There are many people who have found the joy and benefits of a massage out of nessecity due to an injury or chronic pain.  These people experience the benefits of massage because they had an urgent need to address a problem.  Don't wait until something like that gets you to a massage therapist!  A massage can be the most relaxing, mood altering, body boost that you can experience in an hours time and the benefits will last several hours after the massage. 

Keep in mind that reputable, licensed massage therapists are professionals and as professionals you will be treated with respect and privacy.  You can undress to your comfort level and there is always dimmed lighting and music to help you relax.  Once you have your first massage your initial worries of being touched by a stranger will go away.  Remember this is just another form of therapy to heal and relax the body.

Different massages are good for different people and problems. Some focus on relieving muscle pain, others work to improve blood or lymph circulation and some are designed to just relax you.  If it is something specific you are after then it is worth researching the different types of massage to make sure you get the maximum benefit. If this is your first massage and you are just wanting one that feels really good and promotes general well being then something like an aromatherapy or regular body massage would be a good choice.

The well being you feel after a massage is the release of endorphins which promotes a sense of well being and it allows the body time to switch off from day-to-day worries.

Be sure to talk openly with your massage therapist prior to the massage to address your needs - they are there to help you and give you what you want.  If you feel like talking they will talk or if you want to just lie back and relax or drift off to sleep they will keep quiet and allow you to do this.

A massage could be just what your body is needing.  Explore your options and enjoy a massage today.

Our new rice/flax packs are so soothing because they provide moist heat for many of the aches and pains we get from daily living.  It is not a dry heat which is harsh to your skin, but rather a nice warm moist heat (from the grain) which is beneficial to your skin.

Our larger packs are have channels sewn in to keep the rice/flax mixture dispersed evenly. This large size makes it great for any area. Great for wrapping around your side, laying on your abdomen, draping over your thighs, knees or calves, or on your back.  Also, sit down after a long day and place your feet on the warm pad to relax. It makes a fantastic foot warmer!

Simply heat in the microwave for 1-3 minutes. Please be careful to check the pack's temperature before placing on your skin.  If the pack is too hot to touch then it is too hot to put next to your skin. You want it warm but not burning.

Our soft, comfortable material with the rice/flax filling is just enough to hold heat for 30 minutes or more, and yet just the right amount to allow for the pack to bend and contour to your body.

Lavender scent may be added at no additional charge

This rice pack has many benefits over convential heating pads:

  The moist heat over the dry heat. 

  Cradles and molds to your body versus being stiff and unyielding.

  No messy cords to deal with!

Our new aromatherapy packs are your own little trip to the spa in the privacy of your own home.  Lie the pack on your forehead or top of your head, gently rub the pack across your neck and soothe your headache away.  If you choose to add essential oil to your pack you will receive the soothing benefits of calming lavender.

Alternately, put it in a plastic bag and store in the freezer, for those times you need a cold pack. Freeze for an hour or more before use. Great for cooling off after a hot summer day, or for those pains that respond best to a cold pack.

BUY TWO and keep one in the freezer and one ready for a warm pack, to be prepared for all aches and pains!

Browse all of our wonderful packs and designs on this page:  http://www.herbtime.com/373.html

In the 1967 film classic The Graduate, a businessman corners Benjamin Braddock at a cocktail party and gives him a bit of career advice. "Just one word…plastics."

Although Benjamin didn't heed that recommendation, plenty of other young graduates did. Today, the planet is awash in products spawned by the plastics industry. Residues of plastics have become ubiquitous in the environment—and in our bodies.

A federal government study now reports that bisphenol A (BPA)—the building block of one of the most widely used plastics—laces the bodies of the vast majority of U.S. residents young and old.

Manufacturers link BPA molecules into long chains, called polymers, to make polycarbonate plastics. All of those clear, brittle plastics used in baby bottles, food ware, and small kitchen appliances (like food-processor bowls) are made from polycarbonates. BPA-based resins also line the interiors of most food, beer, and soft-drink cans. With use and heating, polycarbonates can break down, leaching BPA into the materials they contact. Such as foods.

And that could be bad if what happens in laboratory animals also happens in people, because studies in rodents show that BPA can trigger a host of harmful changes, from reproductive havoc to impaired blood-sugar control and obesity (SN: 9/29/07, p. 202).

The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, Indians and Romans all advocated the therapeutic value of garlic in the treatment of ailments ranging from eye disorders, sore throats and headaches to old age. It was even know as an aphrodisiac.

More recently, garlic was used in the First and Second World War both as an oral medicine to treat battleground infections and as a wound dressing. It was a great success in both applications.

Modern medicine is now investigating garlic's traditional properties and, surprisingly, several of them are standing up to scientific scrutiny. Clinical ecologists are particularly interested in it as an antifungal, detoxifier and immune-system regulator.

Garlic is also very effective in treating lung disorders, i.e. coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc., by drinking 4 to 5 cups of garlic tea per day. See our post on Garlic Tea.

Antibiotic Activity Louis Pasteur commented on the bactericidal (bacteria – killing) effect of fresh garlic juice when dropped onto growing bacterial colonies. Over the years studies have shown that fresh garlic juice inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus (wound infection), Brucella (brucellosis), Salmonella (Typhoid) and several other bacteria. The action was comparable in vitro (in the laboratory) with that of several antibiotics including penicillin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline and erythromycin.

To treat babies or small children with garlic, rub raw crushed garlic into their feet.

This tea is great for any respiratory problems, i.e. pneumonia, flu, cold, cough, bronchitis, etc.

Drink it hot or cold. It can be kept on very low heat to keep it hot. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Ingredients:

4 cups of boiled water
5 medium-sized cloves of garlic
Crushed juice of 1 lemon, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon raw ginger, grated 
 

Preparation:

Boil 4 cups of water.
Remove the water from the heat.
Add crushed cloves of garlic (preferably certified organic), lemon juice, and grated raw ginger.
Let it steep for 20 minutes. 
 

Strain and drink 4 cups throughout the day for at least 7 days to treat a respiratory ailments.

User Comment: I've tried this for a bladder infection. I was on day one when I started feeling a reaction in my sinuses and head. I have always had sinus problems and it seems like the garlic was working it's magic on this area first. I was on day three when the headaches subsided which was most likely a result of detoxing and healing. I woke up on day three actually breathing through both nostrils! I did not have fresh ginger at the time, but will try it next time. The lemon takes the edge off the garlic taste and it is much better drinking it warm versus cold.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite shakes for breakfast or when I’m hungry.

2 C - Water or coconut or rice milk makes it creamier.
1 - Avocado
1- 2 whole lemon
1 C - Spinach or 1 C - broccoli (I also use frozen broccoli)
1 tsp. - Stevia (if desired as sweetner)
5 tsp. - shredded organic coconut
2-4 tbs. - cold processed virgin coconut oil
1 scoop – Greens powder
1 handful soaked almonds

Did you know that many prepared guacamole dips that you purchase contain very little avocado? This is a shame since guacamole made with real avocados is one of the healthiest dips that we can eat.

Scoop flesh of ripe avocado into a large bowl. Add all other ingredients and mash with a fork. If you want good texture, don’t mash too much - just enough to evenly distribute the ingredients and break down the avocado into chunky portions. No time and would like to buy a commercial brand of guacamole, choose one that lists avocados as the first ingredient.

For a safe and enjoyable experience there is a narrow range of optimum temperature for humans - around 112° F (44° C), that raises our body temperature without causing overheating. It is important to replenish the humidity so it remains near saturation for maximum benefits.

You can find a steam bath at your local spa, health club or yoga studio. If you find the benefits to be rewarding and would like to steam in the privacy and comfort of your own home there are home versions available. We recommend the Aromasteam for it's compact size, ease of installation and it is one that also offers the benefits of aromatherapy. So go ahead and step into the steam!

For those interested, full details on Aromasteam (http://www.herbtime.com/339.html)

It's impossible to underestimate the importance of minerals and trace minerals for the human body. Minerals are the catalysts for all the vitamins and other nutrients your body uses for developing and maintaining good health.  You body can make some vitamins like Vitamin D from the Sun and Vitamin A from Beta Carotene, but the only way to get minerals is from the foods we eat or from supplements.  Now I found there is another way to make sure your body is getting all the minerals it needs… The TDP Lamp at www.herbtime.com.  The TDP lamp increases blood circulation, which aids in muscle relief by emitting 33 essential minerals into your body. 

  Aging Gracefully

I first noticed that my skin was beginning to sag at the age of 35.  One day I looked in the mirror as I was combing my hair and notice the beginnings of old lady arms… oh my gosh!  I’m turning into my mother!  Isn’t it funny how at the age of 35 we think our mothers are so much older than we are?  Than at the age of 40, I noticed my face was beginning to sag… where did my baby face go?  No more sunbathing for me and I started using all kinds of skin lotions and sun screens.  Now at the age of 62, I am my mother and I am proud to be her daughter and carry on the genes and traits she pasted on to me.  I am comfortable with aging, but I would like to take a natural approach to helping my skin look firmer and younger.

I try to exercise as much as possible and eat more protein.  As for the exercise… I still work full time, so at the end of the day I’m usually too tired.  For protein I carry the high protein bars with me and take spirulina capsules.  This was good, but I needed more help with my loose skin.

When I was first introduced to Dynique Body Soak by a friend I was skeptical.  She said without taking off my first pound, I would reduce excess inches caused by stretched, loose and aging skin.  She said all I had to do was soak in my bathtub for 30 minutes.  I could handle that!  Even at the end of a busy work day… soaking was a pleasure.  Well, she was right.  With my first soak I noticed a difference and as I followed the use protocol my skin really showed a difference.

I was so pleased with the results that I concentrated on my face, especially around and under my chin.   I used an Ace Bandage for my first few applications and it worked okay, but I suggest that you purchase and use the chin strap because it holds the wet cloth in place better.  I was truly amazed when I looked at my face after the first application… my loose skin had tighten noticeably.

This is an amazing product!  Thanks Herbtime.

Posted from a user's testimonial

Try our Foot Soak 

Now you can do a foot soak to add Balance and Vitality while relieving Pain and Stress.    Sound too good to be true?  Our Foot Soak combines the balancing benefits of the Body Soak Clear, Blue and Gold for a powerful combination that works while you soak your feet.

Just draw a pan of warm water, put in the suggested amount of Foot Soak then submerge both feet.  You will feel a sense of calm and peace in the matter of moments.

For those of you that stand on your feet all day the Foot Soak can also help to relieve the Heel & Foot aches while helping to reduce your stress.

   

     Viruses and bacteria are among this earth’s smallest microscopic organisms.  Though different in their makeup and activities, they both contribute to the onset of colds and flu.  Bacteria, which do not cause colds or flu but can cause secondary conditions, are single-celled beings that abound in our environment oceans, lakes, air, soil and any moist setting.  They are not reliant on an unwilling host for survival, and can survive and reproduce alone.  Many bacteria are beneficial to humans, while there are many others that are harmful.  These we call pathogenic bacteria, and are those, which cause a huge variety of infection and disease to the human body.

      Viruses are much smaller than bacteria, measuring anywhere from ½ to 1/100th the size of the smallest bacterium.  No known viruses are beneficial to the human body.  In fact, because viruses are parasites dependent on a host to reproduce and live, they all cause disease to the body.  It does this by invading a host cell and commandeering the cell’s genetic material as its own, breaking it down and eventually merging with it.  In its reproductive processes, the virus ends up destroying the host cell.

      All viruses and bacteria can reproduce extremely quickly.  Under ideal conditions, one bacterium can reproduce every twenty minutes, which means it could have 16 million “offspring” within a twenty-four hour period.  Viruses replicate just as rapidly, which makes clear that when you are fighting a cold or the flu, time is of utmost importance.

HOW DO VIRUSES CAUSE SICKNESS?
      Viruses are the cause of the majority of symptoms that accompany a cold or flu.  They are involved in the cause of symptoms in several ways.  First, some of the symptoms of a cold are caused by the body’s own immunological response to the infection; these would include a cough, fever, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, etc.  Viruses can also prompt what is termed a “disease process,” which is the production of antibodies that attach to the viruses they’re fighting as both travel throughout the body.  Additionally, a virus can destroy or damage vital organs they invade; depending on the extent of the infection in various organs, coupled with the overall virus invasion, the body’s immune system can become substantially worn down, making one much more susceptible to other infections.
    
Fighting The Cold and Flu: How The Immune System Works

      This section will be a simplified account of how the body defends itself using various processes and components that are generally classified as the immune system.  The body basically uses two interrelated functions recognition and response in making its defense mechanisms effective.  First, the body is able to recognize foreign agents within the body; these can include anything from a virus to a toxin from cigarette smoke.  Once this foreign agent is recognized, the body enlists the help of a variety of cells and molecules to eliminate or neutralize the invader.

      To be able to enter the body, the invading organism must first get through physical barriers like the skin and mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and sinuses.  These provide an extremely effective barrier to entry by most microorganisms.  Intact skin is the most effective barrier; it is compromised when it experiences cuts, scrapes and other wounds.  To otherwise gain entry into the body, pathogens must colonize into a formidable number to be able to withstand the various defense cells of the mucous membranes and discharge of mucus by the body to penetrate the mucous membrane.  The number of the pathogen must be great enough to withstand the “washing” by saliva, tears, mucous and other fluids, most of which also possess antibacterial and antiviral properties.

      If the invading organisms are able to get through the skin and mucous membranes, there are several other immune system barriers waiting.  The body’s temperature is an effective deterrent to many organisms.  For instance, anthrax, a serious condition common to many farm animals, does not affect chickens because of the chickens’ high body temperature.
(1)  Hydrochloric acid, found in the stomach, is also a major barrier to infection.  Very few viruses that make it past the mucous membranes of the nose and throat to the stomach can survive the stomach’s acid and low pH.  Interferon is another of the body’s great immunity agents.  It is derived from virus-infected cells, thereby enabling it to bind with and neutralize nearby virus cells; if there is enough of the interferon, it can neutralize large numbers of the invading virus.

THE BODY’S FIGHTER CELLS
      There are two major groups of phagocytes (any cell that destroys foreign particles) in the immune system: antigen producing cells, called B-lymphocytes, and which mature within bone marrow; and  (2)(3) T-cells, which are produced by the thymus gland.  These antigen producers are supported by the other glands in the body (otherwise known as the lymphoid organs), which include the lymph nodes, spleen, and mucosal associated lymphoid tissue, and the tonsils, appendix and Peyer’s patches.  One of the fantastic aspects of these “producers” is their ability to take over the production of antigens by another immobilized producer.  The following gives a brief description of the body’s fighter cells and their functions.

B Cells: These mature in the bone marrow and produce antibodies to inhibit activity of foreign agents. B cells account for 10-15 percent of all lymphocytes.

T Cells: These mature in the thymus gland and direct their activity against specific invading antigens (such as a specific flu strain).  They make up about 75 percent of the body’s lymphocytes.

Helper T Cells: These cells, also known as T-4 cells, are a specific type of T cell that secrete the proteins Interleukin and interferon to stimulate B cells and Killer T cells.  They make up a large portion of all T cells.

Killer T Cells: Also known as T-8 cells, these bind themselves to a specific invading cell and inject it with enzymes that aid in destroying it.  Killer T cells make up about 25 percent of all T cells.

Suppressor T Cells: These cells act to prevent excessive immune response by the body; they can actually suppress the activity of the other lymphocytes.

Natural Killer Cells: These cells are nonspecific (neither B nor T cells), free-ranging cells that can recognize and kill any invading cell on first contact.  They are the body’s most potent weapon, possessing over 100 biochemical “poisons” for destroying invading cells.  Natural Killer cells account for only 5-10 percent of the body’s lymphocytes.

Prevention The Best Medicine
      Since there are no known “cures” for colds or flu, prevention is often the best medicine.  In fact, taking preventive measures against the cold and flu will also improve your overall health.  The following areas provide prevention tips in various areas.

HYGIENE:
 

Wash Your Hands
      This is a simple, yet extremely effective way to avoid flu or cold infection.  Most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact and “self-inoculation” (making yourself sick by touching a virus-contaminated object or person, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes).  Evidence shows this is all it takes for you to become infected.  Wash often during the day, especially if you are around sick people.  Washing with soap (antibacterial soaps are good disinfectants) or just plain hot water are great virus deterrents.

Avoid Touching Your Face
      (4)  Because cold and flu viruses enter through the mouth, nose and eyes, touching one’s face is a risky practice when trying to avoid becoming sick.  Studies have shown that most adults, whether conscientiously or not, touch their face more than fifteen times an hour.  A concentrated effort to avoid this can greatly decrease the risk of catching a cold or the flu.

Keep a Sick Room (or house) Healthy
      (5)  If there is someone in the home who is sick, make sure to keep their room, and the whole house, well sanitized.  The following guidelines will aid you in doing this:  Change and wash their bed linens daily.  Wipe with disinfectant all lamp and light switches, telephones, doorknobs, TV remote controls, or anything else the infected person might touch.  Periodically air out room by opening doors and windows.  Continually introducing fresh air reduces the risk of other persons in the house becoming infected.

DIET AND NUTRITION:

Eat Healthful Foods
      (6) (7)  Eating right will not only help prevent virus infections, but will also help promote overall good health.  Healthful eating habits encourage healthy cell and tissue reproduction, maintain strong bone and tissues, provide the necessary nutrients for the immune system to operate at top levels, and allow the body to run efficiently and avoid unnecessary stress.  Ensure that your diet follows the guidelines given by the FDA, namely the “Food Pyramid.”  This pyramid outlines the different food groups and the approximate servings one should eat daily to encourage good levels of health. 

      It is important to remember that there are several factors that determine how one should eat.  Age is one of these.  For example, most young to middle age adults should consume about 2,000 calories.  This number decreases, however, once you are over fifty.  The older you are, the “smarter” you must eat.  Metabolism slows with age, as does the body’s ability to effectively utilize nutrients.  Studies show that as one’s age increases, so does their risk of contracting more severe strains of the flu and cold.

      Probably one of the soundest pieces of advice when determining what and how to eat is that of eating “whole” foods; that is, foods that are in their basic, or natural, state.  These would include fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.  Of course, dishes including any of these would generally be considered healthful.  Whole foods contain “phytonutrients,” compounds such as flavonoids, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants that protect the body and provide the necessary elements for optimal function.  As foods are broken down more and more (e.g., processed, cooked, synthesized), their most valuable components are often lost.  One cannot overestimate the importance of a healthful diet in not only preventing the onset of colds and flu, but of achieving overall good health.

Drink Plenty of Fluids
      (8)  Because nearly 75 percent of the body is water, and because water is necessary for most of the body’s defense functions, it is very important to keep the body’s fluid levels at optimum levels.  A typical adult needs eight 8-ounce glasses of water or clear liquids a day.  Schedule breaks throughout your day to make sure you receive adequate fluids. 

Exercise
      Exercise is essential for overall good health.  Aerobic exercise is especially beneficial; it speeds up the heart to pump larger quantities of  blood; makes you breathe heavier and faster to aid in the oxygen transfer from the lungs to the cardiovascular system; and forces your body to flush out toxins through sweat once the body’s temperature rises.  Eventually, aerobic exercise forces the body’s cells to use larger amounts of the blood’s oxygen, making those body tissues more healthy and able to defend themselves.

      Exercise also helps the body by relieving stress; it gets rid of excess adrenaline, triggers the release of endorphins, which helps relieve depression, and strengthens muscles, bones and body tissues.  Studies also show that the body’s immune system is directly aided by exercise because of the increased release of the body’s virus-killing cells.
      Basically, exercise is very beneficial for the body’s overall health and can help prevent infection by a cold or flu virus.  It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do; the important thing is that you do it.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
 

Avoid Smoking
      Smoking does several things to not only promote the onset of colds and flu, but to encourage more severe ones.  Smoking dries the cilia in the mucous membranes, paralyzing them in their ability to trap and sweep out viruses.  Smoking also introduces an overload of toxins to the mucous membranes, making it nearly impossible for the cilia that aren’t disabled to get rid of these toxins and any other pathogens (cold and flu viruses included).  There is an overwhelming mountain of evidence pointing to a direct link between smoking and all forms of respiratory ailments.

Avoid Consuming Alcohol

      Alcohol is a depressant that slows body responses to the environment, including that of eliminating cold and flu viruses.  As most people know, heavy alcohol consumption destroys the liver, one of the main organs involved in cleaning and filtering the body of unwanted toxins.  Alcohol also depletes mineral and vitamin stores and is dehydrating to the body, further diminishing the body’s ability to battle the onset of flu or colds.

Get Plenty of Rest
      The importance of sleep and rest in optimizing the body’s ability to fight infection cannot be overemphasized.  Numerous studies show that Americans in general do not get enough good quality sleep.  Sleep is the time the body is at its best in cleaning the body of unwanted materials, repairing damaged cells, supplying nutrients and essentially revitalizing the body.

Reduce Stress
      Stress is one of the most common factors contributing to the onset of colds and flu.  While stress is a natural part of life, it can sometimes overwhelm a person.  There is much research indicating that effective stress management not only helps prevent the onset of various diseases, but also shortens their duration.  Identifying and coping with sources of stress can certainly help maintain a healthy immune system.

Dr. Kauffman found that niacinamide was extremely effective when used for muscle fatigue & strength, loss of balance, joint pain & mobility, osteoarthritis, and depression (it works much like Valium & Xanax without the side-effects).

Because niacinamide is one of the B-vitamins it should be taken along with a B- complex to be most effective. Also, since B-vitamins are water soluble, it should be taken every few hours to maintain blood and tissue levels. Dr. Kauffman recommends one take 250 mg. of niacinamide every 1 to 3 hours (while awake) each day, (Every hour for severe problems and every 3 hours for less severe problems and prevention). It’s also important to take plenty of protein for healing muscles and joints while on this program, as well as Vitamin D in the amount of 400 to 1600 IU per day.

With all of the focus today on glucosamine sulfate and chondroiton it may be that niacinamide will not prove to be such a big deal, but if you are suffering from any of the above mentioned conditions you may want to give it a try. Please let me know how it works for you.

In addition to niacinamide and B-complex vitamins I’d suggest you take a product called Joint Repair. This product contains herbs and ionic minerals to help your body repair the joints and connective tissue and make them stronger. It usually takes about 30 days on Joint Repair before you’ll definitely see a difference. If the pain is bothersome I’d suggest you use the Equalizer Plus Cream on the sore area for at least the first 30 days. This msm based cream contains glucosamine sulfate, emu oil, pregnenolone and ginger and is a miraculous pain reliever.

By Dave Carpenter.

Best Regards,

Stephanie

www.herbtime.com

Feet are the most used and abused part of our body.  More than 300 ailments can afflict the foot.  Studies show that 63% of Americans think it’s normal for their feet to hurt, and 80% have foot pain regularly.  Yet fewer than 3% visit a podiatrist.  Bad feet, bad spine, bad health.  This is an easy way to remember the importance of the feet as the foundation of your physical structure.  Your estimation of their value will increase when you see your feet from the viewpoint of a foot specialist, or even an engineer.  Although simple in structure, they are mighty in strength.  A little attention pays big dividends in better health and happiness; for as it has often been said, “When your feet hurt, you hurt all over.”  Give feet and hands attention, and you’ll ease your troubled soles.

Aching Feet?

Use Tei Fu Lotion and rub on directly to the bottom of your feet.

Athlete’s Foot?

Wash your feet twice a day with Tea Tree Soap, making sure to dry well between the toes. Essential oils that help athlete’s foot are lavender, tea tree and myrrh.  Blend 10 drops of thyme and 10 drops of tea tree oil, mix with your favorite carrier oil lotion and rub on feet.  For fungal infections try soaking your feet for 30 minutes in black tea.  

Broken Capillaries?

White Oak Bark is highly recommended for broken capillaries.  Essential oils that are helpful are chamomile, geranium and hyssop.  A good blend is one drop lavender and one drop chamomile then apply to the area. 

Poor Circulation?

To improve circulation to the feet take capsicum (cayenne) and butcher’s broom capsules for a dynamic energizer.  When the circulation is improved, nutrients and healing energies are generated that help almost any condition. Try a good foot soak followed up with Tei Fu Lotion

Cold & Uncomfortable Feet?

These are signs that the body is freeing itself of disturbed energy.  Try peppermint oil externally.  Rub directly on the bottom of the feet. 

Gout?

This ailment occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood, tissues and urine.  Drink plenty of alkalizing water.  Essential oils that are helpful include basil, birch, fennel, hyssop, lemon, nutmeg and thyme.  Black cherry juice included in the diet is also recommended.  Avoid red meat, mushrooms, alcohol and beans (except green beans), peas, spinach, sugar or flour products.  Eat lots of cherries and strawberries, which help reduce acids. 

Chronic stress over time can cause health issues and therefore we need to be aware of our daily stress levels.  If you find yourself constantly on edge, shoulders hiked up to your neck and your teeth grinding it's time to find some stress relief.

Make sure you have enough B vitamins, since these become depleted under high stress.  Also, find any activity that soothes your soul and brings down your stress levels.  For those that need an extra boost, check out our Exstress Body soaks under Liquid Needle Body Soak in our Body and Skin Care category.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBEMsYZcTWc

Tip for dealing with undesired ants. (I don’t think it works on undesired uncles!) An article in a recent newspaper mentioned that the artificial sweetener, Aspartame, was originally used for ant control. The article said that pouring the powder over an ant hill or other ant infested area that you want to control and sprinkling just a tiny amount of water over the powder to moisten it will eradicate ants. I had to try this one out for myself and see if there really is a legitimate use for aspartame. Based on my limited experience it really does work when used this way. Give it a try and let me know how it works on your ants.

Our Best,

Herbtime

Safety Tip: Put your car keys on the nightstand by your bed. If you have an intruder simply activate the “panic” button on the keys and your car horn sounds and lights flash. This will scare off most intruders and certainly alert neighbors.

Herbtime

ESSENTIAL OILS CAN BE USED IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

B - Bathe    

I - Inhalation    

V - Vaporization     

G - Gargle    

S - Shower

M - Massage    

FA - Facial     

F - Friction Massage     

D - Diffuser     

IN - Internal Use     

IM - Implant     

N - Neat - apply directly     

DO - Douche

C - Compress

We are in the process of adding our own line of essential oils to Herbtime.  We want to expose more people to the amazing benefits of essential oils.  We are working on presenting and educating our customers on the field of Aromatherapy.  Check back with us or post your thoughts.

A - ACTIVATE - The organ the herb is related to - i.e. Cascara Sagrada's action is elimination by increasing peristaltic action.

B - BUILD - The cells with vitamins and minerals - i.e Yellow Dock contains 40% iron which builds red blood cells.

C - CLEANSE - The major function of herbs is cleansing.

Normal Herbal Dosage: 1 capsule per 25 lbs. per day.

Most health problems will take 4 months of a full program for cells to change, then maintenance or mini-program.  Red Blood Cells replace themselves every 120 days.

Our bodies are uniquely made.  Here are a few interesting facts:

A 3 inch square of skin contains:

3 million cells

100 nerve endings

10 hair follicles

1 yard of blood vessels

15 sebacious glands

What would you like to know about your body?

Best Regards,

Stephanie

www.herbtime.com