Welcome to my blog!!! I have been an herbalist & an aromatherapist for over 20 years!! My blog is over 10 years old & there are over 100 informative blogs here. Not only do I have hopes of teaching the masses, I too, have learned a lot during my research on different topics! There's always new & updated information in the herbal & essential oil worlds. There are blogs on herbs, essential oils, nutrition, supplements, different modalities of healing and just a little bit of everything!! Maybe in reading my blogs, just one person will come away with a bit of knowledge that they might be able to help themselves or another human being, I would consider that to be a great blessing.....

Over the years I have had several businesses. It seems I can't get away from seeing if a certain herb or essential oil can help a fellow human and that's usually how it starts. I am now in Arizona and I was asked again if I would be interested in starting another herbal business!! We now have Herbs 4 Health!! Providing numerous herbs....herbal blends....single essential oils...essential oil blends....minerals....tinctures all to help the body to heal itself.

The information in these blogs is not meant in any way shape or form to plagiarize, for I have never said this is all MY work. It is a compilation of reputable informative websites, my 'go to' books I have always depended upon & my own knowledge. I gather & put together information to help people learn & this way they can come back here to help remind themselves of said information instead of 'where oh where did I find that on the world wide web'. Seems to me it's just better & easier.

DISCLAIMER: All the information in these blogs do not diagnose, treat or heal any type illness or disease.

























Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Can Heat Destroy the Health Benefits of Essential Oils???


Just recently, I had a conversation where they mentioned maybe this topic needs to be more researched. I was inclined to agree. So I did!! Now mind you, there isn't ALOT of evidence out there on this subject, but since I was fairly sure I already knew the answer, it was just a matter of confirming what I thought I already knew.

Distilling to make an essential oil is way different than applying heat to the end product. The distillation process is done by so many that really know what they are doing. As much as I love essential oils, I would never attempt to undertake such a process...I will leave that to the pros!

Essential oils in candles is a big thing. Unfortunately, thru the process of burning the candle, the beneficial properties of the essential oil will get destroyed. You will smell a scent as a 'aromatherapy' candle is burning, but to get all the benefits of that e.o., ummm NO. Adding a drop to one of those light bulb rings & putting it on the light bulb...the beneficial properties will get destroyed.

There are ways to add essential oils to candles to be able to smell them...after the candle has burned for a bit and there is some melted wax accumulated, you can blow out the candle & add a few drops of an essential oil to that. I know, it's not the same...but to get the benefits...that's how it should be done.

When I used to make my ointments, creams, etc. I remove the base from the heat & let it cool for a couple minutes, then I add my essential oils.

There are sooooo many ways to use essential oils to receive the full benefits, then candle thing shouldn't even be an issue! The light bulb rings aren't nearly as popular as they used to be. What really gets under my skin are the companies that say essential oils of cherry, vanilla, strawberry and a host of others. They do not exist. Oh for sure they smell good, and they might help you feel good, but that's the extent of the therapeutic benefits.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Cinnamon & Honey...who woulda thought???



Cinnamon and Honey Who would have ever thought?

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. What it will do is what some call 'turning to sugar'. In reality, honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will "crystallize". When this happens loosen the lid, boil some water and sit the honey container in the hot water, but turn off the heat and let it liquefy naturally. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. This will kill the enzymes and all the beneficial goodies in the honey.

Cinnamon and Honey

Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on honey and cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply it on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, when they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily (morning and night) one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!


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A sipping drink containing all 3 of the above listed power foods: put 2-3 tsp of ACV in 16 oz of filtered water, add raw unfiltered honey and 2 cinnamon sticks for flavor and to use as a stirring utensil. Mix in a glass container and sip throughout the day, stirring each time before drinking. In the cold winter months you may heat the water first and then add the ACV (but do not heat/cook the ACV or the honey because it will destroy the vitamins, minerals and enzymes)
Although the FDA allows health claims only on drug labels, foods should be our first source of choice in prevention and disease treatment. Nature has provided endless answers to our health challenges. So go ahead and start your daily ACV, honey and cinnamon drink. What have you got to lose? Maybe some of your health problems.

Sugar...in all it's glorious forms!


Evaporated cane juice is one of the other names showing up in many products on the shelves of both hybrid and conventional grocers. It is available in a variety of forms that vary in texture and flavor. Because it has not undergone the final processing step that removes the last bit of molasses, it is slightly darker in color than white sugar. However, both evaporated cane juice and white sugar are both sucrose, and both contain 400 calories in 100 grams.

Sugar by any other name is still processed….

Both evaporated cane juice and white cane sugar have been heavily processed to remove the molasses content. During this processing the vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, and trace elements that make molasses nutritious have been striped away, leaving one of the purest chemicals ever manufactured. Only tiny amounts of vitamin A and calcium remain in evaporated cane juice. Following processing, evaporated cane juice is 99.5 percent sucrose, and white sugar is 99.9 percent sucrose. Turbinado sugar, considered the least processed of any of the forms of sugar, is 99 percent sucrose.

Whether sugar is eaten in the form of white sugar, evaporated cane juice, turbinado, or any of the other names for it, its effect on the body is the same. When eaten in large amounts, or eaten without fat or protein, each of them will produce the same sort of insulin spike, weight gain, immune system suppression, and increased chance for diabetes.

The terms raw sugar and natural sugar are more words used by the manufacturers of today, but the terms are misnomers. True raw sugar is processed from sugar cane at a sugar mill and then shipped to a refinery for processing. In this stage, it is about 98% sucrose. Truly raw sugar that has not been processed is unfit for consumption and is not sold. The FDA notes that raw sugar is "unfit for direct use as
food or as a food ingredient because of the impurities it ordinarily contains." These impurities include plant residues, bacteria, mold, and dirt. They make up the 1 percent difference between true raw sugar and turbinado.

All sugar is processed from the sugar cane or sugar beet plant, and the two types of plants are used interchangeably. And both have the same results on our bodies. Molasses comes from the 3rd process step of sugar cane. High quality brown sugar is made by cutting short the refinement process and leaving a bit of molasses in the sugar for taste and color. Lower quality brown sugar sold in conventional grocery stores is usually made from processed white sugar with the addition of caramel for coloring. Some brown sugar is even made by processing white sugar through animal bone charcoal to add color.

The big difference between evaporated cane juice and granulated sugar is the price, which runs about 8 to 10 dollars a pound for evaporated cane juice compared to about 1 to 3 dollars a pound for white sugar. If manufacturers are willing to spend the extra money to put the words evaporated cane juice on their labels, it means they know the public is seriously trying to avoid
eating sugar and needs to be tricked into eating it anyway.

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” Ole’ Willy Shakespeare said it best, but its not just roses. The same can be said about sugar.


Sugar (in one form or another) is added to more food products than you can ever imagine, especially if you heap on the large number of “variants” of sugar – depending on the kind of processing that has occurred; such as high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, malt, sucrose, and the list goes on and on…and on.

Here is a list to get you started in identifying sugars. There’s only 25 and probably by the time you’re done reading it, they’ll have invented more.
Brown sugar
Corn syrup
Demerara Sugar
Dextrose
Free Flowing Brown Sugars
Fructose
Galactose
Glucose
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Honey
Invert Sugar
Lactose
Malt
Maltodextrin
Maltose
Maple syrup
Molasses
Muscovado or Barbados Sugar
Panocha
Powdered or confectioner’s sugar
Rice Syrup
Sucrose
Sugar (granulated)
Treacle
Turbinado sugar

Now, most of these you’ve probably seen before, like brown sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and fructose, but some, like invert sugar, maltodextrin, treacle, and panocha are a bit mysterious. But here are some others you may have not heard of before....

Demerara sugar: sugar that originate from the sugar cane fields in Demerara, a region of South America colonized by the Dutch in 1611.

Galactose: often referred to as galactan, is a sugar glucose found in hemicellulose, a compound present in the cell walls of plants.

Invert sugar: a mixture of glucose and fructose.

Maltodextrin: is produced from starch by a process called partial hydrolysis and may either be tasteless or moderately sweet.

Maltose: or malt sugar is created by the break down of starch and is found in the germination of barley.

Muscovado or Barbados Sugar: sugar farmed on the island of Barbados.

Panocha: a kind of sugar cane found in the Philippines.

Treacle: a syrup created during the refining of sugar cane; commonly called “golden syrup.”

Turbinado sugar: partially refined sugar cane; also known as natural brown sugar.

Resource: www.naturalnews.com


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Wonders of MSM....



Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic, sulfur-containing natural compound without any toxicity.

Sulfur makes up one quarter of the total body weight and is the third most abundant mineral in the human body. The proper acid alkaline balance of the body cannot be maintained without it. It is in every cell of the human body. Half of the sulfur in the body is in muscles, all connective tissue, skin and bones. Sulfur is critical for making joint cartilage and keratin of the skin and hair, and new research suggests that sulfur is almost as significant as Vitamin C because the human body must maintain a minimum level of sulfur for normal function.

The body uses up to an eighth of a teaspoon of sulfur daily to keep the cell membranes open and prevent the hardening of tissues. New cells in our bodies need an exorbitant supply of sulfur and sulfur is even in the hemoglobin of the blood. Sulfur is not stored in the body and any surplus is oxidized to sulfate and excreted in the urine or is stored as glutathione (an impt antioxidant)

Sulfur deficiency is linked to a host of degenerative diseases, such as: pain, joint trouble, fatigue, increased psychological and physical stress, and depression, as well as other conditions. Some children with autism have a low level of sulfate in their bodies due to poor absorption in the gut, excess loss in the urine, or poor recycling of sulfate by the kidney.
MSM in supplement form mimics the organic sulfur present in our bodies. MSM is also known as dimethyl sulfone which is the sulfur compound nutrient found throughout the diets of virtually all vertebrates. It is odorless in its purified chemical form and is a water-soluble, white crystalline solid. It belongs in the same chemical family as oxygen and is a powerful antioxidant and detoxifier that even binds and assists in the removal of heavy metals from the body.

When your body is injured, MSM promotes healthy circulation to the injured area so nutrients can rush in for repairs. MSM has an antiseptic and cleansing effect on the digestive tract while stimulating bile secretions, purifying the blood, improving hair condition, helping liver function while boosting metabolism, and is used to produce glutathione - all while working overtime to prevent the accumulation of toxic impurities.

MSM is also one really great supplement for repairing joint troubles, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis. MSM supplements can lower your pain levels by 50% or more, MSM supplements has the ability to reduce inflammation. Sulfur is vital to the creation and regeneration of the body's tissues.


Sulfur and Allergies:
Over 40 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from allergies. An allergic response occurs when the body's immune system reacts to otherwise harmless substances we call allergens. Your body produces antibodies to fight the allergens. These antibodies then attach themselves to special cells in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts where they eventually explode, releasing chemicals including histamine, a powerful compound that actually causes allergic symptoms. Once our immune system decides that a particular type of pollen is a hostile invader, it becomes sensitized to it and can react with allergy symptoms for years, and perhaps a lifetime.

Allergy drugs only suppress symptoms rather than treating the cause of the allergy and often result in uncomfortable side effects. Dust, pollen, mold or animal dander in the air results in sneezing, runny nose, tearing eyes, sore throat, ear infection, stomach cramps, itchy skin, hives, headaches, urinary frequency, stuffiness, fatigue, diarrhea, and possibly asthma. Allergy symptoms are your body's reaction to something foreign in your system. Symptoms are caused by an antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, a protein that the body produces to fight the foreign substance. If your body is sulfur deficient, the cell walls become hard and stiff, hindering the flow of fluid through the cell walls.

Sulfur is found in raw milk (but not pasteurized milk), meat, eggs, cheese, fish, seeds, fruits, vegetables and grains. One of the best sources for sulfur is garlic and onions. Unfortunately, our processed food diets do not deliver adequate amounts of this nutrient. Processing, drying, cooking and preserving strips our foods of sulfur, making supplementation more important than ever. Supplemental MSM is a safe and natural way to reap the therapeutic benefits of sulfur. Studies show that MSM (sulfur) declines with age, so you would want to boost your msm dietary supplementation as you get older.

MSM is a dietary supplement that does not require a prescription. A daily dose of 1,500 - 6,000mg is common, and for some conditions, if you are taking too much, your stools becomes loose, so just back off the dosage. MSM can be introduced to the joint in three ways, orally (liquid or pill), topically (a gel applied directly onto the joint), or by physician injection. Most experts recommend a mix of oral and topical application for best results. Injection should only be performed by qualified medical personnel.

There have been several studies looking at the efficacy of MSM in the fight against joint pain including one recent double-blind trial that was published in a top-tier osteoarthritis journal. In addition, MSM has been the subject of dozens of animal and test-tube studies to determine its effects. Although more studies are needed, the best available evidence suggests that MSM does have a beneficial effect in reducing joint pain rather than simply suppressing symptoms associated w/ joint degeneration.

Published scientific studies have shown MSM to be safe for human and animal use. Even at large dosage levels, there are no known significant adverse effects or drug interactions. Notably, these studies were conducted on highly purified forms of MSM; consumers should determine if the MSM they use has been appropriately processed to remove microscopic toxins or impurities and try to get the one that’s produced here in the USA.

Veterinarians became interested in MSM dietary supplements and found that it worked on pets suffering from arthritis and lameness. When people saw the effect it had on their pets they began to buy MSM dietary supplements for themselves. Dr. Stanley Jacobs, M.D. Director of the DMSO Clinic and Professor of Surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University, has conducted clinical studies on MSM dietary supplements and used it with his patients for over 20 years and has documented his findings in the book entitled "The Miracle of MSM". In the book Dr. Stanley Jacobs lists MSM's most significant actions to be: an analgesic (pain controller), MSM supplements aid in the relief of inflammation, MSM passes through cellular membranes of the body, including the skin, MSM does not dilate blood vessels but increases blood flow, MSM dietary supplements reduce muscle spasms, MSM alters the cross linking process in collagen, therefore reducing scar tissue, MSM has anti parasitic properties, and MSM has an immune normalizing effect, as observed in some autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. One of the essential components in all life forms, sulfur is involved in amino acid production, connective tissue, skin, hair, nails, (in animals, hide and hooves), enzymes, hormones, and immunoglobulins. Dr. Jacobs lists the following as the most frequent applications of degenerative wear-and-tear arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis, Chronic back pain, Chronic headaches, Muscle pain, Fibromyalgia, Tendonitis and bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, TMJ problems, Post-traumatic pain and inflammation, and Heartburn.


Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Chakra Basic Information.....


Chakras are a part of an ancient belief system associated with yoga. Now the word chakra comes from the Sanskrit and means 'spinning wheel'. These swirling energy vortexes are situated along the spinal column and are located between the base of the spine and the crown of the head. These energy vortexes radiate out & they receive and transmit energy constantly. Our entire body vibrates at a basic frequency of approx. 8 cycles per second which is the same frequency as the basic electromagnetc field of Mother Earth. We are literally attuned to the earth. If all you experience is negativity, then that is what is transmitted into your body since the chakras transmit life force energies into our bodies.

In the human energy field….there are thousands of minor chakras, but the seven major chakras govern specific bodily functions. There are also chakras located below the feet and above the head. We also know about the thymus chakra... which is not one of the main seven chakras... but is located in the chest between the heart and throat chakras.

The first chakra is called the Base Chakra or the Root Chakra... and is located at the base of the spine. It governs survival, base instincts, the sex drive and physical life.

The 2nd chakra is the Sacral Chakra or the navel chakra... and is located just below the navel. It is associated with your emotions, sensuality, intimacy, sexuality and creativity.

The third chakra is Solar Plexus... and is named for the complex network of nerves in the stomach. It may also be called the Power chakra... as it is the area governing personal power.

The 4th chakra is called the Heart Chakra... and is located in the center of the chest near the heart. It is associated with love, compassion, unconditional love and happiness.

The Thymic or Higher Heart Chakra is called the Thymus Chakra... and is located in the upper chest, just above and to the right of the heart chakra... between the heart and throat chakras. This area is where intent originates, and the energy of this chakra connects the emotions of Divine love, compassion, truth and forgiveness with the area where language originates... encouraging you to speak from the heart.

The 5th chakra is called the Throat Chakra... and is located above the collar bone. It governs the area of the throat and the ears. And it’s associated with communication.

The 6th chakra is called the Third Eye... and is located in the forehead above the eyebrows. It governs the area of the pineal gland. The pineal gland has been believed since ancient times to be where 'second sight' or psychic sight was located. And it has been discovered that flouride calcifies the pineal gland.

The 7th chakra is the Crown Chakra and it is located at the crown of the head... right above the top of the head. It is associated with the pituitary gland, spirituality, intelligence and deep thought.

The Grounding Chakra is called the Earth Star Chakra... and is located below the feet. It governs the principle of ensuring that you are able to ground your excess energy into the earth.

The Eighth Chakra is called the soul star chakra... and is located above the crown chakra... a hand width above the head. Let’s all measure now cuz I know you are J It governs the ability to link the conscious mind with the Higher Self or soul. It is associated with spirituality, enlightenment and ascension.

There are certain musical notes/elements/colors/stones/shapes/planets/angels & more associated w/ each chakra. Even eating foods that are associated with certain chakras colors can help that chakra energetically. Each chakra also 'governs' certain glands/organs of the body.

So I’m going to name each chakra & then the colors/stones/shapes & angel that’s best associated with that chakra. You can meditate on the color & shape while using the stone & ask for that particular angel during your meditation. It’s impt as well to continually work to keep your chakras inline, cleansed & open…except for your crown chakra. Only when you are fully able to handle opening up this chakra should you even consider it…you could possibly be overwhelmed by emotions, grief, sadness and all that is associated w/ ego if you open up your crown chakra before your higher self is really ready. With that said….

Root chakra….color is black or red. Stone can be garnet, ruby, obsidian, bloodstone or hematite. Shape is a large cube. AA Michael is best one to call on for this one.

Sacral chakra….it’s color is bright orange. Stone is coral or carnelian. Shape is pyramid and the associated angel is Metatron.

Solar plexus -- color is yellow. The stone can be amber, topaz or citrine. It’s shape is a globe. The angel associated with it is AA Uriel.

Heart chakra -- the color is green to protect the heart or pink or gold for the heart itself. The stone is a rose quartz, diamond or peridot. It’s shape is the crescent moon. The angel is AA Raphael.
 

The throat chakra's color is blue. The stones you can use for it are turquoise, blue lace agate or aquamarine. It’s shape is an inverted pyramid which is suspended around the jaw & points down towards the heart. The angel associated w/ this one is AA Gabriel.

The brow chakra color is indigo which is a deep blue/purple color. The stones you can use for this one is sodalite, lapis lazuli, sapphire or tanzanite. It’s shape is a 5 pointed star. And the angel associated with it is Shekhinah…or better known as the feminine face of god.

And finally the crown chakra and it’s color is violet. The stone you can use for this one is an amethyst or alexandrite. It’s shape is a round skullcap. And the angelic presence associated w/ it is the christ light.

Now there are so many more qualities & attributes for each chakra but I won’t go into all those, but there are some affirmations for each one as well. You can say each one of these daily or however often you wish and these affirmations enhance the chakras & help with their energies. Anything positive, loving, kind, prayers, meditations can only make your chakras spin better & stay aligned & clean….so the affirmations are…..

Root Chakra: I affirm my right to the life I know I want. I accept myself as I am. I am greateful for the experiences of my life.

Sacral Chakra: I allow pleasure & goodness into my life. I know that I deserve goodness & joy.

Solar Plexus: I am worthy of a good life. I choose life, love & goodness.

Heart Chakra: I am love. Love is all that truly matters in life. Love restores my faith in life.

Throat Chakra: I speak my truth and honor my commitment to it. I express myself as honestly as I can. I listen to my inner truth.

Brow Chakra: My love of life reflects itself in all that I see & do. I acknowledge my worth & accept my goodness.

Crown Chakra: I acknowledge the presence of spirit working in my life. I release fear, doubt and pain as I accept that my life is blessed. I surrender my arrogance and ego to a higher power than myself.

To shorten it all down...you can take your right hand & hold it over each chakra while repeating a two-word affirmation for each one.
1st -- I am
2nd -- I feel
3rd -- I do
4th -- I love
5th -- I speak
6th -- I see
7th -- I understand

We should try & work on these as much as we can, because all this negativity in the world can dirty them up.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Best Oils For The Body...(opinion)


DISCLAIMER….All information given here is strictly for entertainment purposes. It is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose any type of disease.


I so hope y’all aren’t using corn oil, palm oil, soy or soya oil, canola which is also known as rapeseed oil…those are so bad for your health as most are derived from gmo plants. Any packaged snack that is cooked in cottonseed oil is from a gmo as well because cotton is a gmo. Margerine is ONE molecule away from plastic…just ewwww!!! Now sunflower & safflower are good for the outsides like we discussed last week, but ummm not so good for the insides…tooo high in the bad fats & can cause inflammation along w/ the others I mentioned. So I’ve got a list here of several that I consider to be the best…. Although to be honest, when I fry fish or some such, I do use peanut oil, otherwise, I use coconut, olive or real butter. Make sure when you purchase these oils they are cold pressed & try to get organic if possible…tho I’ve read some horrid stories about supposed organic foods…not sure I trust it as much as they would like for you too. The cold-pressed & organic are clues so that you know hexane, (which is a solvent made from crude oil used in the process of some of the ’healthy’ oils,) was not used in producing the oil you are planning on eating.

OLIVE OIL….is a cure for over 60 diseases & is extremely healthy. According to religious beliefs, after the flood of Noah, the first plant seen was the olive tree. The olives, the olive oil and especially the olive leaves are full of nutrients, vitamins and healing. They contain anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral properties and many vitamins and nutrients.

The olive leaf itself is known for the treatment and curing of many diseases, including the much feared influenza virus. Olive leaf is good for fighting yeast infections, flu and virus, treating those with cardiovascular problems and lowering cholesterol.

The olive oil will alleviate muscle pains. Helps to eliminate inflammation too. You can warm the olive oil slightly and rub it on the pain. It is also a treatment for hemorrhoids, leprosy, pleurisy, skin diseases, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, alopecia and fungal infections including ringworm, and it increases sexual desire.

Olive oil is great for the complexion as it makes it glow. When it is mixed with salt, the mixture can be used as a remedy for gum and teeth problems. Olive oil provides protection from poisons, helps in the digestions process, expels worms and makes the hair shiny and beautiful. Olive oil is also great for anti-aging and longevity.

Olive oil is a good treatment on boils, rashes, itching, mouth ulcers, allergic dermatitis, scars, boils and small pox. The olives them self, are used to rid the body of constipation and the leaves are smashed to rid excess perspiration. Ear aliments are alleviated by using the juice of the leaves mixed with honey. Olive oil used in the eyes will relieve inflammation.

Some doctors also recommend olive oil for the treatment of epilepsy. Olive oil is a good diuretic and therefore very good for the ridding of kidney stones. Olive oil will heal sinus problems and if mixed with barley water will rid the body of constipation.

It is stated, but not proven, that olive oil rids the body of gall bladder stones. It is good for intestinal inflammations and distress. Olive oil is also good for excess acidity and gas. It has been noted that people who take regular amounts of olive oil do not suffer from colds and the flu as much.

Buying cold pressed olive oil is not a simple matter. There are numerous grades of olive oils. It can be as difficult as choosing a fine wine. Many companies sell many oils, but choosing the right one at the right price is the task. Always look for a deep rich green color and it must be cold pressed. If you are going to cook with olive oil, you should use the virgin olive oil and not extra virgin olive oil. Virgin olive oil is pressed twice, but still needs to be cold pressed. The grades of oils depend on the country and the type of tree. All oils should be kept in a dark cool place and kept out of the sunlight. Olive oil only remains good for six months after opening the bottle or can.




FLAXSEED OIL …..the richest source of omega-3! Unrefined organic flaxseed oil that is. It contains around 55% Omega-3’s The American Dietetic Association lists flaxseed oil as the richest source of ALA (alpha linolenic acid), and ALA is a parent compound of Omega-3 fats.

Flaxseed is also known as linseed oil which is a flowering annual with blue flowers. It is versatile, being used in industrial and culinary contexts. The fibre from the outer part of the plant is used in textiles and rope. Highly valued for its oil and fiber, flaxseed has been linked to many health benefits.

Flaxseed can be purchased as oil, whole or ground seeds. Flaxseed oil has a nutty flavor and the oil should not be used for cooking as the nutritional value is lost but it’s usually used in dressings over salads, cooked vegetables, in dips & things like that. It should be stored in a colored bottle in the fridge to prevent oxidation.

There are two types of flaxseed: Brown and Golden. Golden is preferred for its nutty flavor, while the brown is used for linseed oil and paints. As for the seeds it is always best to grind the flaxseeds just before consumption, keeping the quality and flavour. The nutrients are absorbed easily from the flaxseeds when ground.

As well as being high in Omega-3, flaxseeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber, and manganese, and a good source of folate, vitamin B6, as well as the minerals magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. Another important nutrient contained in flaxseeds is lignan phytonutrients. The
flaxseed is densely packed with nutrition.

The Canadian Council of Flax lists the benefits of flaxseed for certain conditions, which include: arrhythmia, prostate cancer, blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, heart health & depression

In general, western diets contain around 10 times more Omega-6 than Omega-3. Medical bodies such as the National and Medical Research Council recommend increasing the amount of Omega-3 consumed so that there is an even balance with Omega-6. Omega-6 is derived from a range of vegetable oils including sunflower, safflower, sesame, peanut, as well as polyunsaturated margarines or spreads, dairy and fatty meats.

The body uses Omega-3 to make anti-inflammatory molecules which are effective against inflammatory conditions including arthritis, asthma, migraines and osteoporosis. On the other hand the body uses Omega-6 to produce pro-inflammatory molecules. We need both types of Omega as long as Omega-6 is balanced by Omega-3. Other research has found that a healthy heart benefits from a balance of the Omega oil.

Now this oil also contains lignans & lignan compounds, which may be found in other seeds and grains, are converted in the body into hormone-like molecules. These molecules have been found to provide some protection against breast cancer. Other benefits for women include: reduced dry eyes, hot flashes, help with ovulation and balancing the hormones. The lignans are recognized, too as antioxidants and are beneficial for viral, fungal and bacterial infections.

If you are taking medications (particularly those for blood thinning, diabetic and hormonal conditions) and wish to take flaxseed, it is advisable to discuss this with a qualified
health care practitioner. If you are taking dietary supplements, the recommendation is to take flaxseed at a different time so as not to affect absorption -- 1 hour before or 2 hours after. (taken from University of Maryland Medical Center)

The Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils are essential fatty acids which can only be obtained from food sources and cannot be synthesized. So it’s impt to get them from your foods!!!


COCONUT OIL:

Do you know that coconut water has the same electrolytic balance as the human blood?

Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal & anti-viral & anti-parasitic. Helps improve bowel function & circulation. Helps with HIV!!! Lung disease, allergies, migraines, asthma, liver disease. Helps to regular blood pressure & helps with heart disease. Parasites, edema, gout, smoker’s cough, osteoporosis, migraines & kidney stones. And all that is just on the inside! 3 tbs/day

Since the 1960s, coconut oil has been unfairly labeled as "unhealthy". The media reported studies of how tropical coconut oils were laden with artery-clogging saturated fats. What was left out of these reports was the fact that the coconut oil used in the studies was not the virgin oil used for centuries, but rather hydrogenated coconut oil. We have since learned it's the hydrogenation -- artificially adding a hydrogen molecule to oil in order to make it shelf-stable -- that's the problem, not the coconut oil itself. Hydrogenated soy, corn, and canola oils -- loaded with dangerous trans-fats and processed with toxic hexane solvents -- are routinely added to packaged foods. Hydrogenation fattened corporate profits and American waistlines, and is now linked with trans-fats and associated heart disease. Baby formulas often include pure coconut oil as an ingredient because coconut is such a healthy super food. Virgin coconut oil is rich in the essential fatty acids, the "good fats" that doctors recommend and is cholesterol - and trans-fat-free.

One of the "good fats", which makes up about 50% of coconut oil, is lauric acid. Lauric acid is a rare medium-chain fatty acid found in mother's milk. It is now being shown to have anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial, health-protecting properties. Some researchers predict that lauric acid will one day become as well known in health circles as Omega-3 is today. It also contains caprylic acid which is an anti-fungal…which helps with candida & contains active ingredients to provide the brain w/ keotones to improve functions in alzheimers patients. As studies reveal the downsides of consuming too many Omega-6 vegetable oils with their saturated fatty acids, coconut oil is making a comeback. It is suggested consuming 3 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil per day.

The FDA started requiring the labeling of "trans fats" in 2006, and as a result, the entire fat category is undergoing a review of its traditions and assumptions. Hemp and coconut oil products deliver the nourishing "good fats", which can play a vital role in our health. Millions of Americans are questioning the outmoded assumptions regarding "zero fat is good", "tropical fats are bad", and "lots of vegetable oils are beneficial".

The traditional Pacific Islander diet included large quantities of coconut meat and oil, and those who still follow this diet have a low incidence of heart disease or weight issues. When a Western-style diet including vegetable oils replaces their traditional, all of the fat-related diseases common in the developed nations, such as coronary heart disease begins to appear, their immune systems get weaker and serum cholesterol levels go up.

Besides its nutritional value, pure coconut oil also makes a luscious and soothing massage and body oil for dry and/or damaged skin.

Here’s a good recipe for relieving allergies & boosting the immune system

3 tbs lemon juice

¼ cup raw honey

2 tbs coconut oil

 
HEMPSEED OIL:
Hemp seed oil, pressed from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, has been named nature's perfect food due to its balanced concentrations of omega fatty acids. Hemp used to be consumed worldwide, as it was one of the first cultivated and consumed crops. There is a misconception that hemp contains THC, the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant. Needless to say, this is false. Although relativity new to the Western Hemisphere, hemp seed oil is now widely available in health-food stores.

The seed of the hemp plant contains some of the most balanced and richest sources of oils on the planet. The ideal 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is recommended by the World Health Organization for optimal utilization. The essential fatty acids in these oils are fundamental in restoring health and immune function. Hemp seed oil contains 80 percent essential fatty acids, the highest of any plant.

Be sure to get your daily EFAs

Hemp seed oil's exceptional concentrations of EFAs (essential fatty acids) are what make it so special. In concept, this oil could provide all of our EFA necessities for life. Essential fatty acids are the omega fats that cannot be produced by the body and must be ingested. They are known for their role in preventing heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, arthritis and much more.

The seven-time Nobel Prize nominee, Dr. Johana Budwig, a pioneer of EFA research, reported success in treating heart infraction, arthritis, cancer, and other common diseases with massive doses of EFAs.

Essential fatty acids are indispensable for the function and development of the brain and nervous system and the production of healthy cell membranes. They also supply hair and skin with necessary nutrients and aid in various other functions in the body.

Fish oil supplements are a great source of EFAs, particularly Omega 3s, which is why they have become so popular. However, for those who are vegetarian, they are not an option. There are also concerns that some sources of fish oil are contaminated with mercury and other toxins. Hemp seed oil, which contains Omega 3, 6, and 9, is a great alternative that will provide the same benefits as fish oil without the danger of ingesting toxins. Remember why that balance has to be there between the 3 & 6.

Hair, skin, and nails are all formed from the same line of dermal cells, so it is no surprise that people who use
hemp oil report thicker and shinier hair, softer skin, and stronger nails. Since hemp seed oil is nearly identical to our own lipids, it is capable of penetrating our cells and lubricating the surfaces between them. It is used to nourish not only dry skin but blotches and lesions as well. It can detoxify the skin and even out skin tone. You can safely use hemp oil as a skin moisturizer without worry of it clogging the pores.

Of the many possible uses of hemp oil as a direct treatment, its efficacy at treating eczema is one of the most promising. Researchers, led by Dr. J. Callaway at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Kuopio, Finland, studied the benefits of
hemp seed oil on patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and reported the following results: "We saw a remarkable reduction in dryness, itching and an overall improvement in symptoms."

Special properties of hemp oil:

-Only plant containing vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption
-Contains vitamin E in advantageous amounts
-Relives premenstrual stress
-Has unequaled anti-inflammatory properties not found in other oils
-Is a natural sunblock

Hemp seed oil products are true superfoods that are brimming with greatness. When speaking of hemp seed oil Dr. Callaway also remarked, "I'd have to conclude that this is probably the healthiest oil on the market."


Best Oils For Our Skin....(opinion)



There are many different types of oils that can be applied to our skin to help heal, moisturize & some can be taken internally. The main ones for consumption, I’ll be addressing in my next post. Some of these oils I use in my products & some I used to use. Be fully aware tho that once the collagen has been lost in the skin, there is virtually no healthy way to replenish it. Collagen is that substance that gives skin the youthful appearance. Dry, wrinkly, sagging skin has lost it’s collagen. Many of these oils you don’t want to use without diluting them first as they might be too strong for your skin. I would NOT use corn, soy, rapeseed which is canola or palm oils on my skin. Or any type of derevitives of such oils!!! Most are gmo’s and the high demand for palm oil has led to the destruction of forest areas….sad to say!!
 

Almond oil or sweet almond oil…..rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 & E. great for all skin types, relieves itching, dryness, inflammation & burns. I use this as a base oil in quite a few of my products.

Apricot kernel….contains minerals, vitamins & rich in GLA which is gamma linolenic acid, an Omega-6 fat that possesses an impressive set of disease fighting powers. It’s great for all skin types -- prematurely aged, sensitive & inflamed skin.

Avocado oil….a lot of times it’s referred to avocado pear oil even tho it does come from the seed & sometimes the flesh of the avocado! This oil is loaded with vitamins A, B1 & B2, Vit. D & E, proteins, lecithin & fatty acids. Avacado oil will penetrate all the upper layers of the skin & is beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin, can help to heal eczema & psoriasis too & it improves elastin! This oil & the apricot kernal oil are used in my herbal bath/body oils!!

Black currant oil is very high in GLA & can be used internally as a substitute for epo or evening primrose oil.

Borage seed oil is loaded with GLA, vitamins & minerals too, matter of fact, it’s the highest source of gla! Great for psoriasis, eczema, prematurely aged skin & helps to regenerate the skin.

Carrot oil…now some mention this as a ‘carrier’ type of oil like some of the others I have just mentioned, but in all actuality, it’s an essential oil, pricey, but great for aged skin!!!

Castor oil…now our grandmothers used this oil for a very different reason than we are using it today. It is said this oil dissolves cysts, growths, warts, softens corns, prevents scars. Helps with dry, chapped skin, strengthens & conditions hair. You can make castor oil packs to help ease pain. But avoid during pregnancy. I don’t know if it does all they say it does, never used it.

Coconut oil -- now this oil is great for our insides as well as our skin!! And this is another one I’ll go into more detail about later…but this oil is great for dry, itchy, sensitive skin. Cold virgin pressed is the best type to get. I like to mix it with other oils, cuz coconut oil can be a bit greasy & personally, I don’t like that.

Cod liver oil….very high in EFA (essential fatty acids) & omega 3’s! It’s known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties & a lubricant for aching joints. Internally, it can help reduce the risk of heart disease & certain forms of cancer. It can aid in helping with asthma, eczema, psoriasis in taking 1000mg/2x/day.

EPO or evening primrose oil….high in GLA & vitamins & minerals. It is said this oil helps with menopause issues & psoriasis & eczema too as well as premature aging prevention. It has also been noted it could help with heart disease & MS. It also has a reputation of helping with breast cysts as well.

Grapeseed oil contains a lot of vitamins, minerals & proteins. It’s considered good for all skin types & penetrates well, although it does not have a very long shelf life.

Hazelnut oil…this oil contains vitamins, minerals, oleic acid & linoleic acid. It tends to have an astringent toning action, but absorbs into the skin quickly. Good for acne prone skin.

Jojoba oil comes from the bean of the plant…this is one of my very favorite oils…or rather it’s almost a wax. It contains proteins, minerals, saturated fatty acid & the plant wax. It is the only oil known that mimics our skin sebum! It helps with eczema, psoriasis, hair care, all skin types…if you use too much or tend to have oily skin, it may clog the pores, so you could add another good oil to it to if you wished. I use it nightly around my eyes…for the skin around your eyes have no pores..so be gentle with that area.

Olive oil…now we are all familiar with this wonderful oil. It can be cooked with or used on our skin. Virgin cold pressed is best! It’s loaded with vitamins, proteins & minerals. It’s very soothing on the skin & commonly used for nail care & hair care.

Rose hip seed oil….loaded with many of the EFAs. It’s great for dry, scaly, aging, dull skin. Helps with eczema, psoriasis, scars, burns & ulcers. Those with acne prone skin or oily skin should avoid it tho.

Safflower oil…another one that is loaded with proteins, minerals and vitamins & is high in linoleum acids. Internally, it can help with bronchial asthma. Externally, it can help with all skin types. Bruises, sprains, painful inflamed joints or so the reports go.

Sesame oil….contains vit. E, minerals, proteins, lecithin & amino acids. It can help with psoriasis, eczema, rheumatism, arthritis, can be used as a tanning aid. Great for all skin types & it can be used fully as a base oil….in other words, don’t have to dilute it.

Sunflower oil has vitamins A, B, D & E, loaded with minerals, lecithin, insulin and high in unsaturated fatty acids. It’s been used to help with leg ulcers, skin diseases, bruises, diaper rash & it can help with cradle cap (apply the oil with a cotton ball). Apparently a healthy oil for use internally as well!!!

Wheat germ oil contains proteins, minerals, lecithin & vit. E, A & D! It’s great for eczema, psoriasis, premature aging, stretch-marks as an additive to other oils. Although a big drawback on this oil, which is why I don’t use it anymore, is the fact it doesn’t have a very long shelf life, so it goes rancid quickly.

In my experience I’ve found that jojoba oil has the longest shelf life of all the oils. It is also one of the most expensive!!! It’s beautiful golden color will tell you if you have a good quality oil or not. Wheat germ, olive & grapeseed go rancid the quickest. Coconut oil lasts a very long time too, but will get soft and or melt when reaching temps of 75 degrees or higher & that’s ok too!!! Cuz liquid or solid, it’s a very healthy oil to use on the outside as well as the inside!!











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, May 20, 2013

Tumeric...Amazing Health Benefits!!!!


Tumeric is one of those foods that have an incredible array of health benefits that go well beyond just their nutrient value are considered `super-foods. Turmeric is an spice that is native to Southeast Asia and a true super-food shown to have remarkable healing and anti-inflammatory properties that are just now being discovered. You have heard of super-foods & it seems that there are more & more all the time, but how is a superfood defined? The Oxford English Dictionary 
sez a superfood in the general sense is a type of food considered especialy nutritious or otherwise beneficial to health and well-being. Others have stated that it’s no more than a marketing ploy. With that being said….

Cellular inflammation is a common day epidemic that is it is the fundamental cause of degenerative disease in our society. Turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation & oxidative stress as well as any herbal medicinal ever studied. I’ve talked before about how inflammation can cause disease.

Turmeric root is extraordinarily rich in curcuminoid polyphenol anti-oxidants that give it a classic yellow-orange color. They used to use tumeric to dye things with. Everything this beautiful root touches turns yellow!!!! This curcumin is the main component which is responsible for much of the health benefits attributed to turmeric.

Blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistant cell membranes are critical factors that promote inflammatory conditions in the body. Curcumin has been shown to stabilize blood sugar and reverse cellular insulin resistance, which is…..type II diabetes.

Curcumin also acts on the liver to decrease the activity of enzymes that release sugar into the blood while increasing activity of enzymes that store sugar, so the liver is partially responsible for diabetes as well. Because of this, the curcumin has been shown to significantly reduce blood glucose and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats.

When blood sugar imbalances occur without sufficient regulation, glucose cross-links are formed with functional proteins. These new molecules are called Advanced Glycolytic Enzymes (AGE`S) that damage cell membranes, vital enzyme systems, and perpetuate inflammatory conditions in the body. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the formation of these dangerous substances and turn off the inflammatory fires.


Turmeric is one of the main ingredients in many curries. In India, it has been used for centuries to help treat various health conditions while, at the same time, it is also widely used in Chinese Medicine. In a recent study conducted at Michigan University, it was found that curcumin, which is the bright yellow pigment present in turmeric, can help boost cell health by improving the behavior of their membranes which can contribute to the cell’s resistance to infection & malignancy. "The cell membrane goes from being crazy and floppy to being more disciplined and ordered, so that information flow through the cell be controlled," wrote a study leader Professor Ramamoorthy in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. So basically…tumeric works & heals at the cellular level. How awesome is that!!???

Turmeric is the 4th highest anti-oxidant rich herb or spice. The anti-oxidants such as curcumin are very beneficial to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organs in your body by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures your environment has on you (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).

Turmeric also boosts levels of natural cellular anti-oxidants which we all have in our bodies. These molecules are critical for the body to limit oxidative stress all day long. The greater the surplus of cellular anti-oxidants the less stress and damage occurs to vital organ systems.

Breaking down all the technical terminology turmeric`s powerful curcuminoids basically have been shown to pull the body out of an inflammatory state and promotes anti-inflammatory behavior and it does all this AT the cellular level which is phenomenal. So tumeric can inhibit oxidative stress, helps with anti-aging, has been shown to reverse diabetes & and improve blood vessel elasticity. This stabilizes blood pressure and improves cardiovascular function. Additionally, by helping to prevent inflammation, it is a powerful pain inhibitor and cancer cell inhibitor. Turmeric improves blood flow and reduces brain inflammation, thus making you cognitively sharper while protecting against Dementia, Alzheimer`s, Parkinson`s and every other neurodegenerative disorder and studies have shown that it could stop the progession as well. It has been shown to speed up wound healing from cuts & burns while reducing inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema.

Tumeric w/ blk pepper may prevent breast cancer. Tumeric mixed with cumin is awesome on chicken!!!! That's first hand experience!


Turmeric shows promise as an antifungal for candida as well as many other fungal infections. According to the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, turmeric may be useful in inhibiting the Candida infection. Research at the Linus Pauling Institute also points to turmeric's curative value in treating colorectal cancers.

Turmeric has many uses in folk medicine. It is used in cosmetics and drugs, as well as in cooking. It can by used as a sunscreen or a pesticide. Used commonly in Ayurvedic Medicine for digestive disorders, it is also used externally for ulcers, wounds, and skin conditions such as scabies and eczema.

Other Anti-viral and Anti-fungal Uses of Turmeric include treatment of boils, staph infections, and the hard-to-treat MRSA virus.

Tumeric also contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. More specifically, it is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Turmeric is said to help boost appetite, lower blood pressure, improve bile secretion and reduce pain.

Under the Ayurvedic system of healing, turmeric has been prescribed to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, menstrual problems, arthritis, infections, jaundice, coughs and rheumatic pains. It is also used to cleanse the body. In Chinese medicine, turmeric is used to deal with liver and gallbladder issues. Helps to protect against stomach ulcers, it’s a strong antioxidant which helps to protect cell DNA from damage. In fact, laboratory studies conducted on animals have shown curcumin to be poisonous to tumor cells.

So with all that goodness out of that spice, why wouldn’t you want to add it to your daily regiment??? It’s some dynamite stuff eh????


Sunday, February 17, 2013

BLACK CUMIN SEED


Have you been hearing anything about this little known seed called black cumin? Well it's been getting a reputation lately as the 'secret miracle heal-all remedy'!

What if we told you there was a seed so densely packed with healing compounds that cancer, bacteria, viruses, ulcers, diabetes, chronic inflammation and many other common health conditions hardly stand a chance in it's presence? Not to be confused with black sesame seed with look strikingly similar, black cumin...also known as 'black seed', is the seed in question and it is all these things and more, hence it's historical reputation as " a remedy for all diseases except death"!

If you have never heard of black cumin (nigella sativa), it is probably because the seed is rarely talked about in modern western society. Even though it's used as both an herb and a folk remedy, it dates back many centuries. Black cumin has long been shelved in favor of pharmaceutical remedies that are far less effective and elicit harmful side effects. But if you are tired of trying to overcome your ailments with patented drugs, you may want to consider adding black cumin to your diet.

Since 1964, there have been at least 458 published, according to peer-reviewed studies involving black cumin, & GreenMedInfo.com confirms what Middle Eastern & North African cultures have known for thousands of years -- black cumin is essentially a miracle heal-all remedy. According to GreenMedInfo.com reference page for black cumin, the seed has been scientifically confirmed as being beneficial for:
  • Analgesic (pain-killing)
  • Antibacterial
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-ulcer
  • Anti-fungal
  • Anti-hypertensive
  • Antioxidant
  • Antispasmodic
  • Antiviral
  • bronchodilator
  • Blood-glucose lowering effect
  • Protects the liver
  • Hypotensive--helps with blood pressure problems
  • Insulin sensitizing
  • Helps to protect immune system cells from reproducing viruses
  • Protects the kidneys
  • Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor--helps the body fight inflammation
Specifically, black cumin has been shown to provide pain relief for patients being treated for acute tonsillo-pharyngitis (swelling of the pharynx), prevent disease that would otherwise be caused by exposure to chemical weapons, aid in the long-term treatment of patients addicted to opioid drugs, alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (allergy/sinus issues), fights Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, treat type-2 diabetes, relieve asthma symptoms, lowers blood pressure, prevents epileptic seizures, eliminates fungi & candida among many other functions!!

Black cumin as a powerful preventive & possible treatment for cancer!

If all this is not enough, black cumin has long been regarded throughout the Middle East as one of the most powerful anti-carcinogenic herbs in existence. Studies have shown that regularly taking black cumin or black cumin oil can help prevent the growth and spread of colon cancer cells, but the s seed is also useful in preventing and treating many other types of cancer as well. In fact, researchers at the Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory in South Carolina found that black cumin helps stimulate the activity of neutrophil granulocytes, which is the most abundant type of white blood cell in the body, which are responsible for targeting cancer cells and eliminating them before they can develop into tumors.

"Black Cumin Oil (Black Seed) generally helps stimulate the production of bone marrow and cells of the immune system," wrote the authors in their study. "It increases the production of interferon, protects normal cells from the damaging effects of viral disease, destroys tumor cells and increases the number of antibody producing B cells."

Because it has a spicy, nutty flavor, black cumin can be sprinkled whole or ground up on food & the oil can also be used on salads and other dishes. The seeds can also be ground and added to water to create a mucilage or a gel similar to what develops when chia seeds are added to water. This gel can be drunk or used as an egg replacement in gluten-free and flour-free baking.

Sources for this article are: www.greenmedinfo.com & www.naturalnews.com

Places to get this amazing little seed: www.vitacost.com & www.alyusra.com

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

AFFIRMATIONS TO HELP STRENGTHEN THE CHAKRAS



ROOT CHAKRA:
I trust in the goodness of life to carry me through. I belong wherever I am. I choose life. I affirm my right to the life I know I want. I cultivate constancy, stability and a wholesome structure to support me through life’s changes. I accept myself as I am. I am grateful for the experiences of my life.

SACRAL CHAKRA:
I allow pleasure and goodness into my life. I know that I deserve goodness and joy. I accept that good health is my natural state. I allow abundance into my experience. I open myself to simple, healing pleasures. I cultivate health & wholeness. I deserve to feel peace in my life.

SOLAR PLEXUS:
I know that who I am is love, intelligence, and goodness. I am worthy of a good life. I am confident that life will support me through all its changes. I use my power wisely. I choose life, love & goodness. I am in touch with the source of my power. I am a radiant and whole being, able to find my path in life.

HEART CHAKRA:
I love to be loved. I am love. Love is at the center of my life. Love heals me and makes me new. Love is all that truly matters in life. Love connects me to the infinite and makes me whole. Love restores my faith in life.

THROAT CHAKRA:
I speak my truth and honor my commitment to it. I express myself as honestly as I can. I share my feelings with east & comfort. I live from my integrity. I communicate what is so for me, without projecting my truth onto others. I express myself as creatively as possible. I listen to my inner truth.

BROW CHAKRA:
My love of life reflects itself in all that I see and do. I acknowledge my worth and accept my goodness. My nature is whole. I am able to discern the good from what pulls my spirit down. I find wisdom from my past and healing in the present. I use my intelligence and intuition to light my way forward. I cultivate a positive outlook in all situations.

CROWN CHAKRA:
I acknowledge the presence of spirit working in my life. I see the one true reality. God works in my life regardless of my limitations. I am open to the healing power of spirit working in my life. The divine guides me on the path of life. I release fear, doubt and pain as I accept that my life is blessed. I surrender my arrogance and ego to a higher power than myself.