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THE WELLNESS WORKBOOK: HOW TO ACHIEVE ENDURING HEALTH AND VITALITY by John W. Travis, M.D.

Becki Baumgartner — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:00:22 +0000

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIVING WELL.

For more than thirty years, John W. Travis, M.D., and Regina Sara Ryan have taught hundreds of thousands of people a practical whole-self approach to wellness and healthy living. Each chapter of the comprehensive WELLNESS WORKBOOK explores one of the twelve interconnected forms of energy that contribute to your overall health and vitality:

Self-Responsibility and Love
Breathing
Sensing
Eating
Moving
Feeling
Thinking
Playing and Working
Communicating
Sex
Finding Meaning
Transcending

From how you breathe to how you view the world, these twelve areas affect all aspects of your life: your disposition toward injury and illness, your relationships, your general level of happiness, and beyond. In an optimal state of wellness, all of your energies are in balance, and you are less prone to disease, stress, and other life-depleting factors. Using a self-assessment tool known as the Wellness Index, you’¬?ll develop a clear picture of what areas in your life need attention.

Now in its third edition, the thoroughly updated and streamlined WELLNESS WORKBOOK provides hundreds of exercises and ideas to help you take control of your health and happiness.A classic text in the wellness field, thoroughly revised and updated, and streamlined for a more simple and practical presentation.Chapters cover self-responsibility and love, breathing, sensing, eating, moving, feeling, thinking, playing and working, communicating, sex, finding meaning, and transcending.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Wellness, Self-Responsibility and Love
Wellness and Breathing
Wellness and Sensing
Wellness and Eating
Wellness and Moving
Wellness and Feeling
Wellness and Thinking
Wellness, Playing and Working
Wellness and Communicating
Wellness and Sex
Wellness and Finding Meaning
Wellness and Transcending

This book was used as a textbook for one of my wellness classes at Clayton College of Natural Health. It was an interesting and pleasurable read (unlike many textbooks!!), and brought to light many things affecting my health that I took for granted– ingrained belief systems, my mood when eating, stress patterns in my life, etc. Included in this book is a “Wellness Wheel” or “Wellness Index”. This was a most valuable tool for me, showing me exactly where my heath shortcomings and strengths resided. The Wellness Index is a very detailed questionnaire and takes one to two hours to complete, but is well worth it. You can analyze and score yourself with the key included in the book, or for a small fee can obtain it in online interactive format at www.WellnessWorkbook.com.

I’m really glad this was required reading for my class at Clayton. I also feel it would be a most excellent text for a high school health class, much of this is not taught to kids in school and should be!

Order the book, WELLNESS WORKBOOK: HOW TO ACHIEVE ENDURING HEALTH AND VITALITY by John W. Travis, M.D. :

(sales tax will be added for TN residents)

WELNESS WORKBOOK: HOW TO ACHIEVE ENDURING HEALTH AND VITALITY by John W. Travis, M.D. 3rd Edition. (c)2004 by John Travis. Berkeley: Celestial Arts. ISBN# 978-1-58761-213-8. Paperback; 323 pages. List Price $27.99 US, $34.99 CAN.

The copy for sale in the LuminEarth Product Shop is a used paperback copy in good condition. There is some light wear to the edges of the cover and pages, but the binding is tight and the text inside clean with no writing or hi-lighting of text.

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

Why Haven’t Pet Owners Been Told These Facts about Heartworm?

Joyce Dierschke — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:30:39 +0000

Canine heartworm disease is transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

In the worst case scenario, it results in a fatal worm infestation in the heart and blood vessels of an infected dog.

Fortunately, heartworm disease can be prevented. It can also be successfully treated when caught in time.

The American Heartworm Society (AHS), an organization that studies the disease, its treatment and prevention, recommends yearly heartworm testing for all dogs. The AHS also recommends year-round chemical preventives for every dog over the age of eight weeks, regardless of where the dog lives.

Sources:

Examiner.com April 26, 2010

Dr. Becker’s Comments:

The American Heartworm Society has three “platinum” sponsors and five “bronze” sponsors. All eight are major pharmaceutical manufacturers.

It comes as no surprise, then, that the AHS recommends year-round, birth-to-death heartworm prevention drugs – no matter where you live, the time of year, the age of your dog, his size or health status.

What’s Wrong with This Picture?

Three things, specifically:

Huge conflict of interest potential. Heartworm prevention through the overuse of potentially toxic medications sold by pharmaceutical giants like Bayer Healthcare, Merial and Pfizer, is a virtual money machine for drug manufacturers, online retailers, testing laboratories, veterinarians and any other entity that can find a way to cash in.When there’s money on the table – in this case billions of dollars – your pet’s health and quality of life can quickly become a secondary concern.Note also that the ASH recommendation for year-round dosing is not because your pet needs it year-round in every state, but because it’s assumed dog owners will forget to re-start the medication when the weather warms up.And by the way – heartworm “preventives” don’t actually prevent your pet from getting worms. What they do is poison the larvae at the microfilaria (L1-L2) stage of development, causing them to die.

Relatively low actual incidence of life-threatening infection. Heartworm disease is more difficult to acquire – and less lethal – than the dire warnings and marketing claims for chemical preventives would have you believe.In order for heartworm disease to take hold, a precise sequence of events must occur involving the right climate, the right temperature for the right amount of time, the right species and sex of mosquito, and your dog’s less-than-optimal immune system function.This information is not intended to minimize the need to protect your dog, but only to point out the actual potential for heartworm disease is less than you’ve been led to believe by financially-motivated marketing campaigns designed to scare pet owners into buying 12 doses of preventive, year in and year out, regardless of where you live!

The existence of less toxic recommendations. There are less harmful protocols to prevent heartworm in your dog than a lifetime of once-monthly, year-round doses of toxic drugs.

How Heartworm Disease Happens

Heartworms are a variety of roundworm with the clinical name dirofilaria immitis. They are spread by mosquitoes.

Dogs can only get heartworm disease through infected mosquitoes. They can’t get it from other dogs or other types of animals, from dog feces, or from their mothers while in the womb or through nursing.

Only certain mosquitoes can transmit heartworm to your dog. These mosquitoes must meet certain precise criteria, including:

They must be female.

They must be of a species that allows development of the worms in the cells of the body (not all species do).

They must be of a species that feeds on mammals (not all do).

They must have bitten an animal infected with stage 1 (L1) heartworms about two weeks prior, since approximately 14 days are necessary for the larvae from the other animal to develop to stage 3 (L3) inside the transmitting mosquito.

This mosquito must then bite your dog. When the larvae reach stage L4-L5, which takes three to four months, under

the right conditions they can travel via your dog’s bloodstream to the lungs and heart.

If your dog’s immune system doesn’t destroy these invaders, they will reach maturity (L6), the adult stage, in which males can grow to six inches in length and females to 12.

Two other critically important features in the transmission of heartworm are:

The right temperature. During the time the heartworm larvae are developing from L1 to L3 inside an infected mosquito, which is approximately a two-week period, the temperature must not dip below 57°F at any point in time. If it does, the maturation cycle is halted. According to Washington State University heartworm report from 2006, full development of the larvae requires “the equivalent of a steady 24-hour daily temperature in excess of 64°F (18°C) for approximately one month.”

Humidity and standing water. Mosquitoes are a rarity in dry climates.

As you can see, in order for your dog to develop heartworm disease, a number of things have to happen with near-perfect timing under a precise set of circumstances.

Information on how many cases of canine heartworm disease occur each year in the U.S. is scarce. The AHS provides a heartworm incidence map for the years 2001, 2004 and 2007 which you might find helpful. Keep in mind it is a very general guideline and shouldn’t be viewed as the only decision-making tool at your disposal.

Assessing Your Dog’s Risk

There are only a few areas in the U.S. in which giving a nine month to year-round heartworm preventive might be advisable – those areas are in south Texas, south Florida, and a few other locations along the Gulf coast. The rest of the U.S. ranges from three to seven months of high exposure risk. The majority of states are at six months or less.

Given that heartworm preventives are insecticides designed to kill heartworm larvae inside your animal, and therefore have the potential for short and long-term side effects damaging to your pet’s health, the first bit of information you need is your dog’s actual risk of exposure to infected mosquitoes.

I recommend you talk to a holistic veterinarian in your area to get this question answered. If you don’t have a holistic vet, you can find a directory at www.ahvma.org. Many holistic vets do phone consultations, which can be an alternative if there are no doctors practicing in your immediate area.

A holistic vet will be knowledgeable not only about the risk of heartworm disease in your location, but also potential side effects of chemical preventives, and alternatives to over treating with these products, as well as suggesting detox options.

And if the vet you consult has already seen or treated your dog, he or she will also be able to assess the risks and benefits for your particular situation.

First Things first

The next consideration is how to best protect your dog from heartworm disease with the least amount of impact to her overall health, including:

Feed a balanced, species-appropriate diet. The healthier your dog is, the less attractive she’ll be to all types of pests and parasites, and the better able her immune system will be to fight off invaders. Parasites are more attracted to weak animals.

And speaking of keeping her immune system healthy, take care not to allow your pet to be overloaded with toxins through unnecessary vaccinations and repeated courses of antibiotic or steroid therapy – two of the most overprescribed drugs in veterinary medicine.

Control mosquitoes. Use a non-toxic insect barrier in your yard and around the outside of your home. Don’t take your dog around standing water. Stay indoors at dawn and dusk. Make liberal use of a safe, effective bug spray.

Safe and Sane Heartworm Prevention

If you live in a region of the U.S. where mosquitoes are prevalent and you’ve determined your dog’s risk of exposure to heartworm disease is high, my recommendations are:

Go the natural route — using heartworm nosodes and/or other homeopathic treatments and/or herbal/dietary supplements — under the guidance of a holistic veterinarian, with heartworm testing every three to four months (checking more frequently is critical as all natural heartworm prevention doesn’t guarantee your pet will never contract the disease).

Providing your dog is healthy with good kidney and liver function, go with a chemical preventive at the lowest effective dosage (compounded if necessary for dogs that weigh at the low end of dosing instructions), at six (not four) week intervals, for the minimum time necessary during mosquito season.

Don’t use ‘silver bullet’ all-in-one products that prevent against every known GI worm and external parasite. If you use traditional heartworm preventives, the goal is to use the least amount of drug that successfully prevents heartworm. Using the heartworm ‘plus’ products, which unnecessarily deworm your pet monthly for GI parasites she doesn’t have, are more drugs your pet doesn’t automatically need.

Follow up treatment with natural liver detox agents like milk thistle and SAMe, again with guidance from your pet’s holistic vet. And don’t add to your dog’s toxic load by administering chemical flea or tick preventives during the same week.

Calculate the month you need to begin (and discontinue) prevention based on temperatures in your area. See the charts below for guidelines:

Always have your vet do a heartworm test before beginning any preventive protocol.

Creating Personal Wellness Every Day

Becki Baumgartner — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 04:35:31 +0000

by Daniela Sales

Every day we make hundreds of choices all of which directly or indirectly impact our well being. From a holistic viewpoint, one of the main goals is to achieve balance in your whole being – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual – and then to continue creating your life and health in a way that allows you to maintain that balance of well being and a loving peaceful life experience.

Regardless of what you have done up to this point, it is always the right time to take care of your well being. You can begin right now by setting the clear intention to move joyfully through your life while enjoying health, abundance, love and peace within and without.

The first step is opening your heart and loving yourself and all around you without reservations. Once you do that, motivation to care for your well being, your environment and all life around you can become a part of your lifestyle. From that place you can empower yourself by learning new things, asking many questions, making your own wise decisions to create your own healthy life.

Creating your personal protocol(s) as your own roadmap is a very powerful way to live a creative balanced life and to daily create your personal wellness. It is my honor to provide assistance along the way for many of you who choose to empower themselves in this way. At times it may be creating a personal detox protocol, or selecting an appropriate herbal combination for the goals one has in mind, or learning to create variety of herbal remedies, including meditation in daily life, or integrating energy work and Reiki healing in your lifestyle, etc.

Nurture, clarity, care and balance are important at every level of our being: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. We can only begin to create balanced well being once we allow ourselves to embrace love and joy of life and once we accept the responsibility for our decisions.

Anytime is a great time to renew your commitment to your health and well being. As a contribution to your path to balanced well being we share with you our favorite recipe for Green Abundance smoothie we enjoy daily this summer.

Green Abundance Summer Smoothie

Place following ingredients into your blender:

6oz of certified organic unfiltered and unsweetened apple juice

2 Tablespoons of Hemp Seed Oil

2 Tbsp of Green Abundance powder

½ cup of frozen raspberries

2 Tbsp of Body Balance

Blend for approx 1 minute until smooth. Enjoy!

Only from your own place of power can you make choices that are right for you. When you create your state of wellness from your personal place of power it becomes much easier to wisely select professionals and friends who can best help and support you on your personal journey of healing and growth. Learn and inform yourself, embrace love and joy of being alive, share love with those around you, create new things, engage in new learning, nurture your spirit as well as your body and mind, take responsibility for your wellbeing and more than anything allow joy and peace to fill your whole life experience.

May these few humble thoughts inspire you to create your wellness every single day while embracing love and joy of being alive!

To learn more about services we provide or to order Green Abundance super-food powder visit us at http://bodyandmindstl.com

In Health, Abundance, Love and Light,

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

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.

Concepts of Quantum Living in Practice

Becki Baumgartner — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:02:19 +0000

by Daniela Sales

There are volumes and volumes written about quantum living concepts from many different traditions and authors. This is only a very simplified group of notes of eight of those principles that is meant to serve as inspiration and reminder to those familiar with them, and as a friendly introduction and invitation to explore them to those who do not consciously apply them in their daily lives. It is my most sincere belief that we must provide care and maintain an aligned connection between our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies in order to create and maintain true well-being. These concepts are very important parts of that joyful and love-filled life in balanced wellness and abundance within that we all strive to create.

Seeing Beyond the Illusion of Matter

Meditation and spiritual development activities are great tools to apply this important concept to daily life. By allowing oneself to see beyond the illusion of matter it becomes possible to reconnect self with the truths and to transcend into the experience of reality beyond the perceptions created by the five sense. Once we do this, it is possible to feel at one with the eternal dance of life, something we tend to loose connection with in day to day activities due to so many distractions asking for attention.

Bridging the Gap

Looking at the candle light and truly seeing its essence is a very simple yet very empowering exercise. For me, looking at the candle light is a process of pondering the basic true oneness in the Universe and it gives me a renewed sense of important existence and connection to everything. This is very empowering because when one is aware of true oneness, then limiting negative feelings of loneliness are instantly erased. Realizing that one is always part of the Universe and not a mere observer, and not even a separate unit is very comforting, healing and empowering.

Breathing in the Light

There is no flicker of activity in any of your cells that goes unnoticed across the entire quantum field (Chopra, 1993, p. 46). Breathing in the Light and visualizing it stream forth from the Source within the quantum field creates an awareness of your own breath and its life giving essence. Visualizing the thread connection with the source, creates further awareness of being connected to everything which builds upon the experiences from the concept of bridging the gap.

Connecting to the Present Moment and your Physical Body

Exercises in guided relaxation of various body parts can be not only a nice relaxing experience but also another great and rather simple tool to use daily. To try this principle in a very simple way start by focusing on each body part and consciously relaxing it guiding yourself from feet to your crown. I remind myself often to apply short versions of this exercise while at the office or while studying. It appears to be of great help to re-connect myself with the present moment and presence of my body.

Focused Intention

Aging itself is an intention that your cells are obeying without your control (Chopra, 1993, p. 100). Through my studies of energy work and spiritual healing techniques I had the pleasure of experiencing the focused intention, and truly enjoy continuously practicing with different exercises. In the beginning some of the exercises used to remind me of my childhood and the fevers I would bring about to myself through nothing else but focused intention. As a child I did not understand how the fever appeared in the morning after I “wished” for it the night before in order to avoid going some place that did not appeal to me. Only later, through reading and learning about the focused intention fulfillment, did I understand what was actually happening. It is very important to realize and remind ourselves that we do have ability to control our intentions. It is important to understand and be aware and conscious of our intentions and choices in order to allow the fulfillment through joy, beauty, love, and appreciation.

Noticing and Releasing your Interpretations

Just to realize that you are placing an interpretation on everything, no matter how trivial, is an important step toward freeing yourself from the past (Chopra, 1993, p. 178). There is great freedom in realizing that our reactions are based on our interpretations of everything and then further realizing that it is true with everyone else as well. It is important to also see that others’ interpretations create their viewpoint and their reactions, too. A good beginning point is to approach stressful situations with the intention of diffusing its threat within yourself.

Living in the Now

Your emotions are the most present-centered thing you have (Chopra, 1993, p. 185). Learning the steps to feeling the emotions in the present was one of the most valuable exercises for me personally. Only by fully experiencing and engaging our emotions can we bring them in the present to resolve and release them. There are many practical exercises that provide a very practical way to witness each feeling which is the only way to gain insight from the experience. Forgiveness, release, understanding, and moving above our interpretations are goals worth working towards. It is in that manner that we learn not to give away our personal power.

Being Love

Be reminded often of the difference between being in love and being Love. Thinking and talking about love while also seeking, encouraging and giving love, are some of the most pleasurable parts of life. In a somewhat childish and magical, but yet in a very sincere, truthful and serious way, I really regard Love as the power of the most importance. Linving our daily lives from the center of Love while filled with profound respect and gratitude can truly transform our life experience. The education of love begins in a moment and ends in eternity (Chopra, 1993, p. 334).

Understanding our life experience(s) directly impacts our well being and degree to which we are able to take responsibility for ourselves and our health.

Empowering healing is about leading one to his/her own place of power from where he/she can make wise choices and decisions to create and care for personal wellness.

Thank you for the honor to provide assistance somewhere along the way on your own personal journey of empowerment and creation of personal holistic lifestyle for wellness.

In Health, Abundance, Love and Light,

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

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

References:

Chopra, D. (1993). Ageless body, timeless mind: the quantum alternative to growing old. New York: Three Rivers Press.

Daily Exercise for a Heart-Healthy You

Becki Baumgartner — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:11:52 +0000

by Alana Richardson

Having a great exercise routine does a lot to lower your cholesterol level. Striving to do it daily will yield the best results for you. But because of life’s countless demands, many people find difficulty in doing so. But even with many responsibilities to fulfill, you can still engage in regular exercise.

Getting on Your Feet

If it’s been sometime since you have exercised, it is best to gently get into it. You should not dive into a heavy routine right away. You should try to work out five days every week. If you are too vigorous with your exercise program, you might end up in pain or you might feel a bit burned out. It is also important to speak to your doctor concerning existing health conditions since he is in the best position to recommend the most appropriate exercise program to maintain your good condition. Much like you prioritize time to see the doctor or your dentist, plug exercise into your life’s most important to-dos. To keep yourself from getting bored with the repetitive exercises, make sure you incorporate various activities and movements to keep a healthy mix of active and interesting things in your routine.

Other Important Factors

For as long as your daily chores can get your blood moving and keeps you moving around, it is a good addition to your exercise regimen. Yes, you can count washing your car, raking the garden and vacuuming the living room as exercise, too. There are many ways that you can do exercises in different forms. One good example is taking the stairs – it’s much better as an exercise than riding the elevator. Doing this will help to build up the muscles in your legs and strengthen up your heart. It is also good to tread on the longer routes when you do your daily activities. Stop relying on your car to take you places – put on some running shoes and walk your errands yourself. You can lose a lot of weight and lower your cholesterol when you walk. It helps to park a little bit more further from the store when you take your car with you.

Setting Aside Time

Some people just can’t seem to find the time to fit 30-60 minutes of solid exercise into their daily schedule. You could, on the other hand, break up the workout into ten to fifteen minute chunks of time and you will still achieve results. This method of exercising is proven to be quite effective. Engaging in regular exercise is a great way to lower your cholesterol and strengthen your heart in many fun ways. Throw in the extra benefits you can get from strengthening, weight loss and a stable sense of emotional well-being to discover the great results of it.

About the Author: Alana Richardson writes for low fat low cholesterol diet , her personal hobby blog focused on the preservation of the Italian healthy eating traditions to inform people about the dangers of unhealthy eating habits.

How to Prevent Lower Back Pain

Becki Baumgartner — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:13:35 +0000

by Dr. Mercola

Back pain affects about 8 out of 10 people. But there are many steps you can take to avoid it. One of the best things you can do to prevent back pain is to exercise regularly and keep your back and abdominal muscles strong.

Here are some quick pointers to prevent back problems:

Always stretch before any strenuous physical activity (in fact it would be wise to engage in a regular stretching program like active isolated stretching, which is what I use every day)
Don’t slouch when standing or sitting
Sit in chairs or car seats with good lumbar support
Switch sitting positions often and periodically walk around or gently stretch muscles to relieve tension
Don’t bend over without supporting your back
Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes
Sleep on your side to reduce any curve in your spine, and always sleep on a firm surface
Lift with your legs, keeping your back straight
Try to control your weight
If you smoke, quit; smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate

Also, to keep your spine strong, as with all bones, you need to get enough vitamin D every day.

Source: Live Science March 16, 2010

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:

According to statistics from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), approximately 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time. Fifty percent of all working adults say they have back pain, and it’s one of the most common reasons for missed work.

The ACA also estimates that Americans spend at least $50 billion annually on back pain treatments!

So what causes back pain?

Naturally, accidents and sports injuries can be the cause of the pain, but a number of other factors can contribute to back pain, including:

Poor posture

Obesity

Poor physical conditioning facilitated by inactivity.

Psychological/emotional stress

Internal disease, such as kidney stones, infections, blood clots

Osteoporosis (bone loss)

Here we’ll take a look at several all natural, non-drug, non-surgical remedies for this common problem.

Pain in the Back? Look to the Front!

Many people fail to realize that many times the pain actually originates from the opposite side of where it hurts.

For example, the very act of sitting for long periods of time ends up shortening the iliopsoas muscles that connect from your lumbar region to the top of your femur, at the front.

When these muscles are shortened, it can cause severe pain when you stand up as they will effectively pull your lower back (lumbar) forward. Many people end up going through drastic medical procedures to “fix” this type of pain, or end up taking pain killers for extended periods of time, when in fact it can be easily remedied by massaging the iliopsoas muscle to release it.

(Please note that this type of massage should ONLY be done by a qualified massage therapist, as your vena cava – a large diameter vein – runs nearby. In rare instances, if a person is prone to aneurisms, pushing on the vena cava could cause an aneurism. This massage technique is a deep one, but should be done gently.)

You can also use mild stretching to counteract the shortening of your iliopsoas, especially if you sit for long periods of time every day.

Likewise, having firm abdominal muscles is like having a built-in internal corset that not only holds your gut in, but also stabilizes your spine, vertebrae and discs. Many can completely eliminate their back pain simply by developing stronger abdominal muscles.

Chiropractic as a First Line of Defense for Acute Back Pain

Seeing a qualified chiropractor is certainly a wise option if you suffer from back pain. I am an avid believer in the chiropractic philosophy, which places a strong emphasis on your body’s innate healing wisdom and far less reliance on band-aids like drugs and surgery.

Chiropractic, osteopathic, and naturopathic physicians receive extensive training in the management of musculoskeletal disorders during their course of graduate healthcare training, which typically lasts from 4-6 years.

Due to their comprehensive training in musculoskeletal management, numerous sources of evidence have shown that chiropractic management is much safer, and less expensive, than allopathic medical treatments, particularly for low-back pain.

One such study, published in 1993, found that chiropractic management of low-back pain is superior to allopathic medical management in terms of safety, effectiveness, and cost, concluding:

“There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of LBP (low-back pain) was transferred from medical physicians to chiropractors.”

In addition, researchers have also found that chiropractic adjustments affect the chemistry of biological processes on a cellular level!

What that means is that chiropractic care can affect the basic physiological processes that influence oxidative stress and DNA repair, so in addition to addressing any immediate spinal misalignment that might cause pain, it can also address deeper dysfunction in your body.

Many people do not realize that there’s a whole lot more to chiropractic care than just pushing bones into place. In fact, “vitalism” is a basic foundation of chiropractic philosophy. It’s the recognition that your body has an intrinsic, innate life force that guides and directs your body’s healing process.

I previously published an article on this topic, written by Dr. Ben Lerner, the chiropractor who developed The Center for Maximized Living, and I encourage you to read through it for more information.

But getting back to back pain specifically, a paper published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2007 titled Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Joint Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society concluded the only recommendation for active treatment of acute low back pain in people who do not improve with other self-care options is spinal adjustment.

For chronic or subacute low back pain, they recommend using “intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation, exercise therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, spinal manipulation, yoga, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or progressive relaxation.”

If you need help finding a chiropractor near you, this easy-to-use online resource can help you locate a chiropractor in your area.

This Little-Known Technique Can Work Wonders for Many

If you suffer from back pain and you’ve never heard of neuro-structural integration technique (NST), now’s the time to bone up.

Unlike massage or other manipulations that try to force a change, NST simply “resets” your body to heal itself. The results are profound and lasting, and usually apparent within two or three sessions.

NST is a gentle, non-invasive technique that stimulates your body’s reflexes. Simple movements are done across muscles, nerves and connective tissue, which helps your neuromuscular system to reset all related tension levels, promoting natural healing.

It is completely safe and appropriate for everyone from highly trained athletes, to newborns, pregnant women, and the elderly and infirm.

I will be offering a great NST DVD shortly, which can teach you more about this exciting system. For a more in-depth explanation of NST, please see this previous article written by Michael Nixon Levy who developed the technique.

To find an NST therapist near you, see our NST Therapists Page.

The Psychological Factors of Back Pain

Few people want to be told that their pain is psychological or emotional in origin, but there’s quite a bit of evidence that backs this up. Underlying emotional issues and unresolved trauma can have a massive influence on your health, particularly as it relates to physical pain.

In a 2004 study, 100 patients were followed over the course of four years. None of them had back pain at the onset of the study. The participants instead underwent psychological tests, which were then compared to see which types of people remained pain free and which developed back pain.

Not surprisingly, those who did poorly on the psychological tests were three times more likely to report having experienced back pain by the end of the study.

I certainly believe that your emotional health and your ability to effectively address your stress is an essential component of optimal health, and can have a major influence on whether or not you’re effective in eliminating your pain. And so do many other doctors and scientists from various fields of medicine.

Dr. John Sarno, for example, is a psychiatrist who uses mind-body techniques to treat patients with severe low back pain. His specialty is those who have already had surgery for low back pain and did not get any relief. This is one tough group of patients, yet he has a greater than 80 percent success rate using techniques like the Emotional Freedom Technique/Meridian Tapping Technique (EFT/MTT).

It’s unfortunate that so many people dismiss these types of treatment strategies simply because they seem “too simple to be effective” – just like NST mentioned above. We’ve been indoctrinated to believe that getting well involves radical, often painful treatment, when in most cases the complete opposite is true.

Your body is constantly striving to achieve and maintain equilibrium in all aspects, and oftentimes all it needs to heal is a gentle reminder of what “normal” is.

Massage for Pain and Stress Relief

Massage is yet another simple method that can help ease both pain and anxiety.

Massage releases endorphins, which help induce relaxation, relieve pain, and reduce levels of stress chemicals such as cortisol and noradrenaline — reversing the damaging effects of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood pressure.

Stronger massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and helps your lymphatic system flush away waste products.

It eases tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility.

It is a particularly effective therapy for stress-related tension, which experts believe accounts for as much as 80 to 90 percent of disease.

Final Thoughts

With such successful alternatives available, there are few good reasons to turn to pharmaceutical or surgical band-aids that do nothing to treat the underlying causes of your pain, but might cause additional harm in the process.

Last but certainly not least, as this Live Science article above states; keeping your spine strong also requires sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D. But I don’t agree with the author’s recommendation to get your vitamin D from your diet if you’re unable to get sufficient amounts of sunshine.

Sure, milk and many other foods are fortified with vitamin D, but they’re far from good sources of this essential nutrient. Pasteurized milk and other processed milk products, for example, are detrimental to your health for several reasons, and fortified foods are clearly inferior, if not downright hazardous to your health.

For more information on how to optimize your vitamin D levels, please refer to this previous article.

Positive Thoughts Improve Health

Becki Baumgartner — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:41:20 +0000

by Dr. Mercola

Evidence has been found that suggests a patient’s beliefs and hopes may affect their outcome of prognosis.

One study found that optimism could lower the risk of heart disease in older men, whereas pessimism can increase the disease.

Strong evidence has proven that patients with heart disease who feel hopeless about their condition do worse because they lost faith in themselves.

But whether a person’s attitude can be changed is still an unanswered questioned, a psychologist studying this said. He believes that schools should incorporate a method to teach children about optimism so that no child has to face an illness with a negative attitude. The earlier you teach a person how to handle certain situations, the better they can handle that situation later in life.

However, studies show when it comes to cancer patients, the idea that always being optimistic is important in cancer prognosis has been discredited. In addition, current studies don’t support any link between stress and cancer, and some researchers say there is no evidence that supports the notion that a person’s attitude can help cure cancer.

Source: Time Magazine UK January 27, 2004

The Benefits of Sesame Oil

Becki Baumgartner — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:54:17 +0000

Sesame Oil is a potent antioxidant and the very best natural conditioner for the skin. When you rub it on, it doesn’t stop at the skin the way other oils and creams do. Sesame Oil penetrates to the very marrow of the bone. On the way, it gathers oil soluable toxins and wastes and takes them into the blood stream to be eliminated by the body as waste. It also neutralized oxygen radicals, which are thought to be one of the major causes of aging.

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:

It is significantly more effective than salt in treating dry nasal membranes.
It is effective in targeting bacteria causing gingivitis.
It contains oleic acid, an effective reducer of serum cholesterol.
Ayurveda physicians use it to cure sinusitis and other conditions as nose drops, sniffed back into the sinuses.
It is used as an anti-bacterial throat gargle.
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):

Heat about 1/4 cup of cured oil to just above body temperature.

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.

Massage both the front and back of the neck, and the upper part of the spine.

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.

Use a very gentle, circular motion to massage over the heart and a clockwise circular motion gently over the abdomen.

Massage the back and spine next, being careful not to over stretch.

Massage legs using the same long motion over the leg bones and circular motion over the joints, the same as the arms.

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.

Basic Ayurvedic Massage Oil Formulas

Becki Baumgartner — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:24:39 +0000

By Aedes Venus Genetrix

It is a good idea to sun cure various oils so they can be used immediately for the best benefit. To sun cure: It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 days which enhances the oil’s heating and healing effect.

Note: scents included are not only to nourish or alleviate certain conditions but to address physiological and psychological needs at different stages of life.

Sometimes it is a bit difficult to get colored bottles with corks in the prescribed colors. If this is a problem you can use a clear bottle with any good cap and wrap it in either the appropriate colored cellophane or one thin layer of tissue paper. Someday you will come across an appropriate bottle and corks can be found at places like Michael’s or a gourmet cooking store.

Women

A good general oil that stimulates circulation, warms muscles and ligaments and nourishes and firms the skin:

16 ounces Mustard oil
8 ounces Almond oil
1 tablespoon Wheat Germ oil
2 ounces Sandalwood or Rose oil

Store this nourishing and healing oil in a Green glass bottle. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 days prior to use – but you can make one batch for use immediately and cure the other. It might also be good to double the recipe. This can also be used on children but substitute Sesame oil for the Mustard oil. Daily body massage, self massage, is a good practice to get into, done after a bath is probably the easiest time to do this.

For Infants Under One Month Old

Just a note on this. Infants should be massaged daily with a bit of Almond oil.

Make a soft dough ball from finely ground whole wheat flour and water about the size of a lemon, add a bit of Almond oil while making the ball to make it smooth so it will nourish the baby’s skin – a dash of Turmeric may be added to protect from infection. Dip the ball in a bit of Almond oil then gently roll this lightly lubricated ball over the baby’s skin – the ball is warmed by your hands and becomes very similar to the temperature and texture to the mother’s flesh so it is particularly soothing. I recommend gently rubbing the back first from the shoulders to the buttocks then gently up and down the spine then the legs and feet – at this point you may gather the infant in a dry soft cloth ( s/he won’t be slippery) and cuddle the baby close to you on your lap and massage the front torso, the arms, hands and don’t forget the face.

Note: you may rub the back of the neck but do so very, very gently. Apply to front of the neck only as an application of oil, not as a massage and only one side at a time.

Infants Over One Month Old and Children

Tenderly and gently use your hands paying most of the attention to the spine, back, back of neck, waist and hands and feet to help strengthen these areas. A baby should be massaged daily for the first eighteen months then you may continue every other day however daily massage, as it is in adults, is a good habit to get into. For babies and children over a month use Almond oil in the winter (you may put a tblsp. of Sesame oil to a pint of Almond oil to make it easier to massage with), Coconut oil in the summer and Sesame oil in Spring and Fall.

Men

A good general oil that stimulates circulation, warms muscles and ligaments and nourishes and firms the skin:

16 oz Sesame oil
2 tblsp. Mustard oil

Store this nourishing and healing oil in a Green glass bottle. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 days prior to use – but you can make one batch for use immediately and cure the other. It might also be good to double the recipe. Daily body massage, self massage, is a good practice to get into, done after a bath is probably the easiest time to do this.

Women under 39

16 oz Sesame oil
1 oz Coconut oil
1 tblsp. Wheat Germ oil
1 ½ Sandalwood or Lavender oil

I know that to some Lavender is an “old ladies scent” but it is not used for scent but to temper effects of biological changes and there is just enough to give a slightly pleasantly sweet scent. Store this nourishing and healing oil in a Green glass bottle. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 days prior to use – but you can make one batch for use immediately and cure the other. It might also be good to double the recipe. Daily body massage, self massage, is a good practice to get into, done after a bath is probably the easiest time to do this.

Women between 40 and 50

This is especially designed for changing skin and is a good general oil that stimulates circulation, warms muscles and ligaments and nourishes and firms the skin:

16 oz Olive oil
8 oz Black Sesame oil
8 oz Wheat Germ Oil
1 tblsp Almond oil
1 1/2 tblsp of Sandalwood, Rose or Lavender oil

Store this nourishing and healing oil in a Yellow glass bottle. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 days prior to use – but you can make one batch for use immediately and cure the other. It might also be good to double the recipe. Daily body massage, self massage, is a good practice to get into, done after a bath is probably the easiest time to do this.

Women 50 and Over

Especially designed for ageing skin and is a good general oil that stimulates circulation, warms muscles and ligaments and nourishes and firms the skin:

16 oz Black Sesame oil
8 oz Almond oil
1 tblsp of Coconut oil
1 tblsp of Wheat Germ oil
1 or 2 tblsp of Sandalwood, Rose or Jasmine oil

Store this nourishing and healing oil in Orange or Red glass bottles. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 days prior to use – but you can make one batch for use immediately and cure the other. It might also be good to double the recipe. Daily body massage, self massage, is a good practice to get into, done after a bath is probably the easiest time to do this.

General Winter Oil

This is a great all around oil, warms, nourishes and excellent for dry skin.

8 oz Olive oil
1 tblsp Wheat Germ oil
1 tblsp Almond oil

Store this nourishing and healing oil in colored glass bottles according to age and sex – or green glass for the entire family. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 days prior to use – but you can make one batch for use immediately and cure the other. It might also be good to double the recipe. Daily body massage, self massage, is a good practice to get into, done after a bath is probably the easiest time to do this.

SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

Asthma

4 oz Black Sesame oil
4 oz Mustard oil
1 tsp Eucalyptus oil

Store in a yellow glass bottle. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 days prior to use which enhances the oil’s heating and healing effect. It might also be good to double the recipe. Massage rib cage and chest region.

Headaches

Sandalwood Paste

10 drops of Sandalwood oil
Pinch of organic Camphor
Pinch of Saffron
A drop or two of water if paste gets too thick

Place in a small mortar and pestle and grind until smooth, apply to forehead. Relieves headaches in a few minutes.

Headache Massage Oil

4 oz Black Sesame oil
10 drops of Sandalwood oil
Pinch of organic Camphor

Store in Green glass bottle. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 days prior to use which enhances the oil’s heating and healing effect. It might also be good to double the recipe. Massage in small circular motion with gentle pressure beginning at neck moving up to bony areas at base of skull to sides behind ears and then the scalp moving towards the front. Massage midpoint of forehead “third eye area” with finger while thumbs gently massage temple areas, move fingers to either side of nose adjacent to eyes then move fingers along eyebrow area towards the temple, repeat several times concentrating on the areas od most soreness, then massage entire forehead moving into hairline above ears and forehead – take your time paying attention to the most sore areas. Return to middle of the forehead and massage the bony areas around the eye – eyebrows and top of cheekbones. Move your fingers to the jaw by the ears and massage. Massage cheeks, around the lips, lips, the chin and the jawline. Relax.

Neck and Shoulder (also Excellent for Arthritis)

4 oz Olive oil
4 oz Mustard oil
1 tsp Turmeric powder
1 tsp Fenugreek oil
2/3 tsp (40 drops) Wintergreen
2/3 tsp (40 drops) Mint
2/3 tsp (40 drops) Eucalyptus

Store in Yellow glass bottle. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 prior to use which enhances the oil’s heating and healing effect. It might also be good to double the recipe.

Rheumatism

4 oz Mustard oil
4 oz Black Sesame oil
1 oz Fenugreek oil

Store in Blue glass bottle, although yellow and green may also be used. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in and open area at night for 40 days prior to use which enhances the oil’s heating and healing effect. It might also be good to double the recipe. Massage into affected areas. Rheumatism is best also treated internally in addition to externally. Garlic, Fenugreek, Castor oil and Ginger tea should be included daily in the diet.

Improve Memory and Brain Function

The best oil for this is Brahmi oil and it can be bought at any India grocery. Store in a green, yellow or orange glass bottle all of which are good for memory; however a Clear glass bottle is also good as it absorbs the full range of color frequencies. You do not need to cure this as it already has been cured.

Poor Circulation

16 oz Mustard oil
4 oz Olive oil
1 tblsp Eucalyptus oil
1 tblsp Wintergreen oil

Store in a Clear glass bottle as it absorbs the full range of color frequencies. It is best if you sit the oil in the sun to cure during the day and in an open area at night for 40 days prior to use which enhances the oil’s healing and heating effect. It might also be good to double the recipe. This helps improve poor circulation and circulation into numb areas.

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Herbs that Support Your Heart: Make your own Cardio Support Tincture

Daniela Sales, Holistic Lifestyle Teacher and Consultant — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:04:26 +0000

by Daniela Sales

Mother Nature has blessed us with many wonderful gifts. Herbs that offer food and support to our heart and cardiovascular system are one of those blessings. Below you will find details on one of our favorite herbal tinctures that has been used successfully by many of our friends and family members. We trust that you will find great use for the recipe yourself and would love to hear your thoughts and experiences if you would like to share them.

Tincture Ingredients: Hawthorne Berry, Garlic Bulb, Cayenne Pepper, Red Clover Blossom, Cactus Grandiflorus Stem and Flower, Motherwort Herb, Valerian, Ginger Root, Turmeric, Kelp Flakes

Herbs’ Properties and Actions within the Body

This blend may also serve as help with balancing high blood pressure in case that the condistion is being caused or worsened by effects of stress, increased serum levels of cholesterol, athero- or arteriosclerosis, anxiety, worry, and/or obesity. Herbs chosen for this formula offer benefits and help with one or more of these causes.

Herb Properties

Hawthorne Berry has anti-spasmodic, sedative, and soothing properties. It can be of great help in treatment of high or low blood pressure, arrhythmia, and nervous insomnia.

It has also been found to help remove cholesterol along with relieving hypertension. Hawthorn Berry provides nutritive support to the heart and circulatory system by helping

address damage of atherosclerosis. According to Mowrey (1986), hawthorn berry helps lower the blood pressure and reduce burden placed on the heart through peripheral vasodilation (p.137).

Garlic Bulb has long been known to help bring down high blood pressure but it also has beneficial effects on the course of heart disease resulting from atherosclerosis.

Garlic also helps block biosynthesis of cholesterol which helps bring down serum levels of cholesterol. It also helps expand vessel walls adding to its hypotensive activity.

Cayenne Pepper is a powerful stimulant that has been used internally to help equalize the blood pressure and insure that the internal functions remain stabilized. According to

Mowrey (1986), Cayenne helps regulate cholesterol levels, provides nutritive support to the heart and circulatory system which is what we want when faced with hypertension and results of atherosclerosis (p. 12). There is also analysis of Capsicum Annuum which found that it contains the most natural Vitamin E of all edible plants which is in a very stable form. This herb also has a very significant amount of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) naturally balanced with Vitamin E which could be of significant importance for its regenerative and healing effects on the heart (http://www.herballegacy.com).

Red Clover Blossom is relaxant, expectorant, diuretic and blood cleansing. It also appears to help reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and reduce the buildup of plaque that causes heart disease (Mt Rose, 2008).

Cactus Grandiflorus has been known for centuries as an excellent heart and nerve tonic which does not contain cardiac glycosides (Smith, 2008). It helps in cases of cardiac weakness, poor circulation, and fear.

Motherwort Herb is a cardiac tonic shown to be hypotensive, sedative and antispasmodic. It helps calm palpitations and normalizes heart function in general. Ancient recipes use it for relief of anxiety as it has sedative properties pacifying to the nervous system (Mowrey, 1986).

Valerian has sedative, anticonvulsive, hypotensive, tranquilizing, and anti-aggressive properties. It helps suppress and regulate the autonomic nervous system. It is also useful in cases of headaches, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, menstrual problems, nervous stomach, and hysteria (Mt Rose, 2008).

Ginger Root has powerful stimulating effects that can increase overall circulation. It also helps reduce serum cholesterol levels and has been shown as a good cardio tonic in several studies (Mowrey, 1986).

Turmeric is known as main anti-inflammatory in Ayureveda, but it also has antioxidants that help fight atherosclerosis and curcumin which helps prevent hardening of the arteries in people with diabetes. Like garlic, turmeric has a long list of medicinal properties in addition to those mentioned here (Mt Rose, 2008).

Kelp, according to Mowrey (1986.), has nutritive, antibiotic and hypotensive properties, of which the hypotensive property is the most important in this formula (p. 139).

Possibility of side effects

Because of possible interactions of Red clover blossom it is advised to avoid this formula when using blood thinning medication. Because of possible interactions of Motherwort herb it would be best to consult a physician when person is using heart medication. Not recommended to use during pregnancy.

Method of preparation and delivery

Put all herbs into a blender. Add enough 100 proof vodka to cover the herb material. Blend for 1 minute. Pour your mixture into a glass jar and screw the lid on.

Keep the jar in dark cool place and shake every day two to three times. After 14 days, strain the liquid and pour into brown glass bottle with a dropper.

8 Parts Hawthorne Berry + 4 Part Garlic Bulb + 1 Part Cayenne Pepper + 1 Part Red Clover Blossom + 1 Part Cactus Grandiflorus Stem and Flower + 1 Part Motherwort Herb + 1 Part Valerian + 1 Part of Ginger Root + 1 Part of Turmeric + 1/4 Part Kelp Flakes.

Note: This tincture can be ordered at http://bodyandmindstl.com/specialoffer.html under the name Cardio Support Tonic. We hope you will try the recipe yourself, but if for some reason you would rather have it prepared for you it can also be ordered at http://www.bodyandmindstl.com/store/products/Cardio_Support_Tonic-23-0.html

Tincturing in the above described manner offers a process very similar to folk method described by James Greene, but one that is simple and easy enough for beginner herbalist to make at home. This method of preparation accomodates for more people to have access to the formula in regards to costs and accessibility. Tincture formulation is chosen to accommodate for intake of high enough concentration in a convenient and highly absorbable liquid form. Like most herbal tinctures daily intake is suggested for best results.

It is my hope that this recipe will inspire you to try preparing your own herbal formula – whether 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 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.

References:

Dr Christopher’s Herbal Legacy. (2004). Cayenne as Medicine and Current Findings. Retrieved June 03, 2008, from http://www.herballegacy.com/Medical_&_Findings.html

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

HerbalEd.org (2002). Single Herb Extracts – Cactus Grandiflorus. Retrieved June 08, 2008, from http://www.herbaled.org/THM/Singles/cactus.html

Mountain Rose Herbs Inc. (2000). Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs and Spices. Retrieved June 08, 2008, from http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn

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

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THE WELLNESS WORKBOOK: HOW TO ACHIEVE ENDURING HEALTH AND VITALITY by John W. Travis, M.D.

Order the book, WELLNESS WORKBOOK: HOW TO ACHIEVE ENDURING HEALTH AND VITALITY by John W. Travis, M.D. :

Why Haven’t Pet Owners Been Told These Facts about Heartworm?

Sources:

Dr. Becker’s Comments:

What’s Wrong with This Picture?

How Heartworm Disease Happens

Assessing Your Dog’s Risk

First Things first

Safe and Sane Heartworm Prevention

Creating Personal Wellness Every Day

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Concepts of Quantum Living in Practice

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Daily Exercise for a Heart-Healthy You

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How to Prevent Lower Back Pain

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:

Pain in the Back? Look to the Front!

Chiropractic as a First Line of Defense for Acute Back Pain

This Little-Known Technique Can Work Wonders for Many

The Psychological Factors of Back Pain

Massage for Pain and Stress Relief

Final Thoughts

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Positive Thoughts Improve Health

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The Benefits of Sesame Oil

Basic Ayurvedic Massage Oil Formulas

Herbs that Support Your Heart: Make your own Cardio Support Tincture