M.I.A.

So sorry I have been “missing in action” the past several weeks. It’s not that I haven’t been up to much; I just lacked the inspiration to post. Thank you to those who sent encouraging notes, you made me feel loved!

I had a fabulous time with my BFF Deborah at the Natural Products Expo West two weeks ago at the Anaheim Convention Center. We always have a great time exploring all the new products out there, and of course we had to check out the food section where there are always plenty of samples to try out. Our focus was Natural health and beauty products, and I was surprised that this section of the convention was half of what it was last year. Our great economy strikes again.
We sat in on an interesting lecture on Amazon Botanicals given by Chris Kilham-Medicine Hunter. One botanical that I was really excited about was Cat’s Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa) which is thought to be one of the greatest of Amazon medicines. It’s anti-inflammatory, immune enhancing, tumor-inhibitor and is used for pain, asthma, allergies, ulcers, inflammatory disorders, arthritis, rheumatism, tumors and as a cleanser. Having a sister with both fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, I can really see the potential for this plant. It comes as a capsule, tea or extracts. Chris Kilham was VERY passionate about sustainable and responsible extraction of botanicals and helping the indigenous people, I was truly inspired!

Herb use for the Flu

With more and more people falling ill with the swine flu, it makes sense to work on boosting the immune system to help fight off the virus if we unfortunately come in contact with it. The following are some natural and herbal remedies that may help.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been found to help the immune system to successfully defeat viruses of all kinds.

Elderberry syrup
Extract of elderberry (sambucol) has been found to fight the standard strains of influenza. It has been shown to reduce the duration of flues and colds by several days.

Other items that may help fight off those nasty viruses are selenium, Echinacea, goldenseal, zinc, and vitamin C.

Information gathered from ACHS

Photo Credit: Liamfm .

Essential Oils to support Immunity this fall

Fall is almost here and along with that and school starting up, cold and flu season will be upon us full force. With that in mind, there is a natural way to bolster you immune system that is quick and easy and, by jolly, smells good to boot.

Essential Oils of cinnamon, clove bud and eucalyptus are a great combination to help your body naturally support your immune system to ward off those nasty bugs.

* Cinnamon has a warm aroma and has antibacterial, antiviral and respiratory support properties.
* Clove Bud has a rich, spicy aroma with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
* Eucalyptus has an invigorating and fresh aroma with respiratory support and anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Suggested use:*
Bath: *It is always recommended to do a skin patch test before use to ensure there is no sensitivity issues with each of the oils to be used on the skin.
Cinnamon essential oil: 1-2 drops into the bath or carrier oil
Clove essential oil: 1 drop into the bath
Eucalyptus essential oil: 1-2 drops into the bath.

Diffuser/Nebulizer: same ratio of essential oils.

Information gathered from Apothecary Shoppe.

Photo credit: fotostreem

Skin Care

With winter weather comes itchy skin for me. My hands look like old alligator skin - yuk! And it's just not comfortable. Here's my remedy for winter skin:

Jojoba Oil

This natural oil is a miracle worker! It is the most similar to human sebum (skin oil) and it moisturizes and protects better than any commercial product I've tried. Jojoba oil doesn't evaporate like water based products do, and it's stable, meaning that it doesn't break down or become rancid like most other oils. You can use it as a cleanser, moisturizer, hair conditioner, it reduces wrinkles and stretch marks, it lightens and helps heal scars, treats acne, cold sores and skin diseases such as psoriasis. It's not an eye irritant and non allergenic. See, it is a miracle worker!

I keep a bottle of it in the bathroom and after I shower I slather it on. At times I have put several drops of my favorite essential oils in the bottle (making sure that it isn't a skin irritant) such as lavender. Lavender itself has great healing properties, plus it's one of my favorite scents! Please be certain that if you purchase jojoba oil that it be pure, without any additives and organic is a plus as well. The oil does permeate your skin, so if you wouldn't eat it ... please don't put it on your skin!

Do you have any special treatments you use during the winter season?