologies available to tabulate antioxidant levels in more than 100 different types of fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts and spices. Their Top 20:
* Small red beans (dried)
* Wild blueberries
* Red kidney beans
* Pinto beans
* Blueberries (cultivated)
* Cranberries
* Artichokes (cooked)
* Blackberries
* Prunes
* Raspberries
* Strawberries
* Red delicious apples
* Granny Smith apples
* Pecans
* Sweet cherries
* Black plums
* Russet potatoes (cooked)
* Black beans (dried)
* Plums
* Gala apples
There’s “still a lot we haven’t learned” about why some foods are richer in antioxidants than others, Prior said. Even though the small red bean came out on top, “we don’t have a lot of information on beans,” he added.
Berries are better understood. “The components that contribute a lot of the antioxidant activity are what are called anthocyanins, the compounds that give many berries their dark blue color,” he said.
In fact, color may be key to spotting foods that fight free radicals, said Roberta Anding, an American Dietetic Association spokeswoman and a nutritionist at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
“If you’re looking for the best places to get antioxidants, I will usually tell folks to look at the colors of the rainbow,” she added.
For example, “you’ll find lutein with some of the yellow pigments found in corn; orange can be the pigments from the carotenoid family that are found in cantaloupe, butternut squash and mango; red could come from things like lycopene, found in tomatoes and watermelon. And then the darker colors — the purples, blues, in berries,” she said.
But Prior cautioned that just because a food has proven to be antioxidant-rich in the USDA’s lab, that doesn’t mean all those nutrients will be successfully absorbed by the human digestive tract.
“As we learn more and more, we’re finding that, depending on the chemical makeup of antioxidants in different foods, some of them aren’t apparently absorbed as well, or else they are metabolized in a form where they are no longer antioxidants,” he said.
Whether a food is eaten fresh, frozen, processed or cooked can also affect its antioxidant potency — for good or ill, he said. Blueberries are best when eaten fresh rather than cooked in a pie, for example. On the other hand, research has shown that gentle cooking raises the antioxidant power of tomatoes, he noted.
Although experts are working hard on the project, ongoing efforts to come up with daily dietary guidelines for antioxidant consumption will be “a long process,” Prior said.
“How antioxidants behave, how they act within the body, the dose-response — we just don’t know enough about it,” he said.
For her part, Anding said people shouldn’t get too hung up on gorging on one particular food, but “cast your net widely,” eating generous daily servings of a variety of fruits, vegetables and other wholesome foods.
Looking over the USDA’s list, Anding suggested creating what she called an antioxidant “power salad.”
First, she said, “put together a salad with a variety of mixed greens. Then I’d throw in some dried cranberries or blueberries from the health food store, toss in a few nuts, with a low-fat salad. Again — choosing from the colors of the rainbow.”
Nourish your Skin with Natures Gifts
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 29, 2008
Our bodies are our temples, and it is important to care properly for the Skin we live in. Just like a sponge, everything we put on our Skin enters our bodies. Educating ourselves on proper Skin care is essential to the health of our Skin and bodies.
If you wish to learn more about maintaining the health of your Skin, renowned industry leader, Celeste Hilling, hosts an informative and fun-filled 13-week series that brings together leading experts to help listeners navigate the myths and common misconceptions about skin and beauty. This series lets consumers take charge and start making smart choices for a lifetime of radiant skin and positive self-image. Tune in to World Talk Radio live each Thursday at 12:00p, starting February 14th. Playable versions and downloadable Podcasts of each show are available through the World Talk archives 24 hours after it airs. You may wish to bookmark World Talk Radio and possibly subscribe to their email list.
Well then, while we are on the subject of Skin care, I will share our most recent experience. My daughter discovered her first bit of acne, and tried to get rid of it on her own. I asked her not to mess with it, and to please let me investigate a natural remedy, as I do not have a problem with acne myself.
So, let me offer this helpful Tip.
How to treat acne with Honey..
Things You’ll Need:
1 tbsp. almond oil
Honey
Lemon juice
Step 1:
Make a honey and almond oil cleansing mask to combat acne and prevent further outbreaks. Mix well 1 tbsp. of almond oil with two spoonfuls of natural honey. Apply a light layer of the cleanser to the effected area, massaging gently in a circular motion. Allow the cleanser to sit for a half an hour and rinse with warm water and a soft cloth.
Step 2:
Add a few drops of lemon juice to the cleanser for greasy skin. Start with a small amount and increase depending on the oiliness of the skin.
Step 3:
Use your honey and almond oil acne treatment daily to maintain acne-free skin and a healthy glow.
Step 4:
Store your honey acne treatment in the refrigerator. The honey and lemon will not go bad, however almond oil is highly perishable.
Honey is very useful for the treatment of acne as due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike many over-the-counter and prescription acne remedies that can dry and irritate the skin, honey is soothing and can be applied topically and taken internally.
Healthy bodies make happy People
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 25, 2008
In this post, I shall touch upon a subject that is not pleasant to discuss openly, and not just because it touches upon a rather nasty part of our bodily functions. I lost a very dear friend to Colon Cancer quite recently, so the subject of Colon health and the importance of a Colon Cleanse is brought forth with mixed feelings. For one, I am quite passionate about maintaining a naturally healthy balance within our bodies, and this feeling is doubled with thoughts of a very good friend, and his life on this Earth being cut short, as he was not truly old yet. After doing some research, I am pretty grossed out with the nastiness this function of our body becomes full of! Not to mention the painful and deadly results in not educating ourselves in caring for this in a good way.
Did you know that…
“One hundred percent of American adults, if they live long enough, have herniation of the bowel. The number one cancer among men and women together is colon/rectal cancer. The colon is the sewer of your body. If it’s not cleansed, the waste throughout the body can’t get out. According to some estimates, about 70 million Americans suffer from bowel problems. These statistics cover only those people whose problems are severe enough to cause them to consult a medical doctor. People who aren’t even aware that they have a bowel problem are often in the worst condition. When the colon is healthy, a person will have two or more well-formed bowel movements a day.”
I would strongly suggest educating yourself on this very important subject, and seriously taking positive action to create a healthy environment within your body. As an example of a place to visit in your search for a possible product, perhaps you would like to visit http://www.oxypowder.com. There are many ways in which your body sends signals of inner dis-ease, and we owe it to ourselves to pay attention. Our bodies are gifts to enjoy a wonderful life on this Earth, so let us care for them accordingly. I wish you all much health and happiness on your earthly journeys!
Fragrance and Essential Oils
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 13, 2008
Winter is a time when we enjoy the safe and warm comfort of staying inside our homes. It is the time of year when we may start to feel lethargic, depressed, or irritable. Even though winter brings special holidays that make us want to feel festive and optimistic and you can feel spring coming, we become affected by the lack of sunshine in our lives. To combat the winter blues, we love to surround ourselves with pleasant scents.
Essential oils may bring balance to our hearts and peace to our minds. They may help to cleanse, release, and balance our thoughts. Let the aromatherapy shine. Scent has a great effect on our emotions. Scientists are increasingly interested in the connection between fragrance and memory triggers in the limbic brain. They are also researching pheromones - fragrant substances that may influence physical attraction. Personal attraction or aversion is influenced by odor. Without the ability to smell, there would be very little attraction. Our body has special glands that produce a very personal perfume that changes according to our mood or state of health. Fragrance may create well-being or discomfort. If you have difficulty adapting to a new situation, or letting go of the past, a new fragrance may help create a fresh mood. It may help you change your attitude or find a new positive reaction. A pure essential oil will not create an aggressive feeling; rather it will have a positive, balancing effect.
We each have our own personal reaction to every scent. Smells, moods, and short and long term memories are all stored in the limbic part of our brain. Dangerous or negative odors set our subconscious in the awareness stage. Positive smells like our babies’ skin or our mothers’ fragrance will bring a pleasant reminder of a positive experience for decades.
Helping our body and psyche with scent has a history stretching back for many centuries. The very beginning of the practice of medicine has been connected with mythical rituals, magic, or religion. We may say that the history of scent began with incense burners and has continued through experience with aromas and essential oils up to the present day. The methods of treatment were based on philosophical ideas that looked at a direct connection between man and nature. In ancient civilizations, medicinal herbs were evaluated by their taste and smell. An interesting example from the history of essential oils is thyme. The name “Thyme” is derived from the Greek word Thymiama (incense) and means courage, health, or sacrifice. It was a sign of high respect in ancient Greece to say to someone that he “smells of thyme”. Roman soldiers often added thyme to their baths to give themselves strength, health, and courage.
Rosemary played an important part in the Roman tradition of eliminating evil spirits. In the Middle Ages, it was a part of Hungarian water, a distillate of rosemary, lavender, and turpentine. According to alchemistic understanding, this was the first water of life. Many preserving properties were attributed to Carmelite water, a distillate of lemon balm, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
The seductive power of scent has always been known. The sense of smell may help create love and desire. Smell influences us much more than we think. The natural scent of flowers, essential oils, and compositions in the form of perfume, are more than just a pleasant smell. They can promote relaxation, sensuality, or spiritual depth. According to research on flowers by P. Jellinek, “esters of phenylacetic acids, fatty aldehydes, and alcohols are responsible for the aphrodisiac effect of various flower scents (jasmine, neroli).”
Extensive studies by occupational psychologists have shown that lemon or rosemary scent may help with concentration, nutmeg may reduce stress, and lavender, interestingly, promotes a desire to buy things. Large Japanese companies are using scent throughout their employees’ workstations to help improve their performance - lemon in the morning for pick-me-up feelings, rose at lunch time for relaxation, and wood scents in the evening for stimulation and refreshment.
Another interesting discussion would focus on stress levels in our civilization. More and more studies are being done to prove that essential oils interact well with the receptors of the psychosomatic network and they may, in a soft and gentle way, restore harmony in our systems.
Aromatherapy is using the knowledge of the effect of scents on the body and mind. With the help of the purest essential oils we may influence our stage of mood or form of somatic anomalies. Compared with synthetic products, aromatherapy has a much higher risk-free profile.
Pampering our bodies with Nature in mind
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 7, 2008
I have had a bit of a rough time in the past year. Although I am much healthier now, this was not so last Winter and Spring. I have always maintained excellent health, spiritually and physically. Yet we all fall prey to the beast called ’stress’ at some time or other. This particular ‘beast’ caught up with me, and I seemed to get sick all the time, and was quite slow to heal. Once I realized the cause of my distress, I took a good look at my Life and noticed I had gotten too busy to truly take good care of myself. My daughter and I decided I needed to be especially aware of pampering myself on a daily basis. So each day I must set aside some time to do something special to enhance my wellbeing, and teach my daughter to do so as well, so it would just become a natural part of our day.
As I am into all things natural, I began by sorting though my natural skincare products. I have quite the collection, and was pleased with my options. My daughter suggested a nice foot massage, and I found this totally delicious and healthy sounding B. Kamins Maple Sugar Body Scrub by Skin Dimensions Online. Skin Dimensions Online offers the exclusive Skin Dimensions SB product line. Their exclusive line includes moisturizers, green tea anti-oxidants, acne care and anti-aging products, and the increasingly polular and best-selling retinols, including the new 1 % starter introductory line. I will definately be adding Skin Dimensions Online to my natural beauty selection of resources.
Well then, allowing the Goddess within to hold sway over the moments of each day, I will be on the lookout for many ways in which to pamper myself and my daughter as well. We shall enjoy browsing through the natural skincare essentials to pamper ourselves and enjoy the pleasure of just being and living in each wonderful, loving and natural moment.
Lavender and its Magical Properties
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 1, 2008
My most favourite scent is Lavender. I use the oil as well as the flowers. I burn the flowers to cleanse the rooms in my house and bring in good energy. I also like to crumble the flowers into a tub of hot water for a soothing foot bath… what a delight! It is no small wonder that this Magical plant is such a favourite in my home and to scent my body. As I have always associated this intoxicating scent with all that is wild and pure in Mother Earths garden, I will be most happy to share a bit more about this extraordinary gift of Nature…
Lavender and its Magical Properties…
You all know the pretty plant that is lavender. But did you know that lavender has magical properties? Well, maybe not quite fully certified magical, but close. Lavender essential oil is my absolute favourite essential oil. It has so many uses that it is always necessary to have it on hand. Not only does it smell great, it has important curative powers. Here are some of the ways that I have used lavender essential oil.
Burns or scalds~
This works best if applied neat (undiluted) to the area affected by the burn or scald. The skin should be intact, use your judgment. It takes away the pain quickly and the skin heals with almost no sign of damage. This includes sunburns. If you are sensitive to the oil in its pure form, dilute it accordingly in a small clean spray bottle with water. This is quite soothing and refreshing.
Pimples~
Your adolescent will love you for this remedy. Because lavender oil is antibacterial, it destroys pimples and the associated bacteria quickly and easily. Apply it neat as soon as you feel a pimple developing and the pimple is banished shortly. If you didn’t catch it in time, it makes pimples come to a head faster and it helps with the swelling and redness.
Sleep & relaxation~
Just a drop or 2 to a cotton ball or tissue placed beneath the pillowcase under your head at night makes you sleep more soundly and more quickly. Lavender has amazing relaxation properties that will leave you refreshed in the morning.
Migraines or Headaches~
Apply a drop to your temples or the back of your neck and massage into the skin. This helps with both tension headaches as well as migraines. For some people with migraines, the smell may be too strong during the acute stage of a migraine. During this time you can apply the lavender oil to the muscled area between your thumb and forefinger on the backside of your hand (both hands). This is an acupressure point associated with headaches.
Insect repellent and insect bites~
Just like citronella, lavender has the ability to ward off mosquitos and flies. Additionally, it can help calm the itching of an insect bite. I can really attest to this one as I am the world’s number one mosquito attractor.
**A word of caution. Those with sensitive skin cannot always tolerate direct application of lavender oil to the skin. If that is the case for you, you can dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil. European made essential oils are the best for now unless you know the source that you are getting the oil from is organically grown. Europe has standards for the production of essential oils, the United States does not. Because of the extreme concentration of essential oils, they should always be organically grown. As always, be wise and use your own best judgement!
The Chocolate lover in me…
Posted by msterilinn on Jan 10, 2008
Hmmm… let’s talk about Chocolate! Life on this planet would just not be the same if there was no chocolate. When they say chocolate is the food of the Gods and Goddesses, I simply have to agree.
Did you know chocolate is good for you?
The flavonoids in chocolate that laboratory studies demonstrate to have powerful antioxidant effects are called flavanols and procyanidins. These two compounds come from the flavonoid “family” that includes resveratrol, found in grape juice, and EGCG, found in green tea. When people consume these substances in chocolate and cocoa, the antioxidant status of their blood increases.
This rise in antioxidant levels helps protect us from damage to the heart and blood vessels, while it also guards our DNA from damage that can lead to cancer.
In addition, the flavanols and procyanidins in chocolate improve the function and flow of blood vessels and help control inflammation.
The antioxidants in chocolate have generated a lot of interest because studies show that these compounds are more powerful antioxidants than EGCG in tea, which is a strong antioxidant.
A cup of hot or cold cocoa may sound like a health drink loaded with antioxidants, but almost all cocoa drink mixes contain cocoa treated with alkali (also called Dutch cocoa) to produce a darker, richer taste. Unfortunately, this process drastically reduces flavonoid content.
Unless you find a chocolate mix made with untreated cocoa, start with plain cocoa (not Dutch) and add your own sweetener and milk to make a flavonoid-rich cup.
Surprisingly, the fat content of chocolate is not a reason to avoid it. Technically, chocolate contains saturated fat, but the particular type of saturated fat – stearic acid – is unique because it does not raise blood cholesterol.
Studies show that neither dark or milk chocolate is a cholesterol concern in moderate amounts. But keep in mind that other ingredients added to some chocolate candies can change their nutrition impact.
Most importantly chocolate is so very delicious and it makes one feel so good!
So, if you did not satisfy your chocolate urges with that special Christmas chocolate gift, just remember that a rich, dark. chocolate is good for any occasion, or just because. Feel free to indulge to your hearts content! You might have to work out a bit more, yet it is totally worth it, from my point of view.
If you’re looking for romantic Valentine’s Day gift ideas, have you tried Fannie May chocolate gifts? Fannie May stands for premium quality chocolate. Their Valentine’s Day Hearts are traditional on the outside, but the candies inside are anything but ordinary! Nestled inside a heart, a common symbol of romantic love, show that special someone how you feel with these delicious, quality chocolate assortments.
Natures Garden of Life and Nutrition
Posted by msterilinn on Jan 9, 2008
As long as I can remember, I have chosen to feed my body those vitamins and herbs which represent the most that is pure in Nature. I prefer natural cures for that which ails myself, my children and my loved ones. I always recommend seeking that which can be found in nature, in it’s most pure and whole form, as a first defense against illness as well as in healing ourselves once we are in the midst of an ailment.
Prevention is half the battle, so if we feed our bodies that which nature so generously provides, through taking nutrition supplements & nutrition supplement as a part of our daily regimine, I truly believe we can live longer, healthier lives. Granted, one must choose wisely when it comes to eating foods which are as natural as possible as well. Knowing what is in our food is so very important as well. Read those labels! Seek only the most natural and fresh foods whenever possible. Be wary of foods which are loaded full of preservatives and ingredients in which you do not know what they are. It is important to educate yourself, and your family, and give our bodies the foods in which the Creator so generously has provided us in Nature.
I am pleased when I find a new source of natural vitamins and herbs. I have found a great place to add to my natural supplimental arsenal called Choice Nutritionals. As quoted from their site…
“Garden of Life believes food is the best source of nutrition. This is why we circle the globe searching for the richest and purest whole foods (raw fruits, vegetables and herbs) available to make our products. We accept only the finest whole foods, grown in rare, nutrient-rich soil beds to create formulations of the highest quality. From the cereal grasses and vegetable juice powders in our Perfect Food® supplement to the whole fruit juice powders in Fruits of Life™ and Radical Fruits® supplements, we strive to pack as much whole food nutrition as possible into each and every Garden of Life™ product.
Each whole food we gather is fermented using our proprietary Poten-Zyme™ process to enhance its nutritional value and make it easier to digest and absorb. This process results in powerful whole food nutrition optimized for your body’s unique needs. It’s convenient nutrition you can use to achieve better health.”
When seeking those most pure in the world of vitamins, minerals and herbs, remember your options. I shall definately consider adding Choice Nutritionals to my list of places worthy of utilizing to stock up on my supply of natures finest.
