January 16, 2010
What is Calendula Calendula is an annual plant that thrives in almost any soil but can typically be found in Europe, Western Asia, and the United States. It belongs to the same family as daisies, chrysanthemums, and ragweed. Its branching stems grow to a height of 30 – 60 cm, and it blooms from early spring until frost. The orange-yellow petals of the flowerheads are used medicinally. Calendula is known by its botanical name as: Calendula officinalis. It belongs to the Asteraceae (Daisies) family and is known by common names such as: Garden marigold, Poet’s marigold, Pot marigold and others. Calendula is probably one of the most useful of all medicinal herbs. It has valuable medicinal properties and can be used as a culinary herb and for skin care and cosmetic purposes. Applications in traditional medicine include: Eczema Gastritis Minor burns (including sunburn) Wound healing Other indications include: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing, and soothing. Infusion of the petals used as lotion for skin cleansing and softening. Taken internally for poor circulation, varicose veins, ulcers, colitis, stomach cramps; also, headaches, toothache, ague, and skin problems. Said to strengthen and comfort the heart and aid in digestion. For external use, an oil is made from the flowers for skin problems and sunburn; used in ointment form to heal acne and fade old scars and for external sores, cuts, bruises, burns and rashes. Usually combined with chamomile and comfrey for a soothing ointment in cases of skin problems, burns, cuts, insect bites, stings and bruises. An infusion from the leaves is used for tired swollen feet. Flowers used in infusion form as a wash for red eye. Where does Calendula come from Calendula is native to Southern Europe around the Mediterranean Sea. It has been used by ancient Greeks, and was known to Indian and Arabic cultures before the Greeks. The botanical name comes from the Latin clandulae or calends meaning ‘throughout the months’, which was intended to emphasize the very long flowering period of the Marigold. What are the properties in Calendula Calendula is a well-known antiseptic and wound healer. It reduces swellings and bruises, relieves and heals effects of stings and bites and infected sites. The use of Calendula in natural skin care products is similar to that of Arnica, but it has a much gentler action and the additional benefit of wound healing. It can be used on all skin types and in all conditions. Its traditional uses include: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-septic, Wound healing. Known active constituents The petals and pollen contain triterpenoid esters (an anti-inflammatory) and the carotenoids flavoxanthin and auroxanthin (antioxidants, and the source of the yellow-orange coloration). The leaves and stems contain other carotenoids, mostly lutein (80%) and zeaxanthin (5%), and beta-carotene. Plant extracts are also widely used by cosmetics, presumably due to presence of compounds such as saponins, resins and essential oils. Calendula officinalis is used for the treatment of skin disorders and pain, and as a bactericide, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Use of Calendula in natural skin care products Calendula contains high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals. As a result of it is a preferred ingredient in natural anti-aging skin care products and moisturisers formulated for dry, sensitive and damaged skin. Researchers are not sure what active ingredients in calendula are responsible for its healing properties, but it appears to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects in addition to the beneficial effects from the antioxidants. Calendula is often used in natural skincare products that address sensitive, dry, irritable skin as seen in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and similar skin problems.
January 14, 2010
For many people, selecting the particular soap you apply on the skin will not be an important everyday decision. But if you think about it, you will find out how it should be.
Choosing a good soap that will be able to clean, pamper and renew our skin, is mild and gentle, and smells good altogether may be a little tough. However, if you invest time to do so will surely be worth it in the end.
The skin is undoubtedly precious to us, in more ways than one. One of the best ways for us to maintain it and keep it most healthy is to use only the soap that it truly deserves. It is only in using pure natural soap that our give our skin the opportunity to have the best nutrients and ingredients.
You can try reading labels of ordinary soap bars found in your favorite beauty shop or supermarket. Can you even understand what these strange sounding ingredients are and why they were put there? Chances are, you don’t. But you may have an inkling that most of these ingredients are not natural, and that might be a big probability that they will be harsh on the skin.
Lathering pure natural soap is surely luxurious on your skin. It can enrich and pamper the skin in the best way, containing only the best vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
There are a wide number of natural soap recipes widely available. This includes organic soap recipes made out of goat’s milk, citrus to lemongrass, brown sugar to honey and shea butter to olive oil. These contain very important nutrients, enzymes and amino acids which are all able to enhance the skin. These components are also very gentle not only on the skin, but on the environment at the same time.
Pure natural soap is free from harmful chemicals and possible even toxins which can quicken aging. With natural soap, you can enrich and revitalize your skin and slow down the process of aging. Homemade soaps can also prevent the occurrences of dark spots and skin thickening. It may also aid in collagen fiber reconstruction, retention of moisture and in keeping skin elasticity.
Making organic soaps have now been made easiest and most convenient. The process is not very time consuming or tedious. You can even use tools, equipment and ingredients that you can find at the kitchen.
There is no better time than now to start properly nourishing your skin by using pure organic soap . This may not be one of our important everyday decisions. However, choosing to go natural might just be one of the right decisions you will ever make now.
January 14, 2010
In these dark, cold days of August (isn’t it hard to believe it is summer?) tiny golden suns adorn our herb-garden at Herbal Tinctures Supplies. They bring a joyful blaze to the garden, and I am always amazed at how versatile these commonly-seen flowers are.
Marigold (Calendula Officinalis) is one of the most wonderful, and probably underestimated herbal remedies available . Skin inflammation, bruising, strains, cuts and wounds,minor burns and scalds,skin ulcers, all are healed safely and quickly with Marigold flower ointment or lotion, or, in the case of muscle-strains, with warm herbal poltices. For internal use, Marigold, taken as a tea or herbal tincture has excellent results with duodenal or gastric ulcers,indigestion, (if the stomach is very sensitive, a tea may be gentler to take than an alcohol-based tincture, or if a tincture is preferred, it is easy to ‘take the edge off’ the small amount of alcohol by adding the dose to a herbal tea, for example, peppermint, spearmint or camomile)
Marigold is also classed as a ‘cholagogue’. That means it stimulates the secretion of bile from the gall-bladder (which can have great beneficial effect in gall-bladder complaints .) And as a result, is mildly laxative, which aids detoxification of the whole system, gently and without side-effect.
It is known as an ‘emmenagogue’ (this means it tones the womb, and can help normalize menstrual irregularities.) n.b. please be careful when taking herbal remedies during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek professional advice.
And, most interesting of all, Marigold has anti-fungal properties, so is the herb which is most useful in cases of Thrush or Candida albicans . Taken internally, as a tea or tincture three times a day, it will help tremendously to banish fungal infections. For Vaginal Thrush , a douche made with a herbal infusion of Marigold is a natural way to help clear this uncomfortable problem.(1-2 teaspoonfuls to 1 cup of boiling water:steep 15 minutes: allow to cool to body temperature.)
It tastes quite bitter as a tea, but apparently the bitter taste affects a certain nervous system response which actually helps the herb to work! (Or that’s what we’re told in order for us to take our medicine!) As a tincture, it is much easier and more convenient to take.
Marigold contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which according to a study published in The American Journal of Nutrition, have a role in the prevention of degenerative eye problems, such as Cataracts and Macular Degeneration. It has also been discovered that Lutein lowers the incidence of Mammary Tumours (as a result of a study of laboratory mice.)
Wow! What a flower!
January 14, 2010
It wasn’t until 1873 when toothpaste – now packaged in a jar – was mass-produced. The modern toothpaste tube was invented in 1892 by Dr. Washington Sheffield of Connecticut and was first used in his product called “Dr. Sheffield’s Crème Dentifrice.” He got the idea after his son traveled to Paris and saw painters using paint from tubes. By the 1900s, toothpastes made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda emerged but tooth powders continued to be used until World War I. Strangely, charcoal remained a popular teeth cleaning ingredient. Fluoride was first added to toothpaste in 1914 but it was criticized by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1937. In the 1950s, ADA changed its position and granted its seal of approval to fluoride toothpastes. The first brand to receive this honor was Procter & Gamble’s Crest toothpaste in 1955. “Toothpaste comes in a variety of colorings, and flavors. The more usual flavorings are some variation on mint (spearmint, peppermint, regular mint, etc). Other more exotic flavors include: anise, apricot, bubblegum, cinnamon, fennel, neem, ginger, vanilla, lemon, orange and pine. More unusual are flavors include peanut butter, iced tea, and even whisky. Unflavored toothpaste does exist; however, most are flavored and sweetened. Because sugar promotes the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay, artificial sweeteners are generally used instead,” said the editors of Wikipedia. Bourbon and scotch whiskey flavored toothpastes appeared in Ohio in 1954 and contained real alcohol. They were invented by Don Poynter who had to take out a $10,000 bank loan to manufacture these products. Although the loan almost cost him his life, Poynter became famous and his novelty product became a best seller. Other varieties manufactured by Neiman-Marcus in Dallas, Texas include champagne, Chablis, burgundy, Irish crème and peppermint schnapps flavored toothpastes. For chocolate lovers, Regione Piemonte of Italy has a Hazelnut Chocolate Toothpaste that comes with a toothbrush and eight chocolates. While the idea of brushing with chocolate sounds appetizing, I doubt if it will help prevent cavities. Promising to “put some flavor in your life”, Breath Palette of Japan has these exotic flavors: tropical pineapple, green tea, monkey banana, honey, kiwi fruit, cafe au lait, plum, vanilla, Indo curry, strawberry, California orange, white peach, Darjeeling tea, lemon tea, bitter chocolate, blueberry, caramel, L’Espresso, grapefruit, pumpkin pudding, cola, fresh yogurt, lavender, sweet salt, Fuji apple, Kyoto style tea, Japanese plum and grape. As you can see, today’s toothpastes aren’t as bad-tasting as the ones our forefathers relied on. Although modern toothpastes are generally safe, they are not intended to be swallowed. Fluoride is toxic in large doses and excessive amounts can cause fluorosis in children which is characterized by black and brown stains as well as cracking of the teeth. This usually occurs between the ages of three months to eight years. “This is why young children should not use fluoride toothpaste except under close supervision. There are several non-fluoride toothpaste options available in the market for those who choose not to use fluoride. Natural toothpaste can contain peppermint oil, myrrh, plant extract (strawberry extract), special oils and cleansing agents,” said the editors of Wikipedia. To complement your beautiful smile, use the Rejuvinol AM/PM Botox Alternative Age-Defying System to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. For more information, go to http://www.rejuvinol.com.
January 14, 2010
Buying skin care cream without a real list of ingredients is kind of scary. How do you know what’s really in that expensive skin care moisturizer cream? How do you know that it won’t cause redness, irritation or a rash? Without spending hours researching proprietary names and chemical ingredients, there is only so much that you can do, unless the manufacturer fully discloses all of the ingredients in their skin care cream. But, sometimes, there are some clues on the label, particularly when it comes to directions for use or warning labels. If you are warned not to use the skin care moisturizer cream on broken skin…if you are warned about redness or rashes…if you are warned to contact a poison control center in case of accidental ingestion…those are clues. Those warnings indicate that the product you are about to buy contains known toxins, allergens, irritants, poisons or all of the above. When you consider that your primary goal should be to improve your skin’s health, as well as your appearance, you know that these are things to avoid. If they are not good for the health of your inner body, how could they be good for the health of your outer body? Luckily, there is at least one company that has created a safe and natural formula, one that is good for your skin’s health and delays the signs of aging. Actually, according to clinical studies, it even reverses the signs of aging. How can a skin care moisturizer cream do so much? Let me tell you a little bit about what your skin’s cells need to reproduce, repair and regenerate. All of the cells of your body need amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin and keratin. Without adequate dietary intake, your body cannot produce new cells. It has been shown that applying amino acid complexes directly to your face or body, increases the amount of soluble collagen and the number of new cells present in the skin. So, first of all, an effective skin care cream should contain amino acid complexes. Carbohydrates are necessary to form the bonds that hold the cells together. Typically, you get enough from your diet, although the best skin care moisturizer cream contains small amounts of plant-based sugar-like substances. Fatty acids are the primary component of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. Grape seed, avocado, olive and jojoba oils are ingredients that provide those necessary essential fatty acids. They are quickly absorbed, because their composition is very similar to that of sebum. Vitamin E is an important component of any skin care cream, but vitamin A and C are also important to the skin’s health. The oils mentioned above contain each of these vitamins. Another important ingredient for a skin care moisturizer cream is kelp or algae, because of its vitamin and mineral content. When all of these nutrients are included in a properly formulated skin care cream, people see a difference in their adramatic appearance. You can, too!
December 13, 2009
Natural health is one way to help make improvements to your life. It is never late to start making those life improvements to your lifestyle. These changes will make you feel better inside as well as looking better on the outside.
Everyone aims to be healthy; it is a natural body urge. Your body seeks the best possible level of health, where it can perform all of its functions efficiently.
If you are healthy, then it will be easier for your body to eliminate any germs or viruses that will inevitably try and attack you on the inside.
Natural health is one of the best ways to keep your body going and to keep it in good working shape. Your body will crave natural health or natural help from natural supplements.
Rather then taking some form of drug that will eliminate your illness, but severely batter your body in the process, you should instead seek a healthy alternative to bypass the forced chemical reaction you will get with traditional medicine–and instead facilitate your body’s healing at its own pace.
In general, however, these natural supplements will not instantly eliminate all of your symptoms, as chemical medicines do; instead, they will facilitate the healing process and at the same time infuse you with essential vitamins to fortify your body against future attacks.
These tablets are not just vitamins but other minerals that your body needs to help you stay healthy and make life improvements to your body. These medicines generally include iron, zinc, and calcium.
These tablets will help you make life improvements if you can’t get enough of these minerals or supplements into your body in one day. The daily limit is a guideline for the average person; and to keep within those limits will help you
December 13, 2009
Natural health is timeless. It will never date. It will always be relevant, despite what the media tells you about ‘new’, ‘improved’, ‘scientific’ and all the other gimmicky words that are only employed to impress you enough to buy something. And, happily, natural health is currently enjoying the comeback it deserves. To enjoy it, there are at least three really important aspects to address. The first is your diet. There’s a saying that a quarter of what you eat keeps you alive. Three quarters of what you eat keeps your doctor alive. So if you eat a typical western diet of fast foods, canned drinks and sweets or chocolate, you know you’re heading for disaster. A natural diet consists of lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, preferably raw. Raw isn’t essential, but will take you that extra mile. As long as at least 30% is raw, you’ll do all right. By raw I mean unpasteurised, unheated in any way, un-radiated, unadulterated. Just fresh produce recently harvested. So fresh produce should be the bulk of your diet. If you can’t see yourself eating a lot of fresh produce, then I suggest you invest in a food dehydrator. That dries fresh food without losing the nutrients in them. Have you ever tried dried strawberries? They are absolutely delicious. I’m sure you’ll enjoy making your own un-sundried tomatoes, too. And try foods you haven’t tried before. My neighbour has never tried avocado and yet they could grow in her back yard. Be adventurous! The next biggest food group is the nuts, seeds, rice, oats and yoghurt Then come eggs, bread, wheat, cereal, fish, chicken, chocolate. Then comes the red meat. Lastly comes artificial sweeteners. My suggestion is to avoid these altogether. This diet follows the 80/20 principle. Eat 80% alkalising foods (fruit, veggies, whole foods) and only 20% acid food (meat, sugar, processed foods such as white bread, white pasta, white rice, sweets). If you maintain this diet, it’s amazing what ailments won’t affect you. Make sure 100% of what you eat goes into keeping you healthy, not just alive. And let the doctors starve! Another really important aspect of natural health is your health care modality. Obviously that’s going to be a natural one. Which you choose is a very personal matter. But I suggest you remain open and honour your feelings. Your feelings will always take you in the right direction. I have long since learnt the folly of following my head over my feelings. It never works! With evidence now suggesting a link between taking antibiotics and cancer, your choice of a natural health care system will ensure as healthy a body as you can get. All drugs and medication have a knock-on effect with your health. That’s why it becomes a slippery slope – you suddenly find you’re on a myriad of drugs, with one countering another’s side effects. The last important point of natural health, is keeping your environment healthy. This will almost guarantee you a healthy body. This means your home really is your castle, your sanctuary. Make sure you create a peaceful and happy home. Work on areas that aren’t. Don’t put up with them. It may be your upbringing that makes you a negative person. It may be you are living with people who don’t support you. List those things that aren’t nurturing you and decide what to do about them. Time spent with animals is invariably calming, as is time spent in nature. Visit the park regularly. Walk on the beach. Watch a thunderstorm. Make sure you have, even if short, time for yourself every day. And use it to recharge your batteries – whether it’s gardening, sun-bathing or walking your dog. Just make sure it benefits you. That without it, you’re more volatile, have less energy or just don’t cope as well. Many people think they can’t have time out for themselves as they have too much to do. This is not how it works. The more you stress, the less you accomplish. The less you stress, the more you accomplish and in less time. Natural health is really all about you being in control of you. You create your life. So why not make it as fun, as joyful as possible? You are important. If you’re joyful, it will rub off on others. Maybe subscribe to a natural health magazine as that will not only help keep you on track, but will also provide you with useful hints and tips. And lastly, don’t forget that people will readily mock you, with your new found natural health
December 11, 2009
Since the ancient times the health benefits of olive oil have been widely recognized in Mediterranean countries. Doctors like the Greek Hippocrates and Pedanius Dioscoride were the first to highlight the beneficial effects of olive oil. However, Galeno, who lived in the II century AD at Marco Aurelius court, was the first to write a book on medical remedies, in which olive oil was the main ingredient for many preparations. In ancient and popular medicine, olive oil has always been considered good to help relieve stomach disorders, to fight pain of various origins, to relieve itching and inflammation due to insect bytes etc. Modern research has confirmed the therapeutic properties of olive oil and, in particular, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Olives are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) and they are a good source of vitamin E. Monounsaturated fatty acids are more stable than polyunsaturated fats, and therefore their presence makes the cellular membranes more stable themselves against the action of free radicals. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that helps neutralising free radicals. In addition, olives are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, phytonutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its antioxidant compounds, olives and olive oil help the body protect itself against heart disease, colon cancer and other types of cancer. Olive oil’s anti-inflammatory effects help reduce the severity of symptoms of diseases such as asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Olives varieties are also called ‘cultivar’. There is a huge range of olives varieties or cultivar in the world, originating from different Mediterranean countries. Different varieties of olives give oils with different flavours and colours; also, some cultivar are better for oil and not all of the olive varieties produce olives that can be eaten, some of them are only good to make oil. Each olive cultivar has its preferences in terms of soil and climatic conditions, thus different varieties of olive trees grow better in some places rather than others and bear fruit in different times of the year. The fact that some olives are green and some black, depends only on how ripe the olive was when it was picked: the darker the olive, the riper it is. In this page we highlight only some of the most common olive varieties or cultivar. Frantoio olives – Where it grows: Areas around Rome including Tuscany and central regions of Italy. Characteristics of the olive: the fruit is big (it weighs about 2gr) and when it is ripe it becomes red/purple. Type of oil: very high quality olive oil, fruity and aromatic. Is this a table olive: no Moraiolo olives – Where it grows: Tuscany, Umbria, Mediterranean. Characteristics of the olive: the olive is small and round and it is black when ripe. Type of oil: very good quality olive oil, fruity, green colour Nocellara belice olives – Where it grows: on the Mediterranean islands. Characteristics of the olive: the olive is big (it can weigh up to 7gr). Type of oil: fruity and light. Is this a table olive: yes. Manzilla olives – Where it grows: Spain (Andalusia) and Italy. Characteristics of the olive: big fruit, it can weigh between 4 and 6 grams. Is this a table olive: yes, this is the most common olive in brine found in the supermarkets. Kalamata olives – Where it grows: Greece. Characteristics of the olive: the fruit is oval and long. Is this a table olive: yes. Carolea olives – Where it grows: Calabria (in the south of Italy). Characteristics of the olive: big olive, it weighs about 5-6 grams. Type of oil: medium fruity, golden colour. Is this a table olive: yes. Coratina olives – Where it grows: Puglia and southern Italy. Characteristics of the olive: big and oval olive, it becomes black late. Type of oil: fruity, intense and spicy. Is this a table olive: yes.
December 10, 2009
Yoga is not a recent practice. It is a practice which through time, has developed and increased in significance and appeal worldwide. The rationale behind the appeal is greatly to do with the physical and psychological benefits experienced when integrating yoga into one’s daily schedule. Yoga can be viewed as a breath of fresh air in this fast paced lifestyle that we live in. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and means “to integrate”. Yoga promotes a harmonious working together of the body’s components leading to both physical and mental training. Despite the fact that there are numerous forms of yoga; Hatha Yoga is still presently seen as one of the more commonly practiced yoga styles. Hatha Yoga consists of non strenuous physical exercise which aids in strengthening, stretching and balancing the body’s joints. Regular breathing is performed at the same time which aids in providing oxygen to the muscles, and in turn positively affects bodily structures and organs. The awareness required during yoga practice, ensures that mind and body have to work together to create a mind-body harmony which in turn promotes healing. Yoga will not be a quick fix for all your aches, worries and pains. However, with regular yoga practice your body will rebalance slowly and steadily, leaving you discovering the results for yourself. Physical benefits which you can anticipate are improved efficiency of the lungs, better use of your respiratory muscles, improved flexibility of the joints, improved coordination and muscle tone, maintenance of bone density, reduced risk of injury as well as the prevention of weight gain. Psychological benefits can also include an increase in self-confidence, decreased cravings for tobacco and food, better sleep, an increased ability to relax, improved concentration as well as a reduced likelihood of depression. Yoga differentiates itself from other exercises as it draws on the entire person as a whole. Half an hour of yoga a day, or 15 minutes of yoga twice a day, can easily be incorporated into any daily schedule. Some breathing techniques can even be practiced while working or driving home after a long day. A short routine for those of you spending hours staring at a computer screen is to take a few moments every day to glance at a distant object. This allows your eyes a moments rest from glare and a change of focus. Look left and right, up and down at least 5 times, blink at least 8 times to moisten your eyes and if it is at all possible, rest your elbows on a comfortable surface and close your eyes whilst covering them with the palm of your hands. If you can incorporate this with or without some breathing exercises, you will already be on the way to a healthier and possibly more focused lifestyle. Baby steps everyone…no one expects you to transform overnight.
Find spas and more wellness related information at: http://healthspaguru.com
December 10, 2009
All we know well that herbal nutrients are required to support healthy metabolism and maintain functions of our body. Available data indicate that many more vitamins and vitamin-like nutrients are yet to be discovered in herbs today. That is why herbal medicines were used for thousand years to fight diseases and improve body functions. Herbal nutrients have been shown to help heal many maladies, improve general health and specific pathological conditions. Herbs can help fight disease and premature aging, maintain sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle.
Alternative health professionals is a NZ based online shop, offering you the largest range of natural health products, including vitamin supplements. We also offer natural beauty products, herbal medicines and remedies.
At Alternative health professionals you will find information on alternative treatments for mind body and soul within our articles section, and in our online store, you will find naturally good products from aromatherapy supplies to herbal balms and lanolin skincare.
Our all natural herbal supplements are obtained from the herbs proven to be the richest natural sources of specific essential nutrients and are provided in the formulation optimal for assimilation by the body. Herbal antioxidants and essential unsaturated oils are not produced by the body but are required for multiple body functions and promote immunity to keep away diseases.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy are extracted from many parts of the aromatic plant: leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, roots, barks, fruits and resins. The oils are a concentrated form of plant energy possessing the qualities of the particular plant, and are usually many times more potent than the comparable dried herbs.
Now a days mostly people face skin problem. All we have different kind of skin so the treatment must be different. We help you to get the best herbal treatment for your skin. When you start shedding the winter layers of clothing upon spring’s arrival, you will possibly find your skin and scalp are dry and flaky, itchy and uncomfortable. Winter weather dries your skin out. You can bring skin back to a youthful glow by cleansing your body internally and exfoliating and moisturizing your skin.