Let's Talk About Menopause.....

A woman is said to have completed natural menopause when she has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. For American women, this typically happens at around age 51 or 52. Menopause occurs immediately if the uterus or both ovaries are surgically removed, or if the ovaries are damaged in cancer treatment with radiation therapy or certain drugs.

COMMON SYMPTONS DURING MENOPAUSAL TRANSITION

Some symptoms that women experience are related to menopause and decreased activity of the ovaries. Others may be related to aging in general.

Scientific evidence of a link to menopause is strongest for the following symptoms:

*Hot flashes and night sweats (also called vasomotor symptoms, because they involve the expansion of the blood vessels)
*Sleep difficulties
*Vaginal dryness, which can lead to painful intercourse and other sexual problems.

It is not certain whether the following symptoms are due to menopause, other factors that can come with aging, or a combination of menopause and these factors:

*Problems in thinking or in remembering things
*Urinary incontinence
*Physical complaints, such as tiredness and stiff or painful joints
*Changes in mood, such as depression, anxiety, and/or irritability.

The expert panel assembled for the NIH State-of-the-Science conference noted that menopause is a normal part of women's aging and advised that menopause should not be "medicalized" (or viewed as a disease).

WHAT SCIENCE SAYS ABOUT HERBAL THERAPIES FOR MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

The NIH State-of-the-Science conference panel discussed the evidence on several CAM therapies:

Six botanicals—black cohosh, dong quai root, ginseng, kava, red clover, and soy.

Very little well-designed research has been done on CAM therapies for menopausal symptoms. A small number of studies have been published, but they have had limitations (such as the way the research was done or treatment periods that may not have been long enough). As a result, the findings from these studies are not strong enough for scientists to draw any conclusions. Also, many studies of botanicals have not used a standardized product (i.e., one that is chemically consistent). The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is sponsoring a number of studies on botanicals using products that are both well characterized (i.e., their ingredients have been carefully studied) and well standardized and on other CAM therapies that have shown possible promise for reducing menopausal symptoms.
Because CAM products used for menopausal symptoms can have side effects and can interact with other botanicals or supplements or with drugs, research in this area is addressing safety as well as efficacy. Some findings from this research are highlighted below.

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa). This herb has received more scientific attention for its possible effects on menopausal symptoms than have other botanicals. Studies of its effectiveness in reducing hot flashes have had mixed results. A study funded by NCCAM and the National Institute on Aging found that black cohosh, whether used alone or with other botanicals, failed to relieve hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women or those approaching menopause. Other research suggests that black cohosh does not act like estrogen, as once was thought. Black cohosh has had a good safety record over a number of years. Some concerns have been raised about whether it may cause liver problems, but an association has not been proven.

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis). Only one randomized clinical study of dong quai has been done. The researchers did not find it to be useful in reducing hot flashes. Dong quai is known to interact with, and increase the activity in the body of, the blood-thinning medicine warfarin. This can lead to bleeding complications in women who take this medicine.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius). The panel concluded that ginseng may help with some menopausal symptoms, such as mood symptoms and sleep disturbances, and with one's overall sense of well-being. However, it has not been found helpful for hot flashes

Leg Cramps.....Ouch!

A muscle cramp is a sudden, uncontrolled contraction of a muscle. This type of pain is most commonly experienced in the legs, and therefore often called a leg cramp or a "charley horse."
Leg cramps occur when the muscle suddenly and forcefully contracts. The most common muscles to contract in this manner are muscles that cross two joints. These muscles include the calf (crossing the ankle and knee), the hamstring (crossing the knee and hip), and the quadriceps (also crossing the knee and hip).


Leg cramps usually last less than one minute, but may last several minutes before the contraction subsides. In some patients, the leg cramps occur primarily at night, and can awaken the patient from sleep.

What causes a leg cramp?The exact cause of a leg cramp is not well understood, but there are some risk factors that are thought to contribute to this condition:

Muscle fatigue
Heavy exercising
Dehydration
High weight (not necessarily obesity)
Electrolyte imbalances
Medications (statins, prednisone, others...)

The most common cause that is typically seen in patients who develop leg cramps is exercising in an unusual way, meaning either more activity or a different exercise. Leg cramps are more common in young (adolescent age) and older (over 65) patients. Patients who weigh more are more prone to developing leg cramps. Also, some medications can cause side effects of leg cramping.

How can leg cramps be prevented?

Stay hydrated, It is not well known exactly how dehydration and muscle cramping are related, but it is known that dehydration can predispose to leg cramps. Drink at least three full glasses of water each day, including one before bedtime. Also drink plenty of fluid before, during, and after exercise.

Stretch regularly, stretching can relax muscle fibers. When working out, a good post work out stretching routine can help relax muscles and prevent cramps. Make sure you cool down after exercising, and do not exercise vigorously just prior to sleep.

Train gradually, build up an exercise program, and try to avoid sudden increases in activity. The "10% Rule" is a good rule of thumb: never increase your exercise over one week by more than 10% compared to the week before. Sudden changes in activities can cause leg cramps. What is the best way to make a leg cramp go away?Usually instinct takes over when a leg cramp strikes, and you massage and stretch the sore muscle. This is a perfect instinct and often solves the problem. The best steps are:

Massage the cramped muscle

Stretch the muscle (gently!)
Take a hot shower or bath to warm and relax the muscle

Natural Remedies:

We here at Botanical Health Magazine pick Arnica Lotion, by 'Salmon Creek Botanicals'. This is a topical anti-inflammatory that eliminates leg cramping, and allows you to sleep through the night. To purchase this amazing all natural, herbal infused product visit http://www.salmoncreekbotanicals.com/ today!

Have You Heard Of Acai Berry?

The acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry has been around for thousands of years and not until the 1990's was it introduced to the western world. The acai berry was found to possess tremendous health properties. The acai berry was first used by the tribes of the Amazon jungle as a cure for various ailments. It is estimated that the indigenous tribes people routinely use up to 2,000 of the 3,000 known rainforest fruits for medicinal purposes. The Amazon borders eight different countries and has the world's largest river basin. Not only does the Amazon supply one fifth of the worlds freshwater, it has the highest diversity of birds and freshwater fish. The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world where one third of all animal and plant species live. The acai berry is just one of these fruits that has been discovered in this vast region. The Shuar tribes are one of these Amazonian tribes that have for centuries, through tradition, kept the use of plants (acai berry) for medicinal purposes.

Shuar medicine men or women are called uwishin (oo-wee-sheen') a healer that works with medicinal plants, somebody who knows all the secrets of the rainforests. Uwishin, have a great deal of knowledge of medicinal plants and their cures, they learn from others, and through experiments from the plants themselves. One plant removes snakes venom from the body. It is the work of the uwishin to research and find solutions to illness.

The acai berry was discovered to have natural antioxidant properties, as well as being a natural cholesterol controller. When eaten it helps reduce the bad cholesterol in our blood and increases the good cholesterol. The tribes of the Amazon knew of these properties and found out that it helped build the immune system, fight infection, protect the heart, and control prostate enlargement (nature's viagra). It was a great energy food for the tribes-people. The acai berry, which is a palm fruit, was traditionally pulped to make wine that was rich in minerals. The acai berry was also discovered to fight schistosomosis, which is transmitted by snails. Schistosomosis affecting more than 10 million Brazilians. The acaí berry is also used to produce an antibiotic that helps to fight against 'Staphylococcus aureus,' a common infection contracted mainly in hospitals. A berry so useful but only known to the traditional tribes men and woman of the Amazon, a lost secret.

The acaí berry comes from a palm that has a long thin trunk up to 25m high with a group of branches at the top from which hangs ribbon-like leaves. Acaí berries hang from these branches in clusters that look like groups of bluebottles. Traditionally the acai berries would be picked by hand and the tribe's men would shimmy up the tree and cut the branches from the top of the palm tree rich in acai berries. Now that the acai berry has been discovered as a highly sort after crop by the population of Brazil it is mass produced, as it only has a 24 hour life span in which the properties of the juice are still active. The acai berries must be loaded into baskets and onto boats soon after picking. To get it to the markets in Belem's they would have to transport the acai berries over night.

Each acai palm tree produces round about 20 kg of fruit per year and the wine produced by this fruit has become the most important product in terms of finance after wood forest products. Belem in Brazil now employs over 30,000 people on a daily basis to keep up with its enormous demand.

So we know where it comes from, what about it's recent history? After being introduced into the western world it was realised by the modern beach going Brazilian surfer as a natural way to regain energy. The acai berry was pulped and frozen to keep it fresh and became a natural additive to the smoothies drunk along the beaches of Brazil. It was known to help your prostate and was seen as a natural viagra for the boys of the beach. It soon became a drink for the trendy, for the sand and surf brigade.

The researches soon got hold of this magic acai berry and realised that it would be of great importance in the well-being and health of the western world, our diets are often over filled with fat and fast food, acai is naturally full with energy, it has a vibrant taste of berries with a hint of chocolate, is rich in proteins, fibre, vitamin E, minerals and essential Omega oils to reduce our bad cholesterol caused by our western diets. The acai berries fatty acid ratio resembles that of olive oil this is thought to be a contributing factor to low incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean populations. The acai berry contains similar properties as red wine in controlling fats in the blood and is a fair contributor to go up against the wine diets of the Mediterranean people.

Known as the miracle fruit, acai berries also helps in preventing cancer due to it's antioxidant properties that are five times more potent than gingko biloba, a commonly used herbal therapy product.

Survival Tips for Winter

Botanical Health Magazine Editor, "Kat Torres", sat down with our in house physician Dr. Judith Caporiccio recently to discuss relevant survival tips for winter.

Kat: Thank you for joining me today. Let's talk about a few current issues that most of us have when winter approaches. First let's talk about Seasonal Effective Disorder.

Dr. Caporiccio: Seasonal Effective Disorder, is more commonly known as winter depression or winter blues. This is a mood disorder where people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year will experience depressive symptoms in the wnter. Some people will experience mood changes, sleep too much, and have little energy. I recommend that you check with your naturopath about taking St. John's Wart to get you through this challenging time. There are also many light therapy alternatives as well.

Kat: We've also talked about the winter dangers of acetaminophen. Could you explain to our readers the dangers of over the counter drugs in the winter season.

Dr. Caporiccio: Sure, this is a very serious topic. All of us have probably experienced a time where we are suffering so badly with flu and sinus symptoms that we just want to "knock ourselves out", so that we can get comfortable, and get some sleep. The dangers are the high levels of acetaminophen when mixing over the counter drugs like Sudafed for sinus pressure, and tylenol for aches and pains. These combinations can have serious hidden dangers and consequences, such as liver damage. My best advice is to read all labels carefully and do not accede more than 1,200-1,500 milligrams of acetaminophen per day.

Kat: How about nutrition in the winter. What are some important guidelines for winter nutrition, especially getting organic fruits and vegetables?

Dr. Caporiccio: Shopping for food in the winter can be a challenge. Usually when it gets cold out we turn to comfort foods that can be high in carbs and starches. Here are some of my ideas for making smart choices for winter time grocery shopping.

Buy food that is in season. Citrus fruits and tropical fruits are in season and at the peak of flavor in winter. Good winter vegetable values include: Non-organic: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, avocado, onion, garlic. Organic: potato, sweet potato, beets and other root vegetables, carrots, leafy greens.

Avoid foods that are out of season: strawberries, raspberries, bell peppers, cucumber, zucchini. They will tend to be very expensive and of poor quality — not a good combo. If you buy grapes, buy only domestic grapes. Imported grapes from Chile and Argentina are fumigated with methyl bromide (a neurotoxin) to kill medflies and other pests when they reach U.S. ports.

Tropical fruits and citrus with thick skins that you do not eat (orange, grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, kiwi, banana, coconut, mango, pineapple, avocado) typically have low or no discernable pesticide residues, so save your money and buy non-organic.

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage) have low or no discernable pesticide residues, so there’s no need to buy organic here either.

Green foods should be purchased as organic or avoided in the winter. If you look outside and don’t notice much “green,” you’ll know that “green” food had to travel a long way to get to your grocery. Non-organic green food has been treated with not only pesticides, but anti-mildew sprays and food waxes to maintain an appearance of “freshness.” Leafy greens, crunchy fruits and vegetables (celery, apples, pears, cucumbers, peppers), and all lettuces are better to buy organic. Cruciferous veggies and tropical fruits are the exception to this rule.

Use plenty of onions, garlic, and shallots when you are cooking. They have a built-in “pest repellent” with their pungent smell, so commercial growers use little or no pesticides to grow them successfully.

Buy organic dairy products. If you cannot afford organic, choose nonfat dairy. The more fat a conventionally grown product contains, the more toxins are found in the food, because many toxins concentrate in the fat.

Choose organic or sustainably raised meats. If you have to buy non-organic, do choose chicken and meat labeled as raised “antibiotic and hormone-free.” To use organic meat more economically, make it a flavoring instead of a primary ingredient — soups, stir fries, casseroles, and stews all feature the flavor of meat, but in small portions.

If you do want fruits that are out of season (such as peaches), choose canned fruit. Canned peaches, apricots, and cherries have considerably less pesticide residue than those same (non-organic) fresh fruits. Farmers who grow fruits used in canning use fewer pesticides because the fruit does not have to look “perfect.” Additionally, the fruit is scrubbed and washed several times before processing.

Store your food properly to avoid waste. When you buy organic vegetables with greens still attached (carrots, beets, turnips), remove the greens as soon as you come home. To keep leafy greens crisp, rinse, trim, and pack the greens with a damp paper towel on top. Store apples and other soft fruit in your refrigerator. Potatoes, garlic, and onions should be stored in paper bags (not plastic!) and away from bright light (moisture and light cause them to begin sprouting).

Last but not least stay hydrated. In the summer the need for water is much greater than that in the winter months beacause of the time we spend sweating. Your body still requires at least 8-8oz. glasses of water daily. I'm not a stickler for strictly water. 8-8oz. glasses of any liquid with the exception of coffee, and soda will suffice.

Which brings me to my last point.....exercise. Snuggling by the fire, curling up with a good book, or catching up on the latest movie on DVD are all great winter indulgences, but we cannot neglect our bodies need for continued excercise. If you live in an area where getting outdoors is out of the question invest in a few good excercise DVD's, an indoor trampoline, or a simple jump rope will work wonders. If you have small children that interfere with your workout routines, go to the mall and stroll them around for an hour at a brisk pace. Or lastly, join a gym that works for you.

Kat: Thank you so much Dr. Caporiccio for all of your wonderful tips and knowledge.

I would like to take a moment to say to our readers that winter is a beautiful season, and a time to reflect upon the year that for me, always goes by way too fast. Embrace your lives, take an opportunity this winter to learn something that you didn't know before, read the book you haven't had the time for, call the friend who you've been out of touch with because of your busy summer. And if the demands on your time keep you from doing these things take a moment, just a moment each day to give thanks.

Be Cautious With Home Remedies.....

Alternative medicine has become quite popular once again. One aspect of alternative medicine is the use of herbs for common ailments and disease prevention. Many people tend to believe that because herbs are all natural they are much safer than a man made drug. This is not true. Here are some things you need to consider when using any herbal remedy...

Herbs ARE medicines. Man has made many of the medicines we know and have used from plants with medicinal properties. However, man has regulated the strength and dosage of the medicinal ingredients. In the plant itself the medicinal strength may be so strong that a unsuspectingly small amount could be fatal. The best thing you can do is to remember that natural does not always mean safer. Always read all package labels and follow directions precisely when using herbal products. Although the use of herbs in pretty safe and beneficial, overdose on herbs is as real and deadly as overdose on prescription drugs.

Not all herbs are created equal. Each herb does a different thing for the body and mind. Most herbs are user friendly and do not harm the body while helping it. However, there are some herbs that do more harm than good. The following herbs should be avoided at all costs...Chaparral, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Ephedra, Lobelia, Pennyroyal, Senna, and Yohimbe. The first three of these herbs can cause serious liver damage. They contain the chemical NGDA, along with other liver damaging chemicals like Allantoin and Pyrrolizidines. Ephedra is an herb that has also been known to cause liver damage, along with high blood pressure, heat problems, and strokes. It has caused deaths in some of it's users, and severe complications in others. Lobelia can possibly lead you to coma and death if misused. Pennyroyal has been used throughout early history as a means of inducing miscarriage in pregnant women. In other words, abortion. Senna can irregulate your heart. Yohimbe can cause a variety of minor ailments, and some severe as well. It is definitely a good idea to steer clear of these specific herbs, for the sake of your health and safety. Always consult your health professional before using herbs as medicine.

Join us next week when our Botanical Health Magazine Editor, 'Kat Torres' will be doing an interview with our in house physician Dr. Judith Caporiccio, ND.

Herbal Medicine for Healing and Health

Valued for their aromatic, savory, or medicinal characteristics, herbs come from plants or various parts of plants and possess certain chemical substances that have affects on the body. Herbal medicine, also called Botanical Medicine or Herbalism, is the use of these herbs for medicinal or therapeutic value.

Herbal medicine is older than any other type of healthcare. Every culture has taken advantage of herbs and their benefits. Herbal medicine began with primitive cultures using different plants for shelter, clothing, and medicine. Man learned medicinal benefits of plants through trial and error methods in addition to observing animals. Man’s knowledge of herbs and their medicinal uses advanced over time. Herbal pharmacopoeias were developed by different tribes. Even the pharmacopoeia of scientific medicine in the 20th century was developed primarily from native herbal lore. Herbal medicine continues to influence the medicines of today. Up to 25 percent of all prescription drugs in the United States have at least one active ingredient that comes from plant extracts or synthesized plant compounds.

As many as 4 billion people, or 80 percent of the earth’s population, are estimated to use a form of herbal medicine in their health care, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Herbal medicine is a large part of naturopathic, homeopathic, Native American Indian, Ayurvedic, and traditional oriental medicine. Of the 119 plant-derived pharmaceutical drugs, as many as 74 percent are used in the same ways the plants were used by natives. Plants gathered from locations such as the rain forests are being studied for their possible medicinal values by various pharmaceutical companies.

Conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, pain, and heart disease are often treated today with commercial medicines containing plant-based substances. Ephedrine is derived from an herb called ephedra and is used in commercial medicines to relieve respiratory and asthma symptoms. The actual herb ephedra has been used for over two thousand years in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat the same symptoms.

The foxglove plant is an herb that has been used since 1775. Today this herb, also referred to as the cardiac stimulant digitalis, keeps millions of heart patients living all over the world.

Branches of Herbal Medicine include Ayurvedic Herbalism and Traditional Chinese Herbalism. Ayurvedic Herbalism stems from Ayurveda and Western Herbalism and originated in Greece and Rome. Its practice spread throughout Europe and eventually to North and South America. Traditional Chinese Herbalism comes from Traditional Oriental Medicine.

Western Herbalism is now considered folk medicine. Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbalism differ because they have developed over centuries into very advanced forms of treatment and systems of diagnosis.

People in the United States are continually gaining interest in herbs because of an increasing number of success stories. One example is the use of St. John’s Wort to treat forms of depression. People have used this drug to avoid using Prozac, which produces unwanted side effects. Certain Ayurvedic herbs are commonly used to help those with conditions including diabetes and high cholesterol. Herbs such as Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) and Ginseng continue to increase in popularity because of their helpful effects.

For more infor mation on Herbal Medicine and remedies visit www.naturalherbsguide.com , we find this website to be very informative.

Garlic.....and you thought it was just for fending off vampires!

People feel strongly about garlic. They either love its lingering aroma or hate its pungent odor. It's no wonder, then, that folkloric shamans prescribed a necklace of garlic to ward off vampires.
Love it or hate it, garlic can help protect your body from more than a mythic pair of sharp teeth.
Even ancient practitioners recognized its beneficial qualities. More than 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates, father of diagnostic medicine, listed garlic as a worthwhile treatment. Today scientists know from a battery of studies that garlic contains several properties that may keep the cardiovascular system healthy. Garlic is particularly effective against low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), the "bad" cholesterol that can damage the arteries and threaten the heart.
Without getting too technical, tiny LDLs can form plaque on the arterial walls after they have been oxidized by "free radicals," renegade molecules in the body that damage the cells and provoke disease. When this happens, special cells migrate to the area and start gobbling up the LDLs. Eventually, these cells eat so much that they become "foam cells," which are deposited in arteries as plaque. The plaque, in turn, can create atherosclerosis, blockages that lead to heart attack and stroke.
Garlic is such a great antioxidant that it stops the creation of these foam cells by acting early on in the process, preventing free radicals from oxidizing the LDLs.
Clinical research also shows that garlic may encourage the formation of "good" cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), which are too large to stick to artery walls. Instead, the HDLs help to sweep out LDLs as they flow through the system and clean out the LDLs already creating plaque on the arteries.
Like aspirin, garlic has certain qualities that thin the blood. By preventing platelets from banding together, garlic may keep the circulatory system healthy. Garlic can do this without any of the discomfort or other problems associated with aspirin.
For the same reason, garlic can help a person who is feeling weak get back on his or her feet. By improving circulation, garlic can allow a person to get the exercise he or she needs, which in turn can lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Garlic is also useful in preventing other problems. Several scientific studies have shown that garlic may eliminate many of the symptoms associated with yeast infections, which include fatigue, disorientation and depression. But be careful! Yeast infections can erupt after lying dormant for years and be accompanied by other medical problems. You may need to stop consuming alcohol and eliminate sugary foods, yeast and mold from your diet. Be sure to consult a physician in the case of a yeast infection.
Garlic's renowned pungent smell comes from its sulfur-rich compounds, which are excreted through the lungs. But even garlic haters can take heart in the knowledge that garlic may be taken as a supplement known as Kyolic, which has a slightly altered chemistry and leaves no lingering smell to drive off loved ones. A dose of 1200 mg to 1600 mg of Kyolic every day should be sufficient to keep both heart disease -- and vampires -- at bay.
With exercise and a good diet, garlic can help reduce body fat, one of the greatest enemies to good health. If you are at risk for or already have atherosclerosis or any other forms of cardiovascular disease, consult your physician for treatment.
-- Health and peace.
©1996-2005 WebMD

Ahhh.....the power of herbs!

Cooking with herbs has taken on new importance with our awareness of reducing salt and fat in the diet. Herbs can add interesting flavors to foods when salt and fat are reduced in a recipe. Because herbs are so popular, they are being sold fresh at local farmer's markets and grocery stores, and are often grown as part of a kitchen garden by the homeowner.

Selection

Herbs are best harvested in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, but before the sun has warmed them. The oils that give herbs their aromas and flavors are volatile (readily escapes from the leaves, seeds and stems if injured.) Therefore, herbs need to be handled very gently, and should never be "stacked" or handled in such a way that they may be bruised. Select just enough herbs to be used, dried or frozen, the same day. Herbs should look fresh and clean, be free of disease, not discolored or damaged.

Storage

Since the flavor and aroma of herbs deteriorates quickly after picking, be prepared to use them immediately. If you must store them for a few hours, keep them in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag. When you are ready to use them, wash the herbs gently under cool (not cold) water and pat dry between paper towels.
For long term storage, herbs can be dried. Store the dried herbs in air-tight containers out of the direct sun.

Serving

Once you have used fresh herbs in cooking you will be spoiled! Their special flavor and aroma contributes greatly to the enjoyment of food.
There are no rules when cooking with herbs. Start to experiment using small amounts of herbs and see what you like. The following ideas may help you get started:

A good general rule of thumb is not to mix two very strong herbs together, but rather one strong and one or more milder flavors to complement both the stronger herb and the food.
In general, the weaker the flavor of the main staple item, the lower the level of added seasoning required to achieve a satisfactory balance of flavor in the end product.

Dried herbs are stronger than fresh, and powdered herbs are stronger than crumbled. A useful formula is: 1/4 teaspoon powdered herbs = 3/4 to 1 teaspoon crumbled = 2 teaspoons fresh.
Leaves should be chopped very fine because the more cut surface exposed the more flavor will be released.
Be conservative in the amount of an herb used until you're familiar with its strength. The aromatic oils can be strong and objectionable if too much is used.
The flavoring of herbs is lost by extended cooking. Add herbs to soups or stews about 45 minutes before completing the cooking. But for cold foods such as dips, cheese, vegetables and dressings, herbs should be added several hours or overnight before using.
For casseroles and hot sauces, add finely chopped fresh or dried herbs directly to the mixture.

To become familiar with the specific flavor of an herb, try mixing it with margarine or butter, let it set for at least an hour, and spread on a plain cracker.
Try herbs as a flavoring in vinegars or "butters." Use one cup of "bruised" leaves for every 2 cups of white wine vinegar. Allow to steep two weeks. Use 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs to 1/2 cup margarine, butter, cottage cheese, low fat yogurt or cream cheese.

What in the World is "RLS"?

"Restless Legs Syndrome"
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that affects movements of the legs. Because it usually interferes with sleep, it also is considered a sleep disorder.

Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome
People with RLS have strange sensations in their legs (and sometimes arms) and an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve the sensations. The sensations are difficult to describe: they are not painful, but an uncomfortable, "itchy," "pins and needles," or "creepy crawly" feeling deep in the legs. The sensations are usually worse at rest, especially when lying in bed. The sensations lead to walking discomfort, sleep deprivation, and stress.

The severity of RLS symptoms ranges from mild to intolerable. Symptoms get gradually worse over time in about two thirds of people with the condition and may be severe enough to be disabling. The symptoms are generally worse in the evening and night and less severe in the morning. While the symptoms are usually quite mild in young adults, by age 50 the symptoms may cause severe nightly sleep disruption that can significantly impair a person's quality of life.

Who Gets Restless Legs Syndrome?
RLS affects about 10% of the U.S. population. It affects both men and women and may begin at any age, even in infants and young children. Most people who are affected severely are middle-aged or older.

RLS is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. In many people the condition it is not diagnosed until 10-20 years after symptoms begin. Once correctly diagnosed, RLS can often be treated successfully.

Here at "Botanical Health Magazine" we recommend Arnica Lotion by Salmon Creek Botanicals Therapeutics. They battle "RLS" everyday, stop by http://www.arnicalotion.com/ today!

Let Off Some Steam.....

The positive effects of steam bathing have been understood for thousands of years. Hippocrates found that fever could cure many diseases, and steam baths and saunas have been producing 'simulated' fevers ever since that time and maybe even earlier than that.
There are excellent healing attributes of both saunas and steam baths but the steam bath is especially good for respiratory troubles like bronchitis, asthma, and allergies the since it offers an elevated moisture content. The steam bath is also useful for cleaning and toning the skin surface. The increased volume of sweat that is induced by the steam bath and sauna leaves the skin soft and supple while the bathers are left feeling re-energized and recharged.

Steam Baths - Special Benefits
As previously discussed, a steam bath is excellent for respiratory ailments since steam can remove allergens and mucus from the lungs. Doctors have been advising that patients breathe steam for various respiratory problems for a long time now. The steam bath allows the user to inhale a larger concentration of steam than by using a vaporizer. This allows maximum benefits to those with breathing problems.
Steam has a soothing quality for the breathing passages since it raises the moisture level in the lungs, throat and nose. People that suffer from the problems of asthma or the common cold will find they feel much better after indulging in a steam bath.
No matter how good the sauna bath might feel by relieving symptoms it is not cure for respiratory diseases. The temporary benefits of relief from the symptoms are good enough that many sufferers go back to the steam bath again and again.

Skin Benefits
A good sweat is excellent for healthy skin. Dermatologists understand the benefits of steam to create a beautiful, healthy glow. Serious sweating washes the skin better than soap and water since it unlocks the pores and lets deep-seated grime along with dead cells to be washed out. Also a steam bath increases the blood circulation to the skin contributing to a healthy, glowing manifestation, you will glisten!

Pain Relief Benefits
Heat is a useful tool for management of muscular pain. Taking a steam bath after a substantial bodily workout is an excellent method of speeding up the healing progression of hurt tissues and muscles. Heat allows the blood vessels to enlarge which boosts the blood circulation, letting increased oxygen to arrive at injured parts of the body. This has the twofold effect of pain reduction and improving the healing speed.

Relaxation Benefits
Deep sleep is one of the best medicinal ways to heal the body. Our contemporary life is filled with daily stresses, and these stresses will build up over time and can induce stress linked illnesses such as high blood pressure and hypertension. A sauna bath is a excellent method of unwinding and help relieve the daily stresses. The heat of the sauna allows the muscles to loosen up, and the steam makes available a comforting atmosphere for calming the mind.

You will discover that a steam bath ahead of bedtime is an excellent method of promoting a deep restful sleep. You come out of the steam bath experiencing a relaxed and calm state. When you take a steam bath on a regular basis, you will reap remarkable benefits for your health and your state of mind. Check out the special Mother's Day Sale at "Salmon Creek Botanicals" going on now through May 11th, 2008. When you spend $40.00, you receive a free Lavender Milk Bath. This luxurious bath is made with powder milk, powdered sugar, and baking soda with pure lavender essential oil. Visit http://www.salmoncreekbotanicals.com/ today!

The Great Debate.....

The debate over the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort in fighting depression now has added fuel.

Three recent clinical trials from 2005 and 2006 and a critical review of the literature (2006) have examined whether the herbal supplement is an effective treatment for depression. The data all indicate that St John’s Wort is indeed safe and effective for people who are mild to moderately depressed. The evidence on how it affects moderate-to-severe depression remains unclear.
This is particularly newsworthy because two prior studies—including a 2002 study sponsored by the National Center on Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institute of Health, suggested that St. John’s Wort was no more effective than a placebo in treating mild to moderate depression.
Hyla Cass, M.D., chairwoman of complementary and alternative medicine at the American University of Complementary Medicine in Los Angeles, maintains that in her own practice of using St. John's Wort she has found that people “respond well and really appreciate the lack of side effects and not feeling 'medicated.' "
Contrary to U.S. medical practice, St. John’s Wort is already used extensively in Western Europe. In Germany, for example, doctors often turn to traditional antidepressants only after a trial of St. John’s Wort has not been successful.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum) is a roadside weed that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of disorders. In 350 B.C., the Greek physician and writer Hippocrates prescribed the herb’s extracts for relief from such ailments as dysentery, tuberculosis, malaria, hemorrhage, jaundice, colds, insomnia and hysteria. Today, St. John's Wort is used primarily to relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.
The flowering tops of St. John's Wort are used to prepare teas and tablets containing concentrated extracts of the active ingredients hypericin or hyperforin. The extracts are standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin, with a typical adult dose of 300 milligrams 3 times a day (yielding 2.7 mg hypericin per day). Preparations available in the United States contain inconsistent amounts of active ingredient, so be sure to read labels to know exactly how much you're actually getting in your tablet or tea.
Many folks who regularly take St. John’s Wort note improvements in overall mood and sleep. Researchers believe that the antidepressant effect of St. John’s Wort is due to its inhibition of serotonin uptake by certain receptors in the brain—the same mechanism attributed to many widely prescribed antidepressants.
Although St. John’s Wort is generally considered safe, it can cause undesirable interactions with herbs, other supplements or prescription medicines, including theophylline and digoxin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that St. John's Wort not be used with any type of antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV or AIDS.
St. John’s Wort is not to be used if you’re pregnant or nursing. New data presented at the 21st Annual Meeting of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (August 2006) suggest that St. John’s Wort might interact with medications prescribed during pregnancy and might cause lower infant birth weights.
As with any herbal medicine do not take St. John’s Wort without speaking to your health care provider first.

By Jill Shuman, M.S., E.L.S.

Content provided by Revolution Health Group

Dragon Tamer......

Every month something less than half of all women suffer pain, bloating, anxiety to the point almost of homicidal thoughts, and depression to the point of suicidal thoughts. Well, don’t kill your husband, your boss, or yourself. Just realize that the problem is hormonal and do one or two things to level out the hormonal balance. It will not solve all of your problems, but there are treatments that can take the edge off and allow you to function more suitably for that bad week or two a month.
Evening primrose oil, for example, is an approved treatment in Great Britain for PMS. Native American women were ahead on this and chewed the seeds of the primrose to alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual or menstrual stress. Some herbalists recommend taking a capsule of primrose oil a day as a preventative and then increasing the dosage to three capsules once symptoms appear and continuing until the period’s end.
Chinese angelica is also said to work as a preventative measure, but it is not recommended for pregnant women. Angelica may also induce heavier blood flow, so it is not recommended, either, for women who have a heavy flow during menstruation.
For excessive bleeding, try cramp bark, which contains nervine substances that can also relax the uterine muscles and avert cramping. Add some cramp bark to an herbal tea. There are no known side effects to the use of cramp bark. The thyroid gland seems to have some connection to excessive bleeding and it makes sense to treat the thyroid with seaweed and dark green, leafy vegetables.
Fifty to one hundred milligrams of Vitamin B6 a day is reported to help with depression and irritability. Chaste berry as herbs or tinctures can work to regulate the ratio of estrogen to progesterone better than Vitamin B6. However, women who suffer depression with PMS should stay away from chaste berry. Vitamin E is also recommended in dosages of 150 to 200 IUs.
Dropping blood calcium levels contribute to cramping, headache, and depression. Generally, ten days before the onset of the menstrual period, women experience this drop. A daily supplement of minerals is extremely important in managing premenstrual stress; a daily dose of 1200 milligrams of calcium and 200 milligrams of magnesium is usually sufficient.
The drop in blood calcium may be what causes cramping, so eating with that purpose in mind is smart. Use tahini as a spread instead of butter, have yogurt for lunch, and include greens like spinach, parsley, and kale in your dinner menu. Eat foods rich in Vitamins C and E, such as beans, eggs, garlic, and onions.
Small, frequent meals spread throughout the day can work to keep blood sugar levels steady and avert anxiety and edginess. Caffeine and sugar, of course, will do the opposite and you are much better off avoiding both for the two-week period. Also avoid cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower. Cruciferous vegetables are sources of natural estrogen and may throw off the hormonal balance.
Increased exercise, such as an hour’s walk three times a week instead of a half-hour’s week will increase production of endorphins to brighten your mood. Some experts say that bright light treatment during early morning and evening can help alleviate PMS-related depression. Arrange a group of bright lights and sit three feet away from it, looking at it on occasion, but not for long stretches. This should be done a week before the period commences.
Otherwise, just keep some perspective, grit your teeth, and remember it will soon be over – until the next time.

Here is a rescue remedy for taming your inner dragon:

4 gallons water

1/2 cup lavender flowers

1/2 cup rose petals

1/2 cup chamomile

1/2 cup hops

In a large pot bring herbs and water to a boil then turn off the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Pour herbs and water directly into the bathwater. Relax and let all of your pain wash away.

Happy Easter!

One of the treats of spring is dyeing eggs. Most of us probably remember hunkering over the stovetop, preparing a pot of boiling eggs for their dunk in the bowls of rainbow-colored vinegar water. The results were gorgeous, gaudy Easter eggs in neon green, fluorescent pink and sky blue.
Dyeing eggs with natural dyes is equally as memorable as dyeing with chemical dyes, however natural dyes give eggs a much more subtle, but nonetheless gorgeous, coloring. Dyeing with natural dyes may be even more memorable for children because the warm colors come from materials they're familiar with in their day-to-day lives; red and yellow onion skins, beets, turmeric, red cabbage, and coffee to name a few.
There are two approaches: the cold method and the boiled method. Both yield beautiful results, though the eggs prepared with the cold method are colored pale and subtle pastels, and the boiled method, more intense pastels.

Sorry about this but.... a word of caution.....

Easter is a time of celebration, with large family dinners and egg hunts. But with all those eggs, there's also the potential for sickness.
Fresh eggs must be handled carefully. Even eggs with clean, uncracked shells may occasionally contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an intestinal infection.
The most effective way to prevent egg-related illness is by knowing how to buy, store, handle and cook eggs -- or foods that contain them -- safely.

Here are some tips on egg safety from the Food and Drug Administration:

Buy Right. Buy eggs only if they're sold from a refrigerator or refrigerated case, and open the carton and make sure that the eggs are clean and the shells are not cracked.

Refrigerate Promptly. Store eggs in their original carton and use them within three weeks for best quality.

Keep Everything Clean. Wash hands, utensils, equipment, and work surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after they come in contact with eggs and egg-containing foods.

Cook Thoroughly. Cook eggs until both the yolk and the white are firm. Scrambled eggs should not be runny. Casseroles and other dishes containing eggs should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer to be sure.

Chill Properly. Cooked eggs, including hard-boiled eggs, and egg-containing foods should not sit out for more than two hours. Within two hours, either reheat or refrigerate. Use hard-cooked eggs (in the shell or peeled) within one week after cooking.

Okay I'm done....Have a beautiful Easter!

Bronchitis 101.....

You thought you were finally shaking that cold, but this morning your cough is worse than ever. You're coughing up phlegm by the cupful, and it feels as if someone spent the night tap-dancing on your chest. You've probably developed acute bronchitis, an often painful infection in the major bronchial tubes (airways) leading to the lungs. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, frequently the same one that causes colds, although the flu virus is a common culprit as well. (While acute bronchitis can also be caused by a bacteria or even a fungus, they are only rarely to blame.) Acute bronchitis often follows a cold or the flu, when resistance is down and the lungs may already be slightly irritated. Likewise, anyone whose resistance is low or who has any other type of chronic lung irritation or injury, especially from exposure to cigarette smoke or other toxic gases, is at increased risk of developing bronchitis. And the viruses that cause bronchitis can be passed to others much the same way cold and flu viruses are: An infected person coughs, spraying viral particles either into the air, where they can be breathed in by others, or onto their own hands, where they can be picked up when the person shakes hands with others.
The virus attacks the inner walls of the bronchial tubes, which then swell and produce greatly increased amounts of thick, yellow or green mucus (the airways normally produce about an ounce a day of thin, clear or white mucus, which helps trap and remove foreign particles). The lung irritation and mucus trigger a throaty, persistent, productive hacking that is the hallmark of acute bronchitis.There can be an irritated throat (from the coughing), burning or aching pain just beneath the breastbone, a feeling of tightness in the chest, wheezing or shortness of breath, and/or a "rattling" sensation in the lungs and chest. A low-grade fever, chills, and achiness may also occur. The irritation caused by the virus in turn leaves the respiratory tract vulnerable to other complications, such as pneumonia.If you have an underlying chronic disease or suffer from asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other serious respiratory or heart problem, you need to contact your doctor if you develop symptoms of acute bronchitis. Bronchitis symptoms in infants, the elderly, or anyone else with a weak immune system should be treated by a physician. If you're otherwise healthy, however, you will likely have to allow the infection to simply run its course. Antibiotics, after all, are useless against viral infections. Fortunately, acute bronchitis generally goes away on its own within a few days or a week, although the cough can sometimes linger for weeks or even months.This doesn't mean you have to lie in bed, suffering, and wait for your body to defeat the virus.

Humidify your environment. Believe it or not, coughing is actually good for you. It's the body's way of eliminating the infection that causes bronchitis. So instead of stifling a cough with an over-the-counter suppressant, help it along by using a warm- or cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air. (Take care to use and clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer's instructions.) The added humidity will help bring the sputum (matter that is coughed out of the body) up and out of the body. Standing in a steamy shower with the bathroom door closed, keeping a pan of water at a slow boil on the stove (never leave it unattended!), and using a tea kettle to shoot out warm, moist air can also help loosen and bring up phlegm. And if you have a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to add to the water, these can be quite soothing.

Use a cough remedy as a last resort. Remember, coughing is your body's way of driving out the infection and keeping your breathing passages clear. The best cough remedies for bronchitis contain guaifenesin, which helps bring up sputum. But if you're at the end of your rope and can't bear another minute of hacking, especially if it's been keeping you from getting the sleep you need to recover, you can try a medicine that contains the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. Take it only as often as absolutely needed. Check with your doctor if you are unsure. Combination products should generally be avoided; decongestants, antihistamines, and alcohol (common ingredients in combination products) have no role in the treatment of coughs and may even increase discomfort by causing side effects. Most of the candy-type cough drops act as demulcents on the throat; in other words, their soothing properties are due largely to their sugar content.

Keep an eye out for complications. While letting nature take its course is generally the best treatment for acute bronchitis, complications can sometimes occur, so you'll need to stay alert for signs that it's time to see your doctor. The most worrisome complications include pneumonia, sinus infection, and ear infection, all of which need to be treated with prescription antibiotics. Signs that one or more of these complications may be present include a persistent high fever (not a typical characteristic of bronchitis), severe shortness of breath, prolonged coughing spells or a cough that lasts more than four to six weeks, severe chest pain, pain behind the eyes, or ear pain. Be on the lookout for blood in your sputum or sputum that changes dramatically in color or consistency, and report it to your doctor. In addition, tell your doctor if you suffer frequent bouts of bronchitis, since you may be suffering from a more serious respiratory problem that requires medical treatment.

"P" is for Prostate.....

With prostate problems affecting roughly 12% of men, chances are you, or someone you care about, will eventually have to deal with this problem. The prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut, which sits just below the bladder in men and is an integral part of the male reproductive system. The prostate goes through 2 main periods of growth: the first period of growth occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size.

At about the age of 25, the prostate begins to grow again. This second phase of growth often results in what constitutes an enlarged prostate. As the prostate becomes larger, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the prostate to press against the urethra.
While the studies do not all concur, it is generally believed that most men over the age of 45 experience some amount of prostate enlargement, but may live free of symptoms. This prostate enlargement is usually harmless, but it often causes problems urinating later on in life.

By age 60, it is believed that over 80% of all men experience some sort of problem with urinating due to prostate enlargement. Prostate enlargement is not a malignant condition, but it does put pressure on the urethra and can create a number of urinary problems such as frequent urination, urinary urgency, the need to get up at night to urinate, difficulty starting, a reduction to the force of the urine stream, terminal dribbling, incomplete emptying of the bladder and even the inability to urinate at all.

If left unchecked, benign prostate enlargement can cause serious health problems over time, including urinary tract infections, kidney or bladder damage, bladder stones, incontinence. It is important to take care of your prostate as you would any other organ and address any prostate problems you may be having.
"Enlarged prostate", the medical term for which is BPH - short for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy - has historically been treated surgically - by removing all or part of the prostate. While this will result in most people experiencing a relief of their symptoms, it may also leave them impotent. For men who want to maintain their vitality, surgery should only be used as a last resort.

Saw Palmetto For An Enlarged Prostate:

Saw palmetto is the ripe berry of a low, scrubby palm tree that grows wild in the. southeastern United States. During the first half of this century, it was widely used for urinary and genital ailments, according to herb expert Varro Tyler.

Three good studies in France and Italy looked at a total of 280 men who were waking up to go to the bathroom an average of about four times a night. The 140 of them who took 320 mg of saw palmetto a day for one to three months averaged one less nightly trip to the bathroom than the 140 men who were given a placebo. The saw-palmetto-takers also said that urinating wasn't as painful or difficult as before, and they were able to empty more of their bladders.

Drugs are now commonly prescribed first, one of the more popular being "Proscar", manufactured by the Merck company. Proscar is actually a somewhat dangerous substitute for a classic herb, as a great number of pharmaceutical drugs are. The herbal remedy pirated in this case is the saw palmetto berry.

For men who suffer from prostate enlargement, saw palmetto is the place to start. Saw palmetto has a long history of diminishing inflammation and enlargement of the prostate as well as inhibiting the hormones which causes prostate enlargement.

Saw palmetto is a shrub which grows in Georgia and Florida along the ocean. Saw palmetto causes no side effects at the recommended dosage. This is in sharp contrast with the drug Proscar. Proscar has many serious side effects, which are listed on the package insert, published in advertisements for the drug, and they are also listed in the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR).

Ginger Does a Body Good.....

Detoxification is the road to good health that everyone can follow at their own pace simply, easily. Many natural foods help the body clean up. Raw apple cider vinegar is one of the best for this purpose. Raw honey is another great agent in helping the body heal and cleanse. Ginger is the common name for the monocotyledonous perennial plant zingiber officinale, which is another great natural detoxification agent that can be used alone or combined with other detoxification aids. A great healing ginger root tea can be made by boiling ginger root with lemon. Pour this in a coffee cup, then add honey to taste. Raw honey is the best to use in detoxification drinks. Other honey may be used though. Creamed honey is better than golden honey. The creamed honey is whipped which oxygenates it. Add powdered ginger to another detoxification drink, the herb apple cider vinegar and honey detoxification tea. One to three shakes of ginger powder is good to add to many herb drinks. The herb apple cider vinegar and honey detoxification tea can be made from any herb tea you can find at the store. Brew the herb tea in a coffee maker or in the coffee cup with hot water. After removing the tea bag, add 1-3 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar. Stir in honey to taste.

Powdered ginger is also good to add to the tub and take a soak in. Many fevers have been broken using this method. Get the best ginger you can. Use organic grown ginger for the root tea. Buy the ginger powder at the health food store instead of the store if you can. Taking back control of health by following these natural remedies is a great rewarding venture.

We all have just one body. The better we take care of it, the better it takes care of us.

This Stinks!

As I sit at my desk today pondering what article to publish this week for all of our wonderful readers, I am appalled by the heaps of tissue that scatter my desk! Yes it's that time of year my friends. Let's talk about snot. Have you ever wondered what's going on iside your nose, and where does all of that snot come from anyway?

To understand why your nose runs, you need to know what mucus is. This is the gooey, sticky, slimy material that's made inside your nose (also known as snot). Believe it or not, your nose and sinuses make about a quart of snot every day! A runny or stuffy nose can be due to colds, allergies, sinus infections or the flu. When there is an excess of mucus secretions the nose is runny. The additional secretions drain from the front of the nose, or down the back (post-nasal drip). The sensation of a stuffy nose occurs when the membranes that line the nose become swollen from inflamed blood vessels. Are anitbiotics the cure for a sinus infection we ask? A recent British study shows that neither antibiotics or steroid sprays offer much help to adults with sinus infections.

One of the most common complications of the common cold or flu is a sinus infection. The symptoms: a stuffy nose; a thick, dark-colored nasal discharge; and head pain.
You've very likely had such an infection. And if, like 25 million other Americans, you went to a U.S. doctor, there's a 90% chance you got a prescription for antibiotics. You very likely had some side effects from that antibiotic. But it's extremely unlikely the antibiotics you took were much help, according to a study by Ian G. Williamson, MD, senior lecturer at the University of Southampton, England.
"We are confident that if there is an effect of antibiotics on acute sinus infections, it is not very big -- certainly not as big as people have been led to believe," Williamson tells WebMD.
Williamson and colleagues studied 240 patients ages 16 and older whose symptoms suggested that they had a sinus infection caused by bacteria. Viruses also cause sinus infections, but antibiotics do not help viral infections.
Study patients received antibiotic treatment with amoxicillin, an antibiotic often used for bacterial sinus infections, with or without nasal steroid sprays. A fourth of the patients received no treatment at all, but just got inactive placebo pills and placebo sprays.
Ten days later, patients who got no active treatment were just as likely to be cured as those treated with antibiotics. Steroid nasal sprays made little difference, although they seemed to help people with very mild nasal congestion and seemed to make things a little worse for those with very intense nasal congestion. Williamson says the study does not definitively rule out some small effect of antibiotics. But that effect would be very small.

By Daniel J. DeNoon

Here's our recommendation for sinus infections... TEA TREE (Melalueca Alternifolia) Essential Oil. Tea Tree is an Australian tree that has extremely effective anti-microbial properties. Tea Tree is a very potent germ-killer, yet gentle enough to use directly on the skin of an adult.

How does Tea Tree work?

Used topically, Tea Tree works in the following ways:• Anti-microbial - kills microbes, bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites• Antiseptic - Prevents infection• Astringent - Contracts, firms, and strengthens skin and other tissues; reduces secretions• Immuno-stimulant - boosts immune system• Venous decongestant - encourages circulation and detoxification through the veins.

For sinus infection give this recipe a try...

Add 1 drop tea tree, 1 Eucalyptus, 1 drop rosemary, and 1 drop peppermint into 1 TBSP olive oil. Mix. Take a Q-tip and soak Q-tip in mixture. Then rub mixture into both nostrils.

Diabetic Foot Care

Poor circulation, also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease is a common complication in diabetics who have had the disease for some time. It is due to the excess buildup of sugar in the body. This tends to cause an increase in the fat and cholesterol, which then results in a narrowing or closing off of both the larger and smaller blood vessels. This results in less oxygen and nourishment being supplied to the feet and toes. When this does happen, the skin may break down, sores may then occur, which then can lead to infection and or ulcers.

People with diabetes can reduce their risk of amputation by following a few simple guidelines:
1. Have your doctor check your bare feet at every visit.
2. Cut your toenails straight across when possible. Make sure there are no sharp points left, by using an emery board
3. Wash your feet daily, using warm not hot water.
4. Check them for bumps or sores daily.
5. Use a lotion or moisturizer on your feet to help prevent the skin from cracking or breaking down.
6. Do not wear stockings with seams.
7. Break in new shoes very slowly. Wear them for only one hour a day for the first week, then add an hour to the wearing time every week.
8. Check your shoes every time you put them on, in order to avoid anything that may cause an irritation of the feet to occur.
9. It is not advised to go barefoot due to the nerve loss on the bottom of the feet.
10. When possible cut your toenails straight across, making sure not to leave an edge that could cut into the other toes.
11. NEVER USE CORN REMOVER, WART REMOVER, OR ANY OTHER CHEMICAL ON YOUR FEET.
12. When bathing check the water temperature with your elbow before getting in the bath.
13. If your feet stay cold at night wear socks, but do not use hot water bottles, or any other device directly on your feet.
14. Always see a podiatrist, a foot specialist, to take care of your feet, and notify them if you see that a problem area is not healing well.

Our #1 pick for a chemical free, all natural foot care product is Hand & Foot Repair, by Salmon Creek Botanicals. Olive oil based, and infused with calendula flowers, this all natural ointment penetrates deeply into the skin tissue, leaving no greasy feel. It has no synthetic ingredients! Only the finest essential oils are added for their anit-inflammatory, and anticeptic qualities. You can find them on the web at http://www.salmoncreekbotanicals.com/. Try the 2oz. Hand & Foot Repair for only $8.00 today!