In its first edition nearly 20 years ago, Dr. Linda Pages’s book, Healthy Healing, was the only one of its kind. Now updated and expanded, Healthy Healing is still the easiest to use bestselling natural health reference book on the market.

Customize your own personal healing program using natural therapies for more than 300 ailments through diet, while herb supplements, and exercise.

• NEW! Product rating system revealing which products the test group found to be the most beneficial, fastest-acting, and most highly recommended.
• Over 80 NEW pages of the latest research including emerging ailments such as SARS, Syndrome X, and Stress-Related Weight Gain.
• NEW! Specific guidelines for using herbal therapy before and after surgery to ensure maximum healing.
• NEW! Information on Genetically Engineered Foods, and Drug-Herb-Nutrient Interactions.

This book will help you LOOK BETTER, FEEL BETTER AND LIVE LONGER, NATURALLY!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Your Health Care Options Today
-The Pros and Cons of Orthodox and Alternative Medicine
-The Dramatic Rise of Iatrogenic (Doctor-Caused) Disease
-Alternative Healing Systems Today & How to Use Them

Holistic Recovery from Surgery or Illness
-Normalizing after Chemotherapy and Radiation
-Best Healing Results for Minimal Scarring after Cosmetic Surgery
-Herb Interactions with Drugs Used During Surgery

Herbal Healing
-Your Herbal Medicine Choices for Today

Foods for Your Healing Diet
-Food and Diet Choices to Help Your Healing Process
-The Case for Eating Organically Grown Foods
-About Genetically Engineered Foods

A Special Guide to Detoxification and Body Cleansing
-Understanding Detoxification
-Bodywork Techniques for Detoxification

Lifestyle Healing Programs for People with Special Needs
-Having a Healthy Baby and a Healthy Pregnancy
-Alternative Health and Healing Choices for Children
-Anti-Aging: Optimum Health in the Golden Years
-Optimizing Exercise, Sports Performance, and Fitness
-Alternative Medicines and Healing Treatments for Pets

Ailments and Health Conditions: Almost 400 Ailments, Health Conditions, and Healing Programs Considered
-Almost 400 Ailments, Health Conditions, and Healing Programs Considered

Look It Up! in the Alternative Health Care Arsenal
-All You Need to Know About the Help You Need to Get
-Resource Listing
-Bibliography
-Expanded Index and Cross-Referencing

This book was required reading for one of my classes at Clayton College, and I keep a copy in my personal library.  It is full of useful information that is often difficult to find elsewhere.  The section on detox and body cleansing was especially helpful–the book goes into great detail concerning the different systems of the body, explaining symptoms of toxicity and how to detoxify each system.  The book also contains a huge index (spanning almost half of the entire book) that lists over 400 common ailments, their symptoms, possible causes,and what to do to eliminate the problem via diet and lifestyle support therapy & herbal, superfood, and supplement therapy. I often use this index to help myself, family and friends heal naturally.

Order the book, HEALTHY HEALING: A GUIDE TO SELF-HEALING FOR EVERYONE by Linda Page, Ph.D. :

(sales tax will be added for TN residents)

HEALTHY HEALING: A GUIDE TO SELF-HEALING FOR EVERYONE by Linda Page, Ph.D. Healthy Healing Inc.; 12th edition (June 2004).10.6 x 8.3 x 1.5 inches.  Paperback; 664 pages. ISBN# 188433492X. List Price $32.95.

The copy for sale in the LuminEarth.com Product Shop is a used paperback in good condition. The cover is moderately worn with some light creasing. The binding is tight and the text is clean with no underlining or hilighting of text. The pages are crisp and clean, no bent pages.

(This book is also available on Amazon.com. Click here to view this book on Amazon.com)

by Becki Baumgartner

Symptoms and Factors that Contribute to Poor Digestion 

In today’s fast paced world automatic processes like digestion are often overlooked, if not forgotten.  But think about it…if a body could not digest, how would it survive?  Now think a little more.  If digestion is limited, does it not make sense that quality of life might be limited as well?  Believe it or not, digestive health is the foundation of overall physical health. 

Most people are aware that the following symptoms are caused by poor digestion. 

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Poor Appetite
• Gas, Bloating and Cramping
• Foul Breath 

But many are not aware that the following can also be signs of digestive distress. 

• Irritability, Depression and Anxiety
• Sluggishness and Fatigue
• Frequent Skin Infections and Acne
• Stiff Shoulders or Low Backache
• Chronic Aches and Pains
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Poor Hair, Nail and Skin Quality
• Weakened Immunity
• Weight Gain 

These symptoms can indicate deteriorated intestinal conditions and may be a warning signal of failing health. Poor digestion affects overall health and well being.  Well being is closely tied to digestion and elimination.  Digestion is needed to provide the body with energy and nutrients, and elimination is needed to remove toxins.  If either of these processes is slowed for any reason, the body will either be shortchanged on nutrients, overloaded with toxic waste, or possibly both. 

Some contributing factors to digestive complaints are: 

• Poor Diet
• Overuse of Antibiotics
• Chronic Infections
• Food Intolerances
• Stress
• Heavy Metal Toxicity
• Lack of Proper Enzymes
• Low Hydrochloric Acid 

Poor Digestion Cheats Your Body of the Basic Necessities 

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamins are necessary to maintain health.  When digestion is not working properly,  important nutrients may not be properly processed and used for basic body functions. 

Carbohydrates provide energy, and is necessary for protein to be digested.  When present in the system, carbohydrates also enable the use of protein for regeneration and repair. Carbohydrates also provide the blood with glucose via digestion to provide energy for the muscles, organs and tissues. 

Protein has many functions, the many being that it provides a secondary energy source.  In order to grow, repair injuries, create new tissues, and regulate water balance, protein must be present in the body. Protein is the building block for major organs, blood and clotting, skin, muscles, hair, nails, hormones, enzymes and antibodies.  The acid/alkaline balance of the blood is also maintained with protein. 

Fats are yet another energy source which is vital for health but needed only in small amounts.  Fats supply essential fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, regulate cholesterol metabolism, are the precursors to prostaglandins, carry and aid in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins.  Fasts supply more energy than protein and carbohydrates, since it has nine calories per gram and the others only four. 

Vitamins are necessary for life, but cannot be use as a food source because they have no calories.  Growth, development, metabolic processes, digestion and assimilation and other body functions depend on vitamins.  Vitamins act as catalysts for various chemical processes within the body. 

Kitchen Spices Aid Digestion 

Simply adding the following to foods while cooking can help aid digestion and absorption of nutrients. 

• Fenugreek helps maintain a good metabolism and prevents constipation.
• Ginger stimulates blood flow to the digestive organs and helps relieve nausea and bloating.
• Coriander strengthens the stomach and helps relieve flatulence.
• Chilies increase the absorption of non-heme iron from other ingredients in a meal.
• Turmeric aids in reducing hyper-acidity and indigestion.
• Cloves help relieve gastric irritability and dyspepsia by promoting enzymatic flow and boosting digestive functioning.
• Cinnamon relieves nausea and stimulates gastric and digestive juices.
• Black Pepper has a stimulating effect on digestive organs and causes and increased flow of saliva.
• Cardamom relieves flatulence and strengthens digestive activities. 

Supplements Help Support the Digestive System When the Body Needs A Little Extra Help 

Many times the body is weakened by poor diet, stress, illness, environment, and other situations that one experiences from day to day.  When the body can’t produce on its own or obtain from the diet what it necessary for well being, supplements can be of great assistance.  Supplements are available to aid digestion and can be found at most health food stores and many drugstores.  They are usually administered in capsule form, liquid form, or teas.  These supplements are labeled with instructions that should be carefully followed, and professional assistance requested if recommended. The following supplements are excellent in aiding the digestive system. 

• Food Enzymes help break down food components for absorption into the bloodstream. Some enzymes are produced by the body and some are found in foods.  If the body is under stress or if a great deal of processed food is eaten, the body may be lacking in the enzymes needed to properly to digest food.
• Probiotics are the “healthy bacteria” in the intestinal tract. These perform essential functions in the body and are adversely affected by aging, intestinal pH, antibiotics, stress, immune response, physiological factors, and acids in the body.
• Psyllium Hulls or Husks add essential fiber to the diet and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Aloe Vera Gel soothes the tissues lining the digestive tract and contains many biologically active compounds that support the digestion and absorption of food and nourish the intestinal system, and can help soothe IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
• Triphala cleanses and tones the intestinal tract, corrects constipation, promotes detoxification of the entire body, and promotes elimination. It is very helpful in ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, and also helps high blood pressure and hypertension, and to improve circulation.
• Yellow Dock has a mild laxative effect and stimulates the release of bile and digestive enzymes.
• Ginger helps calm a sour stomach, improves digestion and helps the body efficiently move out wastes.
• Marshmallow Root helps relieve diarrhea and constipation.
• Slippery Elm Bark  is a plant with much mucilage and helps relieve digestive upsets and problems, diarrhea and constipation.
• Senna is useful for occasional acute constipation. It is not recommended during pregnancy, and prolonged use may cause a dependency. 

Poor Elimination Blocks Nutrients and Overloads the System with Toxins 

A slow colon minimizes proper nutrient absorption because slow moving waste matter creates a block between the intestinal walls and the nutrients. You may be eating healthy enough foods, but your body is not absorbing the nutrients because of this block.  This may also cause signals to be sent to the brain requesting more nutrients (making you hungry) and thus cause weight gain. Another concern is that this slow moving fecal matter becomes toxic. These toxins not only cause digestive disorders, but can also spread to the rest of the body if the condition persists. This can affect overall health, contributing to chronic and systemic ailments. An unhealthy colon is also creates an inviting home for parasites, which produce more toxins, increasing the amount of toxins the body must endure. 

A Colon Cleanse Will Provide a Fresh Start 

Digestive health can easily be improved by performing a simple colon cleanse.  Many health food stores and supplement suppliers provide pre-packaged colon cleanses, or one can simply be created by following the instructions below. 

Note:  Do not perform a colon cleanse if you are pregnant or nursing OR if you have any major medical complications or take prescription medications. Check with your health practitioner. 

The following items are needed to create a colon cleanse: 

• Psyllium Husks
• Herbal Laxative Tea
• Probiotics 

Psyllium husk will provide bulk, extract toxins, and help to move everything out of the digestive tract.  These can be purchased from almost any drugstore or health food store and are available in loose or encapsulated form. Metamucil is a common brand of psyllium husk.  Follow the directions on the package and any recommendations provided.  It is normal to experience a small amount of gas and/or bloating at first.

Herbal Laxative Tea taken at night will work through the night and gently aid elimination in the morning.  These teas can also be found in many drugstores and health food stores.  Some even contain herbs that will eliminate parasites. After the psyllium husk has been in your system all day working to clean out accumulated toxins and dried fecal matter, the herbal laxative tea will flush  everything out of the intestines in the morning. Some natural laxative herbals and/or anti-parasitic herbals are senna leaf, chamomile flower, peppermint leaf, fennel seed, cinnamon bark, ginger root, milk thistle seed, passion fruit, licorice root, rhubarb stem, and barberry.

Probiotics will restore beneficial bacteria to the digestive system.  These bacteria should be present in the intestines naturally, but colon cleansing may remove them creating the need for replacement.  Antibiotics also destroy the good bacteria needed for a healthy colon.  Probiotic supplements available in health food stores, and beneficial bacteria is also plentiful in natural yogurt.  

Water is very important during a colon cleanse.  It is important to drink plenty of water while doing your cleanse.  This will help flush out toxins and prevent digestive system disorders. 

Lifestyle Changes Will Build and Maintain Digestive Health

Small changes made over a period time can result in dramatic health improvements.  Many small changes can be made now to improve digestive health leading to improved overall health.

Some small changes with huge payoffs are:

• Drinking plenty of water.  Adequate fluid intake is a necessity for digestion.  If not enough water is consumed, the body will obtain the fluids it needs by extracting them from the waste material in the colon.  This will make the stools hard and dry, and slow down digestion metabolism, possibly to the point of toxicity.  A good recommendation to body weight in pounds by two, and drink that many ounces of water per day.
• Eating fresh veggies, fruit, and other raw foods.  Fresh veggies and fruits will provide enzymes that aid in digestion, as well as natural fiber, fluid, and vitamins that are easily accessible for metabolism.  Raw foods (foods not cooked over 116 degrees) are a wonderful source of naturally occurring enzymes. Cooking foods above 116 degrees destroys all enzymes.
• Eating  Enough Fiber.  Fiber helps regulate the digestive system whether you have diarrhea or constipation by helping to normalize the transit time. Eating fiber-rich foods help to move waste material through the intestine.  Fiber also absorbs fluids along the way, this helps in constipation by softening the stools as they pass through, and in diarrhea by absorbing the excess fluid thereby making the stools more solid.  Fiber also helps normalize blood sugar levels.
• Getting Plenty of Exercise. Stretching and aerobic exercise can help eliminate trapped gasses in the intestine.  Certain types of exercise, such as yoga can increase blood flow to the digestive tract and encourage peristalsis.  Core workouts will strengthen the muscles used in digestion and having strong core muscles frees up some abdominal space.  Aerobic exercises in general will speed up metabolic processes.
• Avoiding Processed Foods.  Many of the essential nutrients your body needs for digestion are removed during the processing.  Processed foods take much longer to digest, and some processed foods my not be fully broken down.
• Eliminating Stress. Stress affects digestion in a couple of ways.  Being stressed sends signals to the brain to release chemicals, and these chemicals often cause the digestive tract to be more sensitive, and to twitch and cramp.  Stress may also cause people to indulge in eating items that are not so healthful, adding to the stress placed on the digestion.
• Eating Slowly and Chewing Thoroughly. Eating more slowly gives the stomach more time to start digesting the food, and thoroughly chewing allows the enzymes in the saliva to do their work before the food reaches the stomach.  By slowing down eating, more time is provided to send signals of fullness to the brain, and can aid in weight loss.

ORDER NUTRITIONAL SUPPLIES FROM NATURES SUNSHINE

NATURE’S SUNSHINE nutritional products are standardized and undergo 500+ quality control tests to assure the purity and quality of every item.

Sources: 

• All4NaturalHealth.com. (n.d.). Preventing Digestive System Disorders – How Healthy is Your Gut? Retrieved August 2, 2010 from http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/digestive-system-disorders.html
• Eliopoulos, C. (2004). Invitation to Holistic Health. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
• Gladstar, R. (2008). Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
• Life Mojo. (n.d.). 10 Kitchen Spices with Healing Power. Retrieved August 1, 2010 from http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/10-kitchen-spices-with-healing-power-3852125
• Regenerative Nutrition. (n.d.). Digestion Problems. Retrieved August 2, 2010 from http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/natural-supplements-cure-digestive-problems.asp
• Tierra, M. (1998.) The Way of Herbs. New York: Pocket Books.
• Yoga Health and Healing. (n.d.). Digestive Health.  Retrieved August 3, 2010 from http://www.yogahealthandhealing.com/articles-on-health-and-wellness/nutrition/43-digestive-health.html

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• Ultimate Guide to Vitamins and Minerals Book Info

by

Spring is here and many are reading or thinking about detoxification and body cleansing protocols. The amount of information and number of products on the market with incredible promises are bound to confuse many. 

To detoxify and cleanse really means to help body eliminate excess waste and toxic build up. This is important because many of our discomforts and unwanted conditions at their root have toxin and waste accumulation in our bodies. That is why many of those discomforts and unwanted conditions are often resolved by regular application and implementation of a thorough holistic detox and body cleansing protocol. There are many ways to do this and some of the most popular include fasting, Master Cleanse, liver flush, herbal detoxifying teas, vegetable broths, juice fasts, media fasts, etc.

 It is very important to realize that your personal practice of detoxification and body cleansing is a very personal experience and really needs to be tailored to you personally and well understood by you. Only when you understand the “Why?”, “When?”, and “How?” of your protocol will you be able to truly embrace it and gain the most benefit from it. It is also very important to define for yourself your expectations and goals of the regular practice of holistic detox and body cleansing. There are no one-time drinks or pills that will with one sip resolve all of the challenges ahead of you. It is your responsibility to objectively assess your own state of well-being and to take steps accordingly to improve and create the level of wellness you envision for yourself. There are many wonderful health practitioners and wellness consultants who can help you collect all the pieces of the puzzle, but it ultimately has to be you personally to put the puzzle of your well-being together. Holistic Detox and Body Cleansing is one of those important pieces of the puzzle.

A thorough holistic protocol shall be cleansing and rejuvenating for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It shall be tailored to your personal needs and shall offer a time for cleansing and rebuilding your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies. Ideally, your program will be based on real raw organic foods and herbs. On that base of a good cleansing diet each day of your ideal protocol will include some form of movement for your physical body. Implementing several forms of hydrotherapy at various times of day is of vital importance as well. To offer nurture and cleansing to your finer bodies, meditation, mindfullness, presence, and aromatherapy are two tools of great importance. Furthermore, it is important that your protocol address your major eliminative organs and systems in proper order and with proper amount of time allotted for each. That will ensure the most success and the least discomfort in your personal program.

Your experience is of utmost importance. The time you dedicate and invest in your personal wellness will pay you back with state of increased well being which is the basis for your growth and success in all other areas of life. Without your health and personal wellness and strength, you cannot help others or effectively and productively perform in any of your personal or professional endeavors. When contemplating and thinking about weather or not you have enough time, patience, and energy to take care of your own health, remember that without your own wellness and strength, nothing else you look to achieve in life is truly going to matter.

Many practitioners note a long list of reasons for cleansing and it most often includes the following: illness prevention, symptom relief, eliminating a specific condition, providing rest to organs, purification, rejuvenation, weight loss, clearing the skin, improving flexibility, improving fertility, enhancing the senses, increasing creativity, motivation, productivity, relaxing, energizing, etc. All of these are wonderful reasons to contemplate and choose to implement a detox protocol.

Thorough and personalized holistic detox and body cleanse is a healthy living skill of critical importance. Regular implementation of your protocol is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself and a very important investment in your personal state of well-being.

Ideally, you would prepare everything for your time of detox and cleansing ahead of time. In our practice it has shown to greatly improve everyone’s experience if they learn and understand how each of the steps affects them and why they may choose to have it as a part of their personal protocol. It is even better if one has time and space to prepare all of the herbal formulas at home, but when that is not possible it helps to learn how a specific herbal formula is prepared even if it is being purchased already prepared. That not only ensures selection of appropriate and quality formula, but also empowers one with knowledge and understanding so that in future they can adjust their protocol as needed and make some or all of the formulas on their own. 

Many books and publications also talk at length about toxicity symptoms that can serve as reasons for one to begin practice of this important healthy living skill. They most often include: headaches, allergy symptoms, constipation, fatigue, immune weakness, sleepiness , sleeplessness, indigestion, congestion, digestive problems, depression, irritability, frequent colds, bad breath, sinus congestion, skin rashes, acne, and many more. However, if we objectively assess the state of our environment, food sources, and personal lifestyle, we must realize that waiting for many of these symptoms to bother us and create problems in our daily life is truly not in our best interest. Embracing the practice of annual or bi-annual detox and body cleansing is a skill that can go a very long way in lessening the effects of stress, environmental toxicity, lifestyle and career demands, food quality, media ‘pollution’, etc.

Here at the Avokado Studio some of our dearest memories and stories come from empowering others to learn and implement this practice into their own lives. Detox Protocol Consultations and Classes are designed with that intention and structured to provide support throughout creation of your personal protocol. It is designed to provide you with knowledge and information about each step. In addition to that it also provides you with the knowledge and ability to prepare and create all of the herbal and food formulas and recipes for your personal holistic detox & body cleansing protocol.

We trust that this brief article will inspire you to create your own protocol this year or to build and improve the one you may already be practicing. If you would like additional support and guidance it will be my honor to help you along the way. Please feel free to email any of your questions to daniela@bodyandmindstl.com

 In Health, Abundance, Love, and Light,

Daniela Sales
Reiki Master Teacher and Wellness Consultant
The Avokado Studio of Arts for Creative Living
http://bodyandmindstl.com

FREE Herbal Remedy Recipe every month! Sign up for our email newsletter at http://bodyandmindstl.com

Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist.

Related Links

• All Cell Detox 
• Definitive Detox: Insider Secrets to Radiant Health
• Detox 101: Super Simple Detox – The Ultimate Guide for Beginners
• Detox for Body Health, Weight Loss, and Colon Cleansing
• The Master Cleanse
• Clean Start 14-Day Detoxification Program

Environmental toxins cause the skin to look old, leathery, and tough. Sesame Oil molecules absorb quickly through the skin, into the tissue to stop inflammatory processes, making the skin look and feel youthful, soft, and resliient.

Sesame seed oil is also a natural sunscreen.  If used full strength, it has an SPF 0f 4.

Sesame Seed Oil is cited in the book The Answer to Cancer Is Never Giving it a Chance to Start by Hari Sharma, M.D., et. al., as a cancer preventative.

Sesame oil has a number of health promoting- qualities. First of all, it soaks through the skin really well, so it can work inside the body an not just on the skin. Also, a study by Dr. Edwards Smith found that people who practice daily sesame oil massage have significantly less bacteria on their skin, which may seem like a modest start to preventing cancer. But it’s a start. The bacteria killer in sesame oil is probably linoleic acid, which makes up 40 percent of the oil. Linoleic acid is also anti-inflammatory, which is good for keeping your joints working smoothly and helping avert arthritis. The oil as a whole is good for your joints. It lubricates them, which is something that joints really appreciate.

One study found that sesame oil actually has anti-cancer effects (particularly anti-skin cancer, which makes sense, and also anti-colon cancer effects. The second one doesn’t make as much sense right off the bat, but the oil seeps in to reach beond the surface of the body.) Japanese researchers have found that sesame oil contains antioxidants, which, of course, are the front line warriors against cancer.

Sesame oil is also a wonderful ingredient to use as a base for homemade lotions and oils. It has a pleasant nutty aroma, mixes well with the other ingredients and the final product absorbs quickly so the skin is left soft, supple, and not feeling greasy.

ORGANIC SESAME SEED OIL IS A NATURAL PRODUCT WITH MANY THERAPEUTIC QUALITIES:

1. It is significantly more effective than salt in treating dry nasal membranes.
2. It is effective in targeting bacteria causing gingivitis.
3. It contains oleic acid, an effective reducer of serum cholesterol.
4. Ayurveda physicians use it to cure sinusitis and other conditions as nose drops, sniffed back into the sinuses.
5. It is used as an anti-bacterial throat gargle.
6. It helps joints and flexibility. When using a massage oil, stroke the long limbs up and down and use circular motions over all joints to stimulate the natural energy of the joints. Sesame Oil is an excellent carrier oil when mixed with essential oils.

HOW TO DO A DAILY OIL MASSAGE (ABHYANGA)

Abhyanga is a vital part of Ayurvedic daily care and a key Marharishi Ayurveda technique for supple, youthful skin and overall good health.

Instructions for Daily Oil Massage (Abhyanga):

1. Heat about 1/4 cup of cured oil to just above body temperature.
2. Start by placing a small amount of the warmed oil on the palms and fingertips and vigorously massage the scalp. Massage the face and outer part of th ears also if you wish, but be gentle.
3. Massage both the front and back of the neck, and the upper part of the spine.
4. Massage the arms next, using a long, back and forth motion over the long bones and a circular motion over the joints. Massage both arms thoroughly, including hands and fingers.
5. Use a very gentle, circular motion to massage over the heart and a clockwise circular motion gently over the abdomen.
6. Massage the back and spine next, being careful not to over stretch.
7. Massage legs using the same long motion over the leg bones and circular motion over the joints, the same as the arms.
8. Last, massage the feet. Use the open part of your hand to massage vigorously back and forth over the soles. Wait about 10-15 minutes, if time allows before showering or bathing.

 

Recipe for Sesame Oil Lotion

If you don’t have the time to perform the massage daily, you can obtain great benefits from the use of Sesame Oil Lotion. This is very easy to make yourself. The recipe below is adapted from Rosemary Gladstar’s recipe for Rosemary’s Perfect Cream. The recipe is sized perfect for a Magic Bullet, but a blender can be used as well.

2/3 cup distilled water
1/2 cup aloe vera gel
essential oil of choice
3/4 cup sesame oil
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 oz beeswax

Place distilled water, aloe vera gel, and essential oil in Magic Bullet cup. Place sesame oil, coconut oil, and beeswax in pan over very low heat. Heat just long enough to melt. Pour oils into the Magic Bullet cup and blend until creamy. Pour into cream or lotion jars. Store in a cool location.

Why Organic? Commercial oils, grown by agribusiness, use all the agricultural poisions necessary to produce the largest crop. Thre are no molecules of those poisons in organic oil.

Why Cold Pressed? Commercial oils are extracted with strong petroleum based solvents and heat to 450 degrees F. Such heat changes the excellent monounsaturated (oleic acid) fats to trans fats which are poisonous to the body.

Order Organic Sesame Seed Oil from Marharishi Ayurveda

Shop for the book The Answer to Cancer is Never Giving it a Chance to Start by Hari Sharma, M.D., & Rama K. Mishra, G.A.M.S. with James G. Meade, Ph.D.

Shop for the book Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family

Sources:

Gladstar, R. (2008). Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. New York: Story Publishing.
Marharishi Ayurveda. “Total Health Solutions” Spring 2010.
Sharma, H., Mishra, R. and Meade, J. “The Answer to Cancer is Never Giving it a Chance to Start”. pp. 114-115. New York: Select Books, Inc., 2002.

Related Links:

Basic Ayurvedic Massage Oil Formulas
Effortless Ayurvedic Beauty Program
Health Improvement: Use Sound Therapy to Improve Your Health
Maharishi Ayurveda
The Benefits of Sesame Oil
Your Beautiful Healthy Skin

Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist.

The Effects of Environmental Pollution and Detoxification 

Environmental pollution is one of the biggest challenges we are faced with today. Toxic chemicals are polluting our environment daily. People and wildlife are dying from exposure to them. We often hear words “environmental carcinogens” because many of those pollutants are being linked to causes of various types of cancer. Environmental pollution affects everything and everyone – it is in our air, soil and water. Along with being linked to cancer, it really affects all aspects of our health: reproductive, immune, nervous, respiratory, etc. Toxins we are faced with range from heavy metals, chemical vapors, and plastics all the way to radioactive materials. All of them impair normal processes within our organism. An example of what happens when we are exposed to a toxic substance is the way Strontium-90 endangers our health. Strontium-90 is dangerous because of its affinity for calcium that helps it bond with foods rich in calcium. Once contaminated calcium is ingested through food, it takes Strontium-90 directly to our bones where it damages bone marrow (Mowrey, 1986, p. 88).  

Common signs that we are being exposed to harmful environmental pollution are: frequent headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness, memory loss, poor immunity, skin rashes, frequent colds, etc. We need to re-evaluate things we are (not) doing to relieve toxic pressure of the environment on our bodies.  

Role of Detoxification 

In our modern lifestyle, it is impossible to avoid environmental pollutants. Toxicity of our environment keeps increasing and it would be foolish to think that we can simply devise a plan of eliminating exposure. We should not be wondering if we are being exposed to toxins, but rather what we can do to relive their effects. Detoxification is critical for maintenance of good health and vitality. Often we hear of cleanse/detox protocols which helped people heal or overcome various symptoms. Reasons for such effects most likely lie in the causes of the relieved symptoms coming from different toxic pollutants person was exposed to. Our bodies have natural systems in place for detoxification, but they are not able to effectively remove all of the modern world toxins without help. Including regular detoxification in our lifestyle will help us improve efficiency of toxin elimination by our body, increase level of immunity, boost efficiency of processes that liver, kidneys and intestines are in charge of, and help prevention of many degenerative and cancerous diseases. 

Make  Your Own Protective Herbal Formula 

Herbal Formula to Help Combat Environmental Pollution Effects 

Formulation: Capsules 

Recipe: Combine powdered herbs per below quantities (part refers to measurement by volume). Fill “00” size capsules. 

3-parts Apple Fruit Pectin; 2-parts Alfalfa; 2-parts Kelp; 2-parts Echinacea root; 1-part Reishi mushroom; 1-part Prickly Ash bark; 1-part Mullein; 1-part Red Clover; 1-part Yellow Dock root; 1-part Dandelion root; 1-part Burdock root; 1-part Boldo leaves; 1-part Milk Thistle; 1-part Celandine. 

To help minimize effects of environmental pollution on our bodies it would be helpful to use 2 to 4 capsules daily as you feel is needed. 

Properties and Actions 

Apple Fruit Pectin helps body excrete heavy metals (i.e. lead and mercury) much more efficiently (Morey, 1986, p. 91). 

Alfalfa helps regenerate strength and vitality by slow and deep action of its superlative restorative functions (Tierra, 1998, p. 84). It has antitumor activity as it can neutralize various chemical carcinogens in the liver and colon (Tierra, 1998, p. 91). 

Kelp helps prevent cancer and reduce the risk of poisoning from environmental pollution (Mowrey, 1986, p. 88). 

Echinacea is the best herb for blood and lymph purification (Tierra, 1998, p. 13). It increases cellular resistance and activates macrophages that destroy cancerous cells (Green, 2000, p. 31). 

Reishi mushroom supports immune system, stimulates macrophages protecting against cancer, and protects liver and body overall against free radicals (Green, 2000, p. 37). 

Prickly Ash bark stimulates blood and lymph circulation and acts as a blood purifier (Tierra, 1998, p. 183). 

Mullein helps remove excess fat where toxins are retained (Tierra, 1998, p. 13). 

Red Clover is a very useful blood purifier and helps build body’s resistance to allergies (http://www.herbreference.com). 

Yellow Dock is hepatic liver stimulant and laxative used for liver congestion (Tierra, 1998, p. 212). By working through liver and bowel it assists the body in dealing with metabolic wastes (Green, 2000, p. 35). 

Dandelion root is good blood purifier mainly affecting liver functions. It has ability to clear obstructions and aid liver in eliminating toxins from the blood (Tierra, 1998, p. 127). It may also help clear obstructions of gallbladder, spleen, bladder, and kidneys. 

Burdock root has abundance of minerals valuable for blood, but also promotes kidney function helping them filter the blood and eliminate harmful acids (Tierra, 1998, p. 105). Green (2000) calls it “deep food” because it helps move body into a state of well-nourished health protecting against build up of waste products (p. 35) 

Boldo is known for its use to help liver and gallbladder (Tierra, 1998, p. 102). 

Milk Thistle helps protect and regenerate liver (Tierra, 1998, p. 157). 

Celandine is primarily used as liver detoxifying agent and has been used in treatment of hepatitis, jaundice, cancer, and skin problems (Tierra, 1998, p. 116). 

A Few notes about the role of liver in process of detoxification: 

Our body detoxifies naturally through functions of the liver, kidneys, intestines, lymphatic system, lungs, and skin. Largest part of this process occurs in the liver where, in order to be eliminated safely, many toxic substances are converted to less- or non-toxic molecules. 

Toxins go through two detoxification pathways in the liver. First pathway breaks the toxic compound into intermediate compounds, while the second pathway works more efficiently at removing those bio-transformed products. The more effective second pathway is the less tissue damage will occur. Problems with either of these pathways will result in toxins being re-circulated in our body causing tissue damage and being stored in fat, bone, brain, and other organ tissue (Hoo, 2008). This puts tremendous stress on our liver, especially when we do not provide our body help in form of nourishment and detoxification on regular basis. 

Finally, please note that this homemade formula does not replace our need for implementation of yearly thorough detox protocols in our lifestyle, but is meant to offer strong support and protection to our bodies in our day-to-day life and minimize the stress environmental pollution places on our whole being. 

It is my hope that this above recipe will inspire you to try preparing your own herbal formula – weather using this specific recipe or creating your own. 

As always, please feel free to email any of the questions we may be of assistance with. 

In Health, Abundance, Love, and Light, 

Daniela Sales
daniela@bodyandmindstl.com
Reiki Master Teacher and Wellness Consultant
The Avokado Studio of Arts for Creative Living

http://bodyandmindstl.com 

FREE Herbal Remedy Recipe every month! Sign up for our email newsletter at 

223 S Kirkwood, Suite C
St Louis, MO 63122
P: 314 599 3649 

Walk In Hours: 

Mon – Fri 9am to Noon
Mon, Wed, Fri 5pm to 8pm
Sat 10am to 1pm
Other times by appointment only. Please email or call to schedule. 

Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist. 

References: 

Green, J. (2002). The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook – A Home Manual. Berkley: Crossing Press 

Hoo, A. C. (2008). The Role of Detoxification in Chronic Illness [Electronic version]. Doctor’s Choice Nutrition, 2. Retrieved June 17, 2008, from http://www.doctorschoicenutrition.ca 

Mike Adams’ Natural News web site provides listing and herb properties with references (http://herbreference.com). 

Mowrey, D. B. (1986). The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Lincolnwood: Keats Publishing 

Shillington, I. (2005). Data Pack for Cleanses and More. Clearwater: Organic Solutions 

Tierra, M. (1998). The Way of Herbs. New York: Pocket Books

Our World, Illuminated
www.luminearth.com

There truly is no lack of processed foods designed to speak directly to and appeal to our children. Simple walk through any grocery store (even a health oriented grocery store) easily confirms this. Taking a closer look at the individual items and their ingredients reveals a rather sad picture. These foods seem to be abundant in fillers and artificial and chemical additives, while being seriously poor in nutritional value. Food items like cereals, snacks, instant soup mixes, instant macaroni and cheese mixes, juices, breads, cookies, pizzas, spreads, canned foods, condiments, and many others are routinely marketed directly to our children. As processed foods they are not only a rather questionable nutrition choice, but may even be responsible for many things our society is striving to eliminate. What are the most common unwanted ingredients found in these processed food items? 

To answer this question we shall take a walk through a local grocery store. There we notice many pretty packages and promises of amazing nutrient abundance. However, true story about each of those products is written on their Ingredients List, usually found below the nutritional panel on the back of the package.
It appears to be impossible to find a processed food item created for children (or adults) that does not contain one or more of the following: hydrogenated oils, added sugars, high sodium levels, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, coloring agents, BHT, BHA, sulfites, trans fats, refined sugars, MSG, etc. Along with these unwanted ingredients, these products feature a loving cartoon character or a cool super hero. Right alongside the super hero image usually appear several nutritional claims designed to comfort parents while purchasing the item for their child. These foods which are very poor in their nutritional value, and may in truth be harmful to the health of our children; abound in today’s grocery stores. They are marketed in various and rather aggressive ways, while their ingredients reveal a very disturbing story. It is by now common understanding that candy and sugary snacks shall be avoided regardless of the marketing campaign image. However, there are many processed foods marketed specifically to children that are not in their best interest, but have an image of appropriateness and even one of supporting wellness. 

One of the most critical steps on the way to counteracting the influence of product promotion is wellness education. Creating wise and wellness oriented consumers shall be one of our priorities. When one understands how to correctly read the food label and furthermore understands the effects that listed ingredients have on their health and health of those they are buying for, many choices take a different turn.
Along with consumer education, continued efforts in limiting advertising to children through media, schools, and extracurricular activities are another important aspect. If we are to truly show concern and willingness to positively impact the health and development of our children, then as a society we shall create a safe and nurturing environment for our children. Instead of allowing various corporate giants to lure our children into buying foods that will make them fly like a superhero or run like an ‘Incredible’, we shall be creating an environment where children will have abundant opportunities to engage in their food growing and selection while learning of the impact they have on their little bodies. 

As we have already said, it is of critical importance for parents to be educated and knowledgeable about the true nutritional (non)value of processed foods dressed up in all kinds of fun shapes, colors, and costumes calling out to our children. With that knowledge, wise choices and nurturing guidance for our children will be much more realistic and much more readily imparted. 

Modeling healthy choices is the first step, but teaching our children to make their own wise choices is a necessary and critical next step especially now that we are faced with such an overwhelming number of processed foods, poor in nutritional value, and marketed to appeal directly to our children. We must have empowered parents able to empower today’s children to make wise health supporting choices without feeling “un-cool” or “less than”, but strong, wise, and healthy. 

In Health, Abundance, Love, and Light, 

Daniela Sales 
daniela@bodyandmindstl.com 
Reiki Master Teacher and Wellness Consultant
The Avokado Studio of Arts for Creative Living
http://bodyandmindstl.com 

FREE Herbal Remedy Recipe every month! Sign up for our email newsletter at http://bodyandmindstl.com  

223 S Kirkwood, Suite C
St Louis, MO 63122
P: 314 599 3649 

Walk In Hours: 

Mon – Fri 9am to Noon 
Mon, Wed, Fri 5pm to 8pm 
Sat 10am to 1pm 
Other times by appointment only. Please email or call to schedule.

Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and ctreat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist. 

Our World, Illuminated.
www.luminearth.com

Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist.

Only 91 contaminants are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, yet more than 60,000 chemicals are used within the United States. Government and independent scientists have scrutinized thousands of those chemicals in recent decades, and identified hundreds associated with a risk of cancer and other diseases at small concentrations in drinking water. But not one chemical has been added to the list of those regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act since 2000.

Recent studies have also found that even some chemicals regulated by that law pose risks at much smaller concentrations than previously known. However, many of the act’s standards for those chemicals have not been updated since the 1980’s, and some remain essentially unchanged since the law was passed in 1974.

Sources:
New York Times December 16, 2009
Prison Planet December 8, 2009
Dr. Mercola

Shared by Becki Baumgartner, Natural Health Consultant

Our World, Illuminated. www.luminearth.com

Natural Medicine and Ionic Detoxification

Family Herbalist: Clayton College of Natural Health
Certificate Course; Anatomy/Physiology Online course, www.alternativemedicine.com
Master Herbalist, Sage Mountain School; The Science and Art of Herbalism
Continued and Previous advanced training in Botanical Medicine.
Natural Medicine practice since 1995.
Naturopathic Practioner, 3 year internship – Dr. Deborahe Prock ND

Barefoot Approach to Natural Healing

Going back to nature to achieve good health with Herbs, Dietary, Homeopathic Remedies, Supplements, and detoxification; with emphasis on treatments complimentary to any traditional medical treatments you may be currently using.

Herbal Remedies

To help reduce the cost and assure the freshest herbal compounds, I make many of the tinctures, teas and formulas that you may need.
Educational information on each of the herbs are supplied with every formula, refills are available by mail.

Alternative Healing

Ionic Footbath Detoxification

Many people are finding success ridding their bodies of unwanted toxins. The Ionic Footbath allows detoxification through the skin. Through the detoxification we can view the toxins affecting the body and determine the health problems that occur as a result.
Initial consultations include a detailed written evaluation of the toxins viewed during the ionic footbath with suggestions for detoxification.

Detoxification can assist in the following areas:

Enhancing the Immune System
Assist in recovery time from injuries and surgery
Relieve pain and stiffness from arthritis
Improve sleep patterns
Remove Heavy Metals and environmental toxins
Improve Liver and Kidney Function

Jyll Reneé, Master Herbologist
jyllrenee@comcast.net

Three Locations:

Home Office
45 Cambridge court
Anderson, Indiana 46012

Holistic Healing Arts
8607 W. Smith
Yorktown, Indiana, 47396

Days Healthy Living
1110 S. Peru Street
Cicero, Indiana 46034

Upcoming Events ~ Watch for the Next Date!

by Daniela Sales

People have been drinking tea and using it for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In recent years we have seen more research being done on the benefits of tea for our wellbeing and the results are confirming many of the traditional uses. There is a long way to go before we see a greater number of studies completed, but it should not be a reason for us to delay enjoying a delightful cup of tea and reaping the benefits.

Green tea and black tea are most commonly thought of when we mention tea drinking and many studies are done on them specifically. Many of their compounds have been identified as powerful antioxidants and nutrients offering great protection to our health and boost to our immune system, as well as aid in recovery from many distressed states.

Aside from green tea and black tea varieties we are also blessed by Nature with an abundance of herbal teas. Herbal teas have the advantage of absence of caffeine (except in few very rare cases). Also, depending on the herb or herbal blend you choose you allow yourself to benefit from their specific effects on our wellbeing. Herbs are one of the vital components of a healthy holistic lifestyle and their use is rather versatile. You can use them to season your foods; to create delicious hot and cold herbal teas; you can use them in salves and medicinal tinctures, oils, baths, etc. They truly are one of the incredible blessings we shall not overlook.

Several of the basic herbal teas that are delicious and of great help to every family are: peppermint, chamomile, yarrow flower, sage, lemon balm, nettle leaf, ginger, marshmallow, rosemary and ginger. There are of course many other wonderful herbs to use in your herbal teas, but these are a few that truly every family kitchen shall have.

To prepare your tea you can use variety of methods. Two most common ones are infusion and decoction. By preparing your tea in this way you allow your body and whole being to appreciate, enjoy, and benefit from the whole plant and its complete range of constituents.

The term infusion comes from the Latin word infundere, which means to pour in. To prepare a hot infusion, you pour hot or cold water over a dehydrated plant(s). For a hot infusion use 1 oz of coarsely chopped dehydrated herb to 500ml of boiling water and allow it to steep 20 to 30 minutes in a warm place. Strain and make sure to press out the pulp while straining. Add enough hot water after straining to make 500 ml and serve while warm with a little bit of your favorite herbal honey. 

There are several other ways to prepare your herbal tea, but hot infusion is one of the most simple and delightful ways to enjoy a cup of herbal tea during winter while also reaping the amazing benefits herbs provide us with. You are always welcome to send in any specific questions about herbal tea preparation and selection. Their daily use is very rewarding and I would love to encourage you to discover ways to us them in your own home. Below is a recipe for an herbal tea blend to try and make at home made up of herbs that are traditionally used to help body’s detoxification. We hope you will try it and use your creativity to customize it for your own use.

Herbal Detox Tea

Mix equal parts of dandelion root, burdock root, mullein, red clover herb, and milk thistle seed. Add to that equal half-parts of mistletoe, yellow dock root, cinnamon, orange peel, lemon peel and celandine. Add a pinch of dried stevia leaf. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature.

To prepare your tea: Put 1 teaspoon of herbs for each cup of purified water into a non-metal bowl. Soak overnight. In the morning bring to boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and drink throughout the day. Do not sweeten, but if you would like to make it milder use ½ tsp of herbs for each cup of water.

Let us know your experience and feel free to contact us at http://bodyandmindstl.com with any questions you may have. 

In Health, Love, and Light, 

Daniela Sales,

Reiki Master Teacher and Wellness Coach

The Avokado Studio of Arts for Creative Living

http://bodyandmindstl.com

Our World, Illuminated.
www.luminearth.com

THE MAHARISHI AYURVEDA STORY

Our Goal

Our goal is to help every individual enjoy total health. The ideal of total health goes back much farther than 1985, when we incorporated in the U.S. as Maharishi Ayurveda Products International.

The original science of health is as old as the human race. It’s called ayurveda, which is Sanskrit for “science of life.” The written records of this complete system of natural health care are about 5,000 years old. From age to age, sages and physicians have rediscovered this timeless health wisdom.

In 1980, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the Transcendental Meditation program, began working with three of India’s top ayurvedic experts, Dr. V.M. Dwivedi, Dr. B.D. Triguna and Dr. Balaraj Maharishi. They revived the ancient knowledge of health and called it Maharishi Ayurveda. They formed a medical council that created our authentic herbal formulas according to the ayurvedic texts. They also established an international network of doctors, clinics and schools that are dedicated to eliminating disease and offering perfect health to the people of every nation.

We invite you to join our quest for total health for yourself, your family and your world.