Magnesium For Your Stress

Magnesium is an essential nutrient for all living things. It influences numerous bodily processes, including digestion, energy production, muscle function,......and RELAXATION of muscles. It assists heart, kidney, brain and adrenal functions too. Lack of sufficient available magnesium in the body can interfere with any or all of these processes.

Magnesium depletion can be caused by such things as mental stress, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, high perspiration, low thyroid function.... many things.

Symptoms of magnesium depletion can be:
* Low Energy / Fatigue
* PMS / Hormonal Imbalances
* Insomnia / Body Tension
* Headaches / Muscle Tension
* Backaches
* Weakening Bones
* Anxiety / Nervousness / Irritability

Calcium has an opposite action to Magnesium. Calcium excites nerves while magnesium calms them down. Calcium makes muscles contact. Magnesium is necessary for muscles to relax. Calcium is needed for blood clotting, but magnesium keeps the blood flowing freely. It is easy to see that it is vital to keep these minerals in balance and that too little magnesium to balance calcium could be both uncomfortable and unhealthy.

Peter Gilham's Natural Calm is a good supplement choice. It is in a powder form that should be mixed in water. It is 100% water soluble and easily absorbed. It comes in flavors if you prefer a taste change. It's fizzy nature makes it a fun drink for children too. Yes, even children face daily stresses and physical challenges that bring about physical difficulties.

This and more information can be obtained at Robin's Herb Shop. Stop in and ask for your free sample while supplies last!

L-Tryptophan

It's Thanksgiving time, and tradition says "we must eat turkey!" Following our over-indulgence of deliciousness, we slump over on the sofa and get very drowsy. Is this because we've worked ourselves to death cooking all of that food and cleaning house in preparation for family gathering? Well that's probably a contributing factor, but one definite reason for the drowsies is all that l-tryptophan you ate!

You didn't know you were supplementing during your meal? That's the way foods work though! We get a lot of vitamins and minerals and SUPPLEMENTATION in the foods we eat everyday---and every Thanksgiving. That holiday turkey contains enough l-tryptophan to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which helps us to experience restful sleep and brighter, happier moods. If you enjoy feeling these things during the holidays, and find that you don't feel this way much during the rest of the year, you might consider supplementing with l-tryptophan. Nobody can eat turkey every single day. Sometimes you just really want a good salad, right? And that's the way it should be, eating a variety of good foods every day.

L-Tryptophan is available at Robin's Herb Shop, and many other retail herb shops. Stop in and try some! It could be Thanksgiving for you year round!

Head Lice Help

When we hear the word "lice", the common response is a shiver or feeling of dread. Some of us remember grade school days where kids were lined up and teachers with flashlights and combs and rubber gloves would pour through each head searching for evidence of lice. Those memories are uncomfortable for everyone,...especially those who ended up going home, feeling banished because some little insect discovered a new head to invade. And then there is all that itching and medicated shampoos and combing hair over and over and over and haircuts that seem to take self-confidence away too. It's no wonder we hate the word "lice!"

Lice don't target specific individuals. They are opportunists, and they will take advantage of anyone, child or adult. So prevention really is the best approach. How do you prevent?

• Tea tree oil shampoo is a great deterrent for head lice. Tea tree is a good deterrent for a LOT of pesky insects and is oftentimes included in insect repellents. It is good for the skin as well, easing inflammations and killing bacteria that cause irritations and discomforts. If tea tree oil is a regular presence for your body, then your body becomes an unfriendly presence for pests such as lice.
• Caution and awareness are good preventive measures also. Lice are transferred by head-to-head contact. That could mean sharing a brush or comb, or sharing a hat or coat. Girls with long hair are especially susceptible to lice. This little ounce of wisdom and education for children can help YOU avoid hours and hours of work to get rid of them.

There may be a time when lice still invade, so how to get rid of them is the next important information.

• Again, tea tree oil shampoo. Tea tree oil is capable of killing lice. Look for a shampoo from a reputable source. Don't settle for just anything just because it mentions tea tree oil. You want one that is going to take care of the problem. If you have to, add a couple drops of tea tree oil to an application of shampoo and apply it to the head like normal. Massage it into the scalp and leave it on for a few minutes to give it time to do some good. Tea tree will even penetrate the eggs and kill the lice inside.
  
• After rinsing your shampoo out, use some apple cider vinegar to rinse the hair again. Massage it into the scalp also and allow it to sit there for a few minutes. The vinegar actually begins dissolving the lice bodies and the eggs and helps to wash them away. Doing this twice per day is recommended.
• Invest in a high quality nit comb and comb out the nits. If you choose to cut hair short, you'll have less work to do combing, but definitely comb and comb until you see no more in the hair. Look close to the scalp and be thorough!
• Wash everything! Use hot water and launder all bedding, coats, shirts, towels, hats,... everything! You can even put a few drops of tea tree oil on a piece of white cotton fabric and toss it in the dryer to spread that bonus help into clothing.
• Remember that if one person in your household has acquired lice, chances are that all members are exposed in varying degrees and all are susceptible. Take care of everyone even if you only see evidence of lice on one person.
  

If lice come to your house, don't take that as a sign that you are a nasty person. It doesn't mean that at all. It just means you are currently unfortunate. The good thing about it is that you will have the opportunity to learn and implement new things into your health regimen and perhaps this will be the LAST time you ever experience head lice.

What's In YOUR Deodorant?

When I was younger, it was "the thing to do" when you turned about 12 or 13 years old to go out and purchase some underarm deodorant or antiperspirant. How did you choose what kind to get? I chose mine by what I thought I smelled good. I never bothered to read the label at that age. I didn't know what all those Latin words were anyway! As long as I smelled pretty and nobody saw sweat stains on my clothes, I was happy.

These days more information has come out about the ingredients found in deodorants and antiperspirants. If you've never thought much about them, perhaps it is time to do so. First of all, do you know the difference in an antiperspirant and a deodorant? Antiperspirants are designed to use aluminum zirconium to clog the pores and prevent sweat in the underarm area. Deodorants do not have that same function. They still allow the body to sweat, but their ingredients are formulated to neutralize or cover up odors in the underarm area.

It is a misconception that sweat stinks. It is actually the bacteria in the underarm that smells bad. Think about it. Has your face ever gotten sweaty? Did your face smell? Not normally, right? But the underarm does because that bacteria is multiplying quickly in the warm and covered area of your underarm.

We've heard all sorts of scary things about most deodorants and antiperspirants and their aluminum content. Most of these things are also misconceptions and scientific studies and research have dispelled the concerns. For example, deodorants containing aluminum do not cause breast cancer or alzheimers. Just because life-threatening illnesses might not be CAUSED by things like aluminum doesn't mean they are necessarily GOOD for us either. Have you ever noticed the armpit area of your shirt getting stains or the fabric seeming to thin and "bleach out"? This is a result of aluminum, not sweat. If it will eat through your shirt, what might it be doing to your skin?

So what alternatives do you have? There are several deoderants that are available. Some have scent, some do not; some are roll-on, some are spray; you can even use a thai crystal salt stone that lasts for months or more! Stop in and ask your questions. We carry several deodorants that have ingredients to care for your skin, NOT create a rash there.

Information in this article can be found at http://deodorantswithoutaluminum.com/

Bunions

Bunions

What are bunions?

The common bunion is a localized area of enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe. The enlargement actually represents additional bone formation, often in combination with a misalignment of the big toe. The misalignment causes the big toe to move outward (medically termed hallux valgus deformity). The normal position of the big toe (straight forward) becomes outward-directed toward the smaller toes. The enlarged joint at the base of the big toe (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint) can become inflamed with redness, tenderness, and pain. A small fluid-filled sac (bursa) adjacent to the joint can also become inflamed (bursitis), leading to additional swelling, redness, and pain.

A less common bunion is located at the joint at the base of the smallest (fifth) toe. This bunion is sometimes referred to as a tailor's bunion.

What can you do for your bunions?

· Wearing wide-toe shoes allows more space for the toes, reducing constriction around the big toe. Also try going barefoot when the option is available.

· Use a spacer at night while you sleep to separate the big toe from the second toe to prevent pressure while you sleep.

· Soak your feet in a bowl of hot water with a couple tablespoons of Epsom Salts and soak for 10-15 minutes. It will soothe the pain, reduce inflammation, and reduce any stiffness in the joint.

· Chamomile, eucalyptus, cajuput, peppermint, ginger, cypress and juniper essential oils are recommended for helping various joint problems due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

· Arnica and Calendula have been used medicinally for centuries. They both have anti-inflammatory properties so may help reduce the pain and inflammation around the toe joint.

· Apply an ice pack 2-3 times per day to relieve swelling and painful inflammation.

· Cayenne pepper packs or salves can draw out inflammation and improve circulation to the area.

· Take 500 mg of bromelain 3 times a day to reduce inflammation of the joint.

· White willow also relieves pain on bunions.

· Hypericum (St. Johns Wort) eases shooting pains and tenderness in the foot. St. Johns Wort oil can also be applied topically. Dandelion tea is a natural diuretic that flushes away excess water from the body, relieving your swollen feet. Dandelion tea can potentially decrease uric acid build up resulting in less pain and discomfort.

Evening Primrose Oil

The previous posting referred to EFAs (essential fatty acids) found in fish oils and the benefits the body gains from them. This posting will continue that line of thinking as it discusses another product richly supplying essential fatty acids.

The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content of evening primrose oil is the most active omega-6 fatty acid. It assists immune function, inflammatory conditions, brain function, nerve impulses, protects against heart and vascular disease, and increases metabolims in those with obesity.

Essential fatty acids are not made by the body, and therefore must be consumed in the diet. They are necessary for the production and balance of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances which regulate all body systems and functions. A deficiency in EFAs can lead to a number of chronic disorders, such as allergies, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and various other illnesses.

If you struggle with high blood pressure, cholesterol, irregular body temperature, low energy, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, candida, asthma, hair and skin problems, hangovers or alcoholism, headaches, hyperactivity, inflammatory conditions, and others, then perhaps supplementing with essential fatty acids would be a benefit.

Specifically, GLA supplementation in diabetics has been shown to enhance nerve function and hyperactivity. It has been shown to increase metabolism which enhances weight reduction. It can help lower cholesterol and been used to provide relief to sufferers of circulatory problems.

*NOTE*
It is not recommended to take Evening Primrose Oil if suffering from epilepsy.

*Informational resource: Herb Allure, HART resource book for Natures Sunshine Products

Fish Oil

The word "fat" conjures up some pretty ugly mental images for most people, even when it is attached to words like essential. We hear that word and suddenly feel our blood pressure rise and our scale groan. It's sad that we associate such terrible things with the word "fat" because in reality, our bodies REQUIRE it. Fat actually serves as a protection to our vital organs and cells and it also insulates us from cold temperatures, which is another protection.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are exactly that, ESSENTIAL. They are considered essential because they are necessary for health and cannot be produced by the body. We simply must consume them through our diet. You can get them through leafy green vegetables and flax seeds and chia seeds and some meats and eggs (providing the animals were fed well) and fish and some algae (these are Omega-3). You can get EFAs from safflower oil, sunflower oil, cereals and grains and some meats (these are Omega-6). But do we really eat enough of these things (unadulterated) to get the essential needs from them? Sadly, the standard American diet is lacking greatly in the amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 needed to avoid certain health difficulties, particularly inflammatory conditions like arthritis, allergies, atherosclerosis, IBD, and PMS.
Consider your diet. Are you consuming equal amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6? Do you have other factors that prohibit your absorption and utilization of these essential nutrients, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, age, vitamin deficiency? This where your consideration of supplementing with a fish oil comes in.
Researchers have found that fish oil supplementation greatly improves joint pain for many people, as well as supporting overall cardiovascular health. The presence of DHA also improves brain function.

So you've read through this information and thought to yourself "it sounds good, but I just really don't want to be burping up a fishy taste all day everyday!" I honestly don't blame you! ME EITHER! So if this is a concern to you, check out the product before you buy it. There are brands that incorporate an orange or lemon essence that improves that side effect dramatically, or even eliminates it totally. You also don't have to take it in a spoon. You can get it in gelatin capsules with an enteric coating that allows it break down once it has arrived in the right place, instead of breaking down early and sending yucky tastes back up the esophagus. See? We think like you!

Slippery Elm

Ever had a sore throat? Most of us have at some point. What did you do for it? There are several options in the herbal field to choose from, one of which is Slippery Elm.

Slippery Elm is a traditional Native American remedy for several things. Not only does it soothe the throat, but it soothes the digestive tract from the top to the bottom! This means not only can it be an aid to your heartburn symptoms, but can also soothe inflammatory bowel conditions.

Slippery Elm is a mucilaginous inner bark that is powdered up fine so as to be easily in tea or capsule or lozenge form. That mucilage is able to coat the tissues and provide protection from things that cause problems. By taking it as a tea or lozenge, it can coat and soothe the throat. As a capsule, it can coat and soothe the intestinal areas affected by Chrohn's Disease, ulcers, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, constipation, colitis and more.

Due to its mucilaginous texture, it is also good for external uses, such as chapped lips, burns and wounds, boils, abscesses and diaper rash.

Sounds like a good addition to a first-aid kit!

While slippery elm seems to cause no considerable adverse effects, it may interfere with the absorption of some medications.

It should also be noted that despite common health claims, slippery elm is not advised for the treatment for serious chronic conditions like cancer and bronchitis.

Fingernail Colors

Ever wondered about the signs you see displaying on your fingernails? If you are curious about some of these things, this post should give you some clues where to look.

COLORS

Yes, fingernails DO develop colors, and sometimes the colors can form in patterns! What do these things mean? They actually DO represent other health conditions or weaknesses that might be present in your body! Some examples are:

• White nails may indicate a circulation problem, anemia, liver or kidney problems.
• White spots on the nails can indicate a zinc deficiency or anemia.
• White lines across the nail may indicate a liver disease, possible heart disease high fever or arsenic poisoning.
• A half-white nail with dark spots on the tip may indicate a possible kidney disease.
• White nails with a dark band at the end may indicate a serious illness.
• White nails with pink tips may indicate liver problems.
• White square nails may indicate hormonal disorders.
• Pale nails usually indicates poor circulation or anemia.
• Yellow nails can indicate chronic bronchitis, problems with the lymph system, diabetes or liver disorders. Nail polish can also yellow nails.
• Green nails may indicate a bacterial infection.
• Deep blue nail beds may indicate pulmonary obstruction such as asthma or emphysema.
• Red skin at the bottom of the nail may indicate circulatory or connective tissue disorder.
• Red "splinters" in the nails may be tiny hemorrhages of the capillaries in the nail bed caused by liver trouble or psoriasis.
• Red-brown pitted spots and frayed and split ends usually indicate psoriasis; Vitamin C, folic acid, and protein are needed.
• Dark streaks across the nail may indicate an under-active adrenal gland.
• Pink half moons usually indicate Candida or parasites in the bowel.
• If the white moon area of the nail turns red, it may indicate heart problems; if it turns blue, then it usually indicates overexposure to silver or lung trouble.

For more information at changes in the nail surface, be sure to get signed up on our e-newsletter and look for the June issue to be sent! If you are not on our email list already, send your request to be added to robinsherbshop@gmail.com .

*Info is an excerpt from ©Footprints On the Path, 2009 edition.

Potassium

The human body needs potassium. The heart needs it, the kidneys need it, reproductive processes need it,... and yet, many of us do not get enough of it. If we all ate a healthy diet constantly, we would likely consume enough potassium to satisfy our needs. However, the call of the fast food industry and processed microwavable meals is frequently more temptation than a lot of people can resist.

What symptoms might be telling you to increase your potassium intake?

• Muscle cramps
• Muscle fatigue and weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Irritability
• Abnormally dry skin
• Insatiable thirst
• Chills
• Depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Periodic headaches
• Constipation
• Glucose intolerance
• Edema
• High cholesterol
• Impaired growth

The average adult needs approximately 4,700mg of potassium daily.

What foods can provide potassium?

• Bananas
• Avocados
• Nuts, like almonds and peanuts
• Citrus fruits
• Leafy, green vegetables
• Milk
• Potatoes

As good as these are, boiling and other cooking methods can actually destroy the potassium content, rendering the food "empty."

There are medications and habits/choices that actually deplete the body of potassium, too. Certain diuretics cause the body to lose potassium through fluid removal. Excessive use of laxatives can do this as well. Alcoholism, anorexia, cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, influenza, and many other conditions also can contribute to potassium deficiency symptoms.

It is wise to consult your doctor and become educated about your body's needs. Then look for a supplement or dietary change that can improve your personal situation and give you that healthy glow that just plain feels good!

Chlorophyll

Middle school children are taught in science class that plants produce chlorophyll using sunlight and water. This chlorophyll is what plants use to "feed" themselves, and it is also what makes the plants so green when they are healthy. Chlorophyll is the culprit that leaves behind grass stains on children's clothing and it's also what turns the water green when you boil green beans for supper. Our world is rich with chlorophyll even if we're not looking for it!

Let's switch gears a moment.
The human body was designed to gain nutrition from many plant sources. As children, many of us can remember parents and grandparents preparing a garden every spring and cooking most of our meals from what was grown in those gardens. Beans, peas, squashes, tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, okra, .... and when there were leftovers, that just meant we were having vegetable soup tomorrow! What I remember noticing back then was that the foods we got from the garden were so brightly colored. The same foods from a can were dull and lifeless and mushy. The canned ones had lost a lot of their nutritional value. Those vegetables and fruits from the garden were RICH in those nutrients, though!

Combining the two thoughts we've discussed here, it makes sense to say that we consume a lot of chlorophyll all the time. We likely got more of it when we were kids and fewer processed foods were available. Society in general was a lot healthier back then too! Did chlorophyll have something to do with that? Perhaps!

Today, we see a lot of people in the herb shop with various health concerns. During the summertime, when Georgia is so stifling hot, chlorophyll comes to the rescue and helps lower the body's internal temperature. Those who have days they can't seem to get their blood sugar to come down to earth, chlorophyll enhances the body's ability to utilize resources better and lower that blood sugar number. Some find that they struggle with anemia, and they opt to take their chlorophyll in a capsule form so they get a more regulated amount in their system. Not surprisingly, they see improvement in iron levels! With such a range of health benefits, it's no wonder that chlorophyll gets recommended to so many people.

So the next time you need help with:

• improving anemic condition
• counteracting toxins eaten
• cleansing and deodorizing bowel tissues
• purifying the liver
• improving hepatitis
• regulating menstruation
• improving hemophilia conditions
• improving blood sugar problems
• improving asthma
• increasing iron content in mothers milk
• healing sores faster
• eliminating body odors
• inflammation
• pyorrhea
• improving nasal drainage
• eliminating bad breath
• relieving sore throat
• inflamed tonsils
• soothing ulcers
• soothing painful hemorrhoids
• improving varicose veins

...then just stop by and see us at Robin's Herb Shop and we'll help you find chlorophyll!

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia.... better known to most of us as Lavender... isn't it beautiful? Don't you wish you had the means and energy to grow it in fields like this photo shows it? Ahhhh... it seems like such a peaceful job to grow it....

Lavender truly is a beautiful plant, but its beauty is not the reason you come to the herb shop to look for it. By the time it reaches the herb shop, it has changed appearances a bit. We commonly purchase it as an essential oil, which is a very concentrated extract of the oil from the flower buds. It takes a LOT of lavender blooms to make an ounce of essential oil. And it gets put into so many products because we love it so much. We've found SO many uses for lavender that I suspect it will be with us forever.

What is YOUR favorite way to use lavender? It has so many uses!

Yesterday, I spent the day outside with my family. We put in a garden and did some yard clean-up as well as potting some plants. It was a great day to be together -- and get sunburned a little. After we took showers and washed the garden off of ourselves, the kids lined up to get their burns doused with some lavender oil. I admit, I was in line too! My arms are still red today, but the fire has been relieved a lot in my skin. We all slept pretty well too, because of course, lavender oil relieves anxiety and brings a restful state of mind.

Lavender oil relieves pain and prevents infection of wounds and burns, but it does a lot more:

• helps with anxiety and depression
• reduces insomnia
• eases headaches / migraines
• soothes digestive complaints
• remedy for many skin conditions
• helps women recover from birthing processes

Lavender is used in so many specific instances (flatulence, breast abscesses, exhaustion, edema, sinus headaches, constipation, inflammation, burns, jet lag,...) that it really does make a great addition to first aid kits and home herb collections. It's a great ingredient to use for those who like to craft (soaps, bath salts, candles, sachets, potpourri, etc) as well as for those who like to create their own personal products (insect repellent, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, laundry products, perfume, etc.)

It might be a tiny flower, but it has a mighty power!

Alpha Lipoic Acid

If you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, then you know that your nerves NEED consideration in your health practices. Alpha Lipoic Acid does just that: takes your nerves into consideration. Neuropathy isn't disorder it aids, though! It also helps diabetics to improve insulin function and glucose uptake. It helps to prevent cataract formation. It even helps to reduce symptoms of burning mouth syndrome.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant. It is found inside every cell in the body, where it functions as an essential component of energy production. Because of its antioxidant activity, it neutralizes a wide variety of free radicals, many of which play a significant role in disease processes.

For diabetics, this energy production can improve glucose tolerance. How nice would it be for a diabetic to find out their body is handling sugars a little better? Diabetic neuropathy is a frequent complication of diabetes. Specifically, it is a degenerative nerve condition caused in part by nerve damage from long-term elevated blood-glucose levels. It displays symptoms of numbness, tingling and sometimes burning pain.

Nature's Sunshine Products has formulated their Alpha Lipoic Acid to also contain Turmeric, which has been shown to provide potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We've seen many of our customers joyfully find relief in their inflammatory conditions by using turmeric alone. Combining an anti-inflammatory with a potent antioxidant can be just the relief you are looking for, and your nerve damaged parts will thank you for considering them!

References:
HART NSP Master Reference

Dandelion

As you drive through the countryside, glance to the side of the road at the grassy lawns and pastures. Do you notice the little yellow spots popping up through the green-ness? Dandelions are beginning to appear!

"According to the USDA Bulletin #8, "Composition of Foods" (Haytowitz and Matthews 1984), dandelions rank in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value. Minnich, in "Gardening for Better Nutrition" ranks them, out of all vegetables, including grains, seeds and greens, as tied for 9th best. According to these data, dandelions are nature's richest green vegetable source of beta-carotene, from which Vitamin A is created, and the third richest source of Vitamin A of all foods, after cod-liver oil and beef liver! They also are particularly rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and are a good source of protein." See more here...

Dandelions might be a nuisance to your landscape, but they are a blessing to your health! Whether they are served on your dinner plate or taken as a supplement, these little plants are packed with goodness.

Let's set aside the nutritional value for a moment and look at the healthful properties. Dandelion aids in these (and other) areas:

• purifies blood


• improves bowel function


• prevent or improve anemia


• cholesterol lowering


• blood pressure reducing


• kidney stone removal


• reduce acid indigestion


• acne/skin improvements


• assist in weight reduction


• reduces intestinal gas build-up


• helpful with gall bladder disorders


• gently reducing water retention


• and the list goes on!

Now imagine if you went to the doctor for something that felt serious to you, and instead of writing out 5-6 prescriptions, the doctor says "go home and EAT!" Doesn't that sound like something so easy that anybody can do it? Good nutrition is always the first line of defense. Dandelion is a good choice here. You can even purchase dandelion greens in some grocery stores. If you don't feel like you can eat greens like that (sometimes it does require developing a taste for things like this), then perhaps dandelion tea is a better choice. STILL taste sensitive? Capsules don't leave a taste in your mouth and you still get dandelion in your system, and this method might be easier to take regularly.

Consider your lifestyle, consider your health needs, and then consider dandelion. It just might be what you've been looking for!

*Note* Dandelions can be grown or harvested from the wild, but be SURE you identify your plants correctly when doing so. Also make sure they are free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals that might not be easy to see with the naked eye.

Shea Butter

Shea butter has become a popular ingredient in a lot of skincare products, so it should be a familiar word to most people....but do you know what it is or why it has become so popular?

Shea butter is actually derived from the inside of a nut from the Shea-Karite tree in Africa. In its pure state, it looks like hard caramel colored lumps. When put between the hands and rubbed to warm, it softens into the moisturizing buttery texture we're familiar with. It is rich in vitamins E and F that promote skin health and repair. It can be used on the skin for rashes, scars, infections, wounds, irritations, dryness, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, burns and sunburns, and other ailments. It is versatile enough to be used on the hair as a conditioner as well, and on the lips for cracked, dry or chapped lips.

It is not uncommon to find shea butter in different colors, ranging from a whipped cream color to a grayish-yellow color. This is due in part to the area where the nuts were collected and whatever processes the butter has undergone. White shea butter is usually highly refined and process and thus has lost some of its natural components and therapeutic strength.

Shea butter does not go bad, but after a couple years, it does begin to lose its therapeutic effectiveness. This just means it loses its ability to mend and repair, but it will still have the fatty contents that are necessary for moisturizing.

Shea butter is good for massage, for lotion, for diaper rash, for hair-dressing, for burn relief, for skin difficulties,.... it is well worth obtaining for its many benefits of beauty and good health!

Fenugreek Seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

"Fenugreek as one of the oldest known medicinal herbs, was used by Hypocrites."* Later, it was also included in Lydia E. Pinkham's compounds and has since been included many modern-day herbal formulas.

Fenugreek is used for a multitude of reasons, such as:

• Coughs
• Digestive Disorders
• Gas
• Headache
• Lung Infections
• Mucous Membranes
• Dissolving Mucus
• Sore Throat
• ...and many others.

Fenugreek is your friend during allergy season. It is quite industrious when it comes to mucus. It doesn't matter what the reason is for mucus formation, dairy foods, gluten, allergic responses, cold/flu,... fenugreek goes to the source and dissolves the mucus there. This spells relief for the congested! And since it can thin mucus so significantly, it makes a great gargle for sore throats.

Fenugreek has benefitted many mothers and babies, too. It is a strong stimulator of milk production in mothers. Many many women have experienced this boost, much to their relief at times when milk production slacked off.

Dut to its mucilaginous content, it makes a great poultice, which is beneficial on abscesses and boils, skin wounds and inflammations and other difficulties.

No matter the cause for you to look into fenugreek, there are many reasons to give it consideration. It's use as a flavoring is well known and pleasant, so there is no real reason not to give it a moments thought when your health is in need of some help.

*Excerpt from The Little Herb Encyclopedia, by jack Ritchason, ND

To reap the full benefits of fenugreek, always consult a physician if you're on medications or have a health condition before taking any dietary supplement, including fenugreek.

Garlic

Garlic is one of those foods you can't say enough about. It provides you SO MUCH nutrition and protection that it deserves some notice.

Surely you've heard some of the brands of garlic out there, and most likely your neighbor or grandma use garlic tablets. Do you?

More times than not, I've heard this complaint: "But it will make me stink and bother other people!" As one of those other people you are thinking of, I am MORE bothered by the flu you can share with me than the garlic smell you might carry around. That's right,... garlic can ward off the flu and actually is quite a contributor in helping you recover from such things! It's most potent state is raw....with smell in tact! In fact, the odor has its own potency- and I'm not just talking about vampire repellent here. Raw garlic is rich in enzymes, and enzymes break things down. Break down bacteria and viruses and they aren't able to be infectious anymore! Break down cholesterol, and it can't clog your veins anymore!

I'm not dumb. I know there are still people who are more worried about the garlic on their breath and can't overcome that discomfort. For those of you who feel this way, go ahead and take the odorless tablets. Keep in mind that in doing so, you are reducing the benefit you receive considerably. Like I said, there is great value in the oils that produce the odor.

It's not necessary to eat raw garlic on a daily basis either. I couldn't do it myself! That stuff is hot! So this is where your options come in:

-Roast your garlic occasionally.
-Chop the raw garlic real fine and put it into empty gelatin capsules!
-Garlic capsules
-Odorless garlic tablets

If you need just a little more motivation to take your garlic, here some good reasons:

• blood pressure
• cholesterol
• mosquito repellent
• flea & tick repellent (for pets)
• cold & flu fighting
• antioxidant
• antibiotic action
• toothache
• warts
• cough
• diabetes
• other viruses

Note that it IS possible to eat too much raw garlic at a time and cause some mouth/throat irritation. Don't overdo it. If you don't feel you can handle it this way very often, then maybe just at the onset of a problem try it raw, then move to the other options for further consumption.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a wonderful oil that comes from the Australian Melaleuca trees. It's properties provide so much therapeutic benefit that it is one ingredient I would ALWAYS recommend be included in your first aid kit or emergency pack.

Tea tree oil takes care of your skin. It's that simple. It takes CARE of your skin.

• Dandruff? Tea tree oil in your shampoo, or combine with some water for a hair rinse.


• Gingivitis? Mix an ounce of water with 3-4 drops of tea tree oil and swish like mouthwash. Do not swallow, but let it stay in your mouth for 30 seconds or so to kill bacteria that causes mouth difficulties.


• Cuts or scrapes? Use tea tree to cleanse the skin and recover from the accident.


• Toe nail fungus? A single drop applied to the affected areas can kill that fungus and stop it from spreading and reoccuring.


• Insect bites? Tea tree helps pull out the inflammation and bring some relief to itching and swelling.


• Yeast infection? Tea tree takes care of yeast!


• Pets with fleas? Insects aren't fond of tea tree at all! A couple drops on a pets collar can help a lot. You could also put a drop in the pet shampoo when bathing the animal.


• Warts? It takes a few weeks of regular application, but yes,...even warts!


• Insect repellent? Mix a few drops with water, put it in a misting bottle spritz away.
• Acne? Mix some with your facial cleanser, or just mix a drop or two in with water for a facial rinse! Or dab it onto blemishes straight.

Normally you do not swallow tea tree oil. It is harsh on the liver and other parts of the body. It is NOT recommended to swallow at all....unless it specifically is designed for that purpose. Stop in and see us! We have one such brand of tea tree that you can use internally and take care of a lot of difficulties- even parasites!

Notice the variety of ways you can use tea tree: in a humidifier, in creams and lotions, in soaps and shampoos, in plain water, in a bath tub, in a douche, on a pet collar, straight.... With all these uses, it stands to reason why I find it an important addition to any first aid kit!

Rosemary

This time of year, it seems there are very few greens outside. Lately, it seems even THOSE aren't green- they are white with snow! If you'll dig under that snow just a little, you'll find that your rosemary plant you put out last spring is still there and still green and still fragrant. Gather some! Bring it indoors, give it a gentle rinsing, spread it on newspaper and let it dry for a week or two.

Once you've done that, what do you do with it? Ohhhhh so many things!

• Potpourri- You can't buy dried herbs as fresh as this! And this is the season for such wonderful fragrances!


• Cooking- Have you ever cooked chicken or fish with fresh rosemary? Mmmmm!


• Tea- Ok, I'll admit that rosemary tea isn't my first choice if I'm just sitting down to enjoy a cup of hot tea. I'm pretty finicky about what I taste. BUT... if you have a terrible headache, it just might not taste all that bad! Plus you will get some vitamin c from it and sinus-ease.


• Bath- Go ahead and make up that tea, make a good bit of it too. (By that, I mean about 4 cups.) Let it cool for a little while, then strain out the herb particles. Take that rosemary tea to the tub with you and soak in a nice hot bath with rosemary tea added to the water. This is a great muscle soak for those tired aching muscles!


• Hot oil hair treatment- You can make a hot oil treatment for your hair using rosemary and improve the condition of your scalp AND hair! This is a great option for those who need its astringent action.


• Flower arrangements- Fresh plants invite warmth and comfort to our atmosphere, so add a few sprigs to your floral arrangements! Enjoy the benefits of its fragrance AND beauty!

There are many things that are well complimented by the use of rosemary. If you don't have a fresh plant to pick from, try visiting the produce section of your local grocery store. If you find that rosemary is amazing but the work isn't for you, well stop in to your friendly neighborhood herb shop and pick up a bottle of rosemary essential oil! The work is done for you, the rosemary is concentrated (so it takes very little) and the fragrance is just as divine!

For a little more information about rosemary, try whfoods.com (or click this link to go directly to the source).

Rescue Remedy

This time of year, bills from Christmas are coming in, the weather is unpredictable, inventory work is going on in our jobs, taxes are looming, and stress is mounting. These things can build up and result in anxiety. Feelings of panic are not uncommon, and are also not pleasant. The longtime effect of relief comes from a change in diet and improving sleep habits and stress-relieving practices. That sounds great, but during a panic attack, who cares what the future can be like? We want relief NOW! This is what the Bach flower essence Rescue Remedy can do.

Let's use our imagination for a moment. Imagine you are a metal bowl, and someone walks by you and strikes you with a metal spoon. Those vibrations ring in your ears and shake your whole frame and seem to go on and on and on endlessly. In the moment, it seems like the world is crashing down on you and there is no opening to escape through. If this is happening to YOU, then let's suppose I walk by you and see this vicious vibration you are experiencing. I very gently place my hand on your shoulder, and start absorbing some of that vibration. When I do, it takes some of that intensity away from you...which gives you breathing room. The more firmly I place my hand, the more vibrations are settled and the more relief you experience. Doesn't that sound wonderful?

Rescue Remedy does this. It begins absorbing those anxious vibrations as soon as you take it. How can that be? Rescue Remedy is a liquid, and a few drops are placed under the tongue. There are 2 good sized blood vessels under the tongue that start absorbing that liquid which allows your body to begin using it right then. Because it is a flower essence, it can be taken again in 15 minutes if you feel the need for it.

Of course, this remedy does not replace a doctor nor does it replace health practices that improve your nervous strength. But it does help you find relief in the moments of panic and anxiety when they strike.

This very same remedy has been used with children and pets for the very same purposes, and comes in a lotion and a spray. The lotion is more suitable for muscles that tense during anxious times.

These statements are not validated by the Food & Drug Administration.