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.