" Newsletter - March 2012"

Don't leave out God and prayer - the 2 most important ingredients in any situation.
While you are praying or after praying don't forget to LISTEN for the answers! They will come.
click here - to view the studies showing the scientific proof that prayer works.

Spring Clean Up

One of the great blessings of living where we do is the miraculous cycles of nature and the recurring changes of seasons. Each season brings its own surprises and splendor. Each change in season also gives us the opportunity to pause, enjoy, and appreciate the people, the challenges, and things around us that enrich our lives. While I enjoy each season, I have always been partial to spring. As days get warmer and sunnier, I sense renewed energy and anticipation. Spring is about hope and promise. Spring is about new beginnings and opportunities. Being from New Mexico spring for me, also means a lot of work with lambing and planning for the future. Spring tends to bring out the best in all of us.

Time for Spring Cleaning! With a great burst of energy we open all the windows, air out all the carpets and furniture. Nothing is spared when it comes to the spring-cleaning!

I like to use distilled white vinegar mixed with distilled water as a great natural cleanser for molds and mildews. I put a few drops of lemon, tea tree, citronella or the blend cleansing - essential oil into the solution to help disinfect.

Illnesses that cannot be cured or explained - and are eventually linked to “Black Mold Exposure” are common.
Studies have linked this species of mold to various illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, flu-like symptoms, rhinitis, emphysema, bleeding lungs, and even a number of deaths. An infestation of the mold species Stachybotrys may appear as a slimy, greenish-black substance or it may also appear powdery, like carbon black or soot.

I wouldn't try to clean with bleach as it is ineffective, and chlorine bleach is toxic in and of itself.

First and foremost X-Plauge has been tested and proven effective against Black Mold and will help keep it from coming back. You could also try lemon cinnamon or clove essential oils - as they destroy toxic mold and keep it from coming back.

These oils: cinnamon, rosemary, clove, eucalyptus, and lemon were tested and found effective for their antibacterial activity against airborne Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.

One great thing about using Essential Oils for Cleaning
is their Disinfecting Properties

You can destroy a lot of bacteria and molds. And inhibit their return for several weeks. Spring time can bring increased levels of humidity and bacteria and mold just love that along with any extra ‘dirt’

You could try about 40 or 50 drops of essential oils per gallon of water. If you want to make a surface spray sanitizer use the following as a guideline: you could add 40 to 50 drops of Essential oil to 1 gallon of water put it in a spray bottle and keep shaking it.

Remember that all essential oils have varying degrees of antimicrobial actions and just cleaning away dust, dirt and debris with a cloth dampened with a cleaning solution with your favorite essential oils is always an option.

To freshen up upholstery, you can sprinkle baking soda over the furniture and after a couple of hours just vacuum it up. Then you can mix some nice floral essential oils added to a solution of a little water and a little grain alcohol such as ever clear (from the liquor store) and spritz it over the upholstery to not only sanitize the fabric but also to leave it smelling clean and sweet. Some of the more disinfectant oils are lemon, tea tree, lavender, cedarwood and juniper. A couple of drops of any of the essential oils in the spray bottle are all you need.

We can wash most bed linens to freshen them up, but for down-filled comforters, it’s different. If they just need fluffing up and deodorizing, rather than sending them to a dry cleaners, a fun trick is to put them in your dryer with 3 or 4 tennis balls that have had a few drops of essential oils placed on them. Dry for 10 minutes on a low heat and the balls will fluff up the down and the essential oils will leave a pure natural scent. Relaxing oils that could be used on bedding so that you won’t lie awake would be; chamomile, lavender, marjoram, clary sage and linden blossom. Floral essential oils are also nice to use at bedtime, and these would include rose, ylang ylang, jasmine or geranium.

The digestive tract needs a little spring-cleaning

Essential oils can be massaged in a carrier oil over the abdomen in a clockwise direction to help assimilate food and improve metabolic functioning. Some oils that are good for digestion are ginger, anise, fennel, chamomile, thyme, basil, cardamom, and hyssop.

The Liver is the largest gland of the body dealing with many different functions from metabolism, synthesis and storage of nutrients, detoxification, balance of hormonal levels, heat production and secretion of bile.

Headaches, eye strain, muscle spasms, joint pain and menstrual problems can also be related to a liver issue since the liver governs these tissues so any toxicity in the liver can lead to problems in these areas. When imbalanced the liver can cause referred pain to the right shoulder, neck and scapula.

Emotionally, there can be restlessness with liver dysfunction, an inability to get things done and general agitation. One may feel aimless, compulsive and may tend to complain a lot. Liver stagnation can lead to stagnation in one’s life. The emotion most associated with the liver is anger.

After winter, we often feel many of these issues, so a good liver flush is always advisable. And to assist and liver cleansing, essential oils are very handy. Massaging the abdomen in a clockwise direction with essential oils in a carrier oil can encourage detoxification of the liver. A gentle rocking massage motion on the liver will help to mobilize and strengthen the organ. Essential oils to help with detoxifying the liver and rubbed with a carrier oil over the liver would be; Carrot seed oil, grapefruit, helichrysum, LGD blend, linden blossom, mandarin, and of course peppermint and ravintsara to just name a few.

Salt baths with essential oils are another way of detoxing the body. Mixing essential oils in an oil is also an effective way of relieving the pain and discomfort from muscle spasms, which may be caused by a dysfunctional liver. And of course general massage to the whole body can stimulate the production of red blood cells, cleanse the acids from the tissues and balance the psyche of an irritated liver condition. Essential oils that can be used are:

Helichrysum, is a wonderful oil for a tired and sluggish liver. It helps stimulate production and regeneration of new blood cells. It is also effective in detoxifying people from drugs and tobacco.
Lemon, is a great cleanser, both internally and out. The liver loves fresh lemon juice squeezed in water and drunk daily. The essential oil can be rubbed on externally and absorbed into the blood, which then rejuvenates and clears out stagnation in the liver. It promotes healthy blood cells and tissue growth.
Cypress, is warming and uplifting – just what a fatigued liver needs! It aids in relieving achy muscles, abdominal cramps and any menstrual challenges. It also soothes menopausal symptoms (remember one of the liver’s function is balancing hormones).
Clary sage, helps with menopausal symptoms and can help ease nervousness and anxiety. Clary has the ability to bring up anger to be released (remember liver’s emotion is anger) so it is often wise to only use clary when it is appropriate to vent emotion.
Chamomile, Lavender and Rose are all essential oils to help calm down the liver’s anxiety and aggression. They all help relieve headaches, migraines, pains in the body and most liver complaints by soothing tensions and alleviating stress.
Rosemary enlivens the spirits and stimulates the mind and body. It is a liver and gallbladder stimulant and detoxifier.

The liver is all about action, movement and goal orientation. It is in this season that you can take stock and make choices as to what appropriate actions are to be taken. The liver energy offers insight, vision and clarity. Indeed the Chinese say that the “liver opens to the eyes”, meaning that when you have a clear liver not only do you have foresight and intuitive vision, but also that you will see clearly on a physical level. When there is an imbalance in the liver, very often the eyesight suffers as well.
See our selection of Chinese Herbs here > > >

There are many ways to cleanse the liver – with herbs, fasting, massage, etc.

Of course diet is essential for a healthy liver. A diet with restricted intake of sugar, fats, cholesterol and refined foods is important in sustaining vitality, as these foods tend to clog proper functioning of the liver and could possibly bring on chronic fatigue, apathy, lack of concentration, intestinal problems and a rise in blood pressure.

Dr. Christopher's Liver & Gallbladder Formula To speed up the blood purifying process. Also, Bloodstream Formula .

Liver Formula (old name Livah) by Kroeger herbs

Liver Gallbladder Formula - These herbs are best known for their ability to stimulate, cleanse and protect the liver and gallbladder as well as rid the body of parasites. Use for any liver disorders.

Liver by Grandma's Herbs

Refer to our Natural Remedies page to see all that we recommend for the Liver click here and scroll down > > >

Deaths from Liver Disease on the Rise

The study, conducted by the National End of Life Care Intelligence Network, found that deaths from liver disease in England have jumped an astounding 25 percent in only an eight-year period. And many of them most likely could have been avoided since the main factors suspected of influencing the increase are frequent use of alcohol, obesity, hepatitis, and the use of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) as it never leaves the body and stores in the liver, eventually leading to dialysis. If you take Tylenol for four days as directed you may be at risk of liver damage, says a new study. Does Tylenol's long history of use and wide acceptance in the medical community and the extensive commercials citing it's safety, really mean that it IS safe? Read more > > >http://www.side-effects-site.com/tylenol-side-effects.html

Sadly, the majority of liver conditions are brought on by totally preventable causes, such as obesity and drinking too heavily. The liver is damaged over time by trying to eliminate the by-products of unhealthy and excessive choices of foods and drinks. To assist the body's repair mechanisms before it's too late,we should consider the following:

Overeating in general is harmful to the liver, as is too much protein or too many simple carbohydrates in the diet. But alcohol tends to be at the top of the list, as it causes inflammation of the liver's tissue. This reduces its filtering ability, causing it to plug up with fat and become even more inflamed. If we consume enough alcohol, we overwhelm the liver's ability to regenerate itself, and the net result is cirrhosis, a hardening of the liver.

There are steps you can take to get your liver functioning optimally again, whether you have symptoms of liver dysfunction yet or not. Improvements to your eating habits are important, and be sure to start including herbal support for the liver. Look for formulas that contain milk thistle, dandelion root, and take artichoke or beet leaf to promote regeneration of damaged liver tissue. Initiate a daily exercise routine as well -- no part of the body can be truly healthy without regular activity.

You will also benefit tremendously from conducting body cleanses such as a liver detox. This five-day cleanse is thorough and extensive. The detox causes the liver and gallbladder to literally squeeze out accumulated fat cholesterol, and toxins, while at the same time promoting regeneration of damaged liver tissue.

Five day cleanse for Liver

First thing on rising, drink 8oz of pure water to flush your digestive tract. An hour later, in a blender, mix up 8oz of any fresh squeezed citrus - apple or grape juice works great - one lemon, 1 clove of garlic (increase by 1 clove each day), 1 tablespoon of olive oil (increase by 1 tablespoon each day), 1" piece of ginger (thinly sliced to break up the fibers) and 4-8 ounces of pure water.

Add your garlic and ginger to the blender first. Then add only a little bit of the orange juice (or grape if that's what you're using). This will allow you to totally liquify the garlic and ginger before you add the rest of the oil and orange juice and water. One other trick is to slice the chunks of ginger into smaller pieces across the fiber. This will prevent longer fibers from appearing in your drink.

Fifteen minutes after consuming the drink, follow with 2 cups of the Liver Detox Tea (continue with 5-8 cups of tea per day). Acts to detoxify the liver, stimulate the digestive system and cleanse the blood, skin, liver and gallbladder. It is also important to take 12 droppersful of both the Liver Gallbladder Formula and the Red Clover Combination spread throughout each day while on the 5-day cleanse. Continue until the bottles are gone.

Eat eat all the live FRESH fruit or vegetable juice you want. Beet juice is especially good. Do not mix your fruit and vegetable juices together, and feel free to dilute your juices. For lunch you can have more diluted juice, or a raw vegetable or sprout salad. Absolutely do not use bottled dressing. Make your own dressing from lemon or apple cider vinegar and any fresh herbs and spices of your choice. If you are hungry throughout the day, feel free to snack on fresh vegetables or juices. For dinner eat fresh fruit or fruit juice or fruit smoothies.

Another recipe for soothing the liver
1/4 cup fresh Lemon juice
3/4 cup fresh Orange juice
2 quarts cranberry juice (cook fresh in distilled water and strain is best - unsweetened concentrate is next best)
1/2 tsp cinnamon add to
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
may sweeten with stevia or real maple syrup.
Drink 8 oz cup alternate every half hour with 8 oz cup water.

Make a decoction of marshmallow root, burdock root and yellow dock root - equal parts.
For leaves and flowers make a tea by pouring boiling water over them.
To make a decoction - simmer herb and water together for twenty minutes.
Seeds and roots require a decoction to extract the full benefits of the properties of the herb.

Natural Insect Repellent Recipe

A number of essential oils also act as natural insect repellents. These oils include Citronella, Catnip, Lavender, Lemongrass and Eucalyptus.
I love spending time outdoors, especially in the warmer months, but mosquitoes and other flying/biting insects can ruin the best of outdoor occasions. Synthetic insect repellents are known to cause irritation and sensitivity in some people, are toxic and can be harmful to the environment. Read here on the dangers of DEET and the effectiveness of catnip > >
This insect repellent has a pleasant aroma, and can be quite effective in keeping the little itchy critters away. Of course, your particular usage and body chemistry can potentially affect your results.
4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of grain alcohol such at ever clear ( isopropyl or rubbing alcohol is not). Alternatively, you may omit the alcohol and increase the amount of distilled water to 3 ounces

15 drops Citronella
10 lavender
10 eucalyptus
5 drops lemongrass
Or just add a few drops of our already blended - Pest Away essential oil blend with a few added drops of Catnip

1. To Use: Shake the bottle before each use. Essential oils do not fully dissolve in water and alcohol and will settle. If you do not shake the bottle, you risk having concentrated droplets of essential oil irritate your skin, or damage fabric.
Mist onto your skin and clothing and reapply as necessary.

Natural Ingredients that Protect Us from the Sun

With spring here, and outdoor adventures, now’s the perfect time to start talking about natural protection from the sun! We all know that protecting our skin — the body’s largest organ – from the sun is super important; but sadly, so many of the commercially-prepared sunscreens on the market are laden with harmful chemicals that could actually end up exposing us to the very toxins we are trying to protect ourselves from.

The good news is…there are ways to make your own natural sunscreens at home – not only will this save you money, but it will give you greater peace of mind in knowing exactly what has gone into making it.

There are natural ingredients, some may be found in our kitchens, that work to protect us from over exposure to the sun. Many are oils that contain SPF properties such as:

Shea Butter. An excellent skin protectant with an SPF of approximately 6-10.
Wheat Germ Oi l. While super nourishing for the skin, it too possesses a natural SPF of 20.
Sesame oil, Coconut Oil, Hemp oil, Avocado oil, Soybean, and Peanut Oil. All contain SPF levels between 4-10.

However, none of these ingredients are necessarily adequate on their own to provide us protection for an all day experience…say, out on the lake.

The Recipe

Ingredients
Customize this recipe based on your budget and what you have available.

-1 ounce oil blend (use any combination of the oils listed above)
-1 ounce beeswax (adds waterproof properties)
-1 ounce butter blend (i.e. Shea butter, mango butter, or cocoa butter)
-1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
-30 drops essential oils

Method

1. Gather ingredients and kitchen tools.

2. In a double boiler, over low heat, melt the oils, beeswax, and butters.

3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly prior to adding the vitamin E oil

4.This recipe will produce a product similar to a lotion bar or sunscreen stick.

5. Allow to cool and harden on the counter overnight and then you’re good to go! During times of heavy sun and swim exposure be sure to reapply often for the best coverage.

Beneficial, sun protecting essential oils include lavender, myrrh, and peppermint.

Remedies
Just choose the beginning letter of an ailment to find a remedy that might help!

U,V

X,Y,Z

Home

Or Find a Remedy by clicking on an Ailment

Aches & Pains Acid Indigestion acne ADD/ADHD Addictions Adrenals Allergies anger Angina natural antibiotic Anxiety Arteries Arthritis

Babies Back Bacteria Bed Bugs Bedwetting Bee Sting Bleeding Bloating Body Odor Boils Bones Bowel Brain Breast Feeding Bronchitis Bruises Bunions Burnout Burns Bursitis

Essential oils & Aromatherapy

Alternative Health Resources