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WHOLISTICWOMAN Newsletter Issue #3 April
2004
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Dear Subscriber,
We’re all pretty busy in today’s world. Sometimes, that can
mean we forget to look out for our health needs. Spend some time thinking about
you and listening to your body. April is my birthday month and I always use this
time to reflect on whether I’ve been good to myself in the past year, and how I can change for the coming year. This year, I vow to find time to do something fun and constructive with my life! Usually,
I end my evenings zoned out in front of the boob tube? What if I shaved a half
hour from my television habit to do something constructive? It would make a big
difference in my feeling of accomplishment, and add new interest and a fresh outlook on life.
Some suggestions? After I brainstormed I came up with these ideas:
- Take a class to upgrade your work skills, or try a new hobby
- Exercise! Walk, ride your exercise bike, follow a yoga tape
- Prepare a meal I can freeze for later in the week---saving more time! Or
throw together a low-cal dessert---bonus: I will eat more healthy
- Learn to knit like I’ve always wanted---free videos at the library, or ask an accomplished friend for help---bonus:
Learning to make gifts while spending quality time with friends
- Listen to some music and learn more about jazz, classical or pop tunes
- Read a book---bonus: I will finally find time for my favorite hobby and have more to talk about and share with others
- Volunteer to make the world a better place
- Connect with family
Well, you get the picture. Get a life!
Don’t let your life slide by.
Feel
free to suggest topics or submit articles. We are always on the lookout for subjects on natural health, beauty and lifestyle
for women. Hope you enjoy this month's feature. And don't forget, that we have quality used books on these subjects available
for purchase---for SALE prices. Simply log onto our website: http://pages.ivillage.com/naturalcat1/ and click on our used book section. Have a good month!
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“The way I see it, if you want the
rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
---Dolly Parton
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FEATURE ARTICLE
Getting Rid of the
HEADACHE!
There’s one thing about a headache---it can put you out of commission in an instant. You have too much to do to let a headache waylay you. Most
all of us have experienced a headache at one time or another in our lives, some more than others. Research has uncovered that one in every four U.S. households has a migraine sufferer. This is 13
percent of the American population. A migraine headache is merely one type of headache; there are several different types
and causes behind them. If you find yourself sidelined with a headache, it will
help if you know a quick natural remedy you can use to ease the pain quickly. Each
type has its own type of remedy.
There are simple headaches, with a hammering or pulsing in the head. These
headaches are related to stress, sensitivity to weather or high blood pressure. Then
there are tension headaches (a dull, oppressive pain at the temples or at the back of the head and neck) caused by muscular
tension or bad posture. Another type of headache is the cluster (a piercing,
burning pain occurring on one side of the head and always in the same place and the cause is unknown. Last, there are migraines, as mentioned before, and these often appear on one side of the head, often accompanied
by vomiting, nausea or vision problems. Possible cause of these types of headaches
can be heredity, or circulation problems in the brain
For simple and tension headaches, you can banish them quickly with
lavender. Simple place a few drops on a cotton ball to sniff until symptoms ease. Or use a lavender eyepillow to place over the eyes while you relax for awhile.
Some herbalists recommend
using a footbath to divert blood flow.
Footbath: Place feet in a basin with warm water. Add several drops of
lavender, rosemary and chamomile. Soak 5 minutes, then add ice water. Soak five minutes more, then dry feet and put on socks. Lie
down somewhere quiet for 20 minutes. Or soak in a bath tub with 6 drops of lavender,
3 drops of rose. Heaven!
For cluster headaches, try using a cold compress, with 2 drops of peppermint or marjoram. Apply this to the area for 15 minutes and see if the pain doesn’t ease up. Try acupressure by using the thumb and index finger to press the bridge
of your nose at the corner of the eye, pressing and releasing.
For migraines, try the compress, but speak with an herbal nutritionist about taking
herbal supplements to prevent these painful attacks. Kava Kava has been found
to relieve headache pain, and feverfew and gingo biloba are often recommended for migraine prevention.
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QUICK TIPS
April 1, traditionally April Fool’s
day, is also named as Empowered Women Entrepreneurs Day----what were they thinking????
Remember when you last replaced your toothbrush? The American Dental Association recommends you do it at least 4 times a year to keep
your brushing effective and prevent bacterial growth. A good time to change them
would be as the seasons change, so since it is spring, recycle your old toothbrush now.
Asparagus is rich in folic acid and a good
source of potassium as well as other vitamins. It has only 5 calories per spear
(sans the butter). Research suggests people get the most disease-fighting benefits
when they choose vitamin rich, dark green and leafy vegetables, carrots, cauliflower, and yes, the delicious asparagus. Pass the veggies puleeaze!
Last, grapefruit juice is good for you and
helps with weight loss. Researchers have found that it can affect certain medications
such as blood pressure medicines, cholesterol drugs and depression or anxiety medications.
It has been suggested that one try to keep drug ingestion and grapefruit juice consumption about an hour or so apart. Check with your doctor for more information on this topic.
NATURAL HEALTH NEWS
#Ginger calms nausea, but can also treat
an upset stomach…but another not-so-known fact, is that in traditional Chinese medicine, ginger root is used as an anti-inflammatory. Now a new study in the journal Osteoarthritis Cartilage confirms that arthritis pain
may be relieved with treatment of this aromatic root. The researchers concluded
that 24 weeks of treatment with the ginger extract was helpful for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees.
#Coca-cola has withdrawn from the market
their Dasani tap water which was bottled and marketed as a pure drinking water. It
was found to have high levels of bromate, a chemical that has been found to lead to increased cancer risks. The company stated that the bromate was formed during bottling in London.
#Garlic was found to kill the horrible Flesh
Eating Bacteria, researchers found at University of East London. Even the most
antibiotic-resistant strains were hit hard within weeks by the allicin contained in garlic.
Flesh-eating bacteria has resulted in over 2,000 deaths in UK hospitals each year.
Read the story here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3344325.stm .
#Many people are suffering from exhausted
adrenals and don’t know it---due to the tremendous stress we confront daily, the over-use of caffeine, and poor sleep
habits. This can lead to immune-system break-down.
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Animal Wisdom” April 5 Columbus Ohio. Spend a fascinating evening and learn
from our animal friends the natural way of communicating with them! Diana McCourt
has worked with animals all her life. 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Center on High 3208
N. High St. Columbus Ohio. Cost $15 register 1 week before class. Website at: http://www.hhio.com or call 1-614-261-9165.
“Energy Healing” April 15 Columbus
Ohio. Wondering what energy healing is all about?
Learn and experience the techniques for self-healing! 7-9 p.m. The Center
on High 3208 N. High St. Columbus Ohio. Cost $15 register 1 week before class.
Website http://www.hhio.com or call 1-614-261-9165.
“EOL Hands on Radical Healing---Painless
methods to release chronic pain and tension patterns.” April 17 Aaron and Sue Singleton. Open to practitioners and laypeople. Discounts for early registration. Cost
$175. 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. The Way to Balance 21 Water Street Amesbury MA. Website: http://www.TheWayToBalance.com or call 1-978-834-0341.
“Women: Power, Spirituality, and Intuition”
May 14-16 will feature Carol Ann Liaros and business executive Mary Lou Arey. May
also features the annual “Hypnotherapy Certification” conference with Allen Chips.
The complete schedule of 2004 Virginia Beach programs at the Association for Research and Enlightenment can be found
on their website at: http://www.edtgarcayce.org/conferences/hq_va_beach.html
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THE COMPLETE ENCYCLOPEDIA
OF NATURAL HEALING: A Comprehensive A-Z listing of common and chronic illnesses and their proven natural treatments by Gary
Null, Ph.D. Bottom Line Books Third Edition 2002.
In like-new condition, this encyclopedia covers everything from Alcoholism to Tai Chi!
A must for every bookshelf!!! On
SALE at STONEYPINE RARE & USED BOOKS for ONLY $9.99!!! Click this link and
search by title:
http://www.abebooks.com/home/STONEYPINE/
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http://www.abebooks.com/home/STONEYPINE/ To unsubscribe to this newsletter, simply send a blank email to WholisticWoman@aol.com with unsubscribe in the subject line. ________________________________________________________________
*Please remember, advice contained within
this webiste is not meant to substitute for medical care. This information is
for educational purposes only.
Spring Means Tonics!
WHOLISTICWOMAN Newsletter
Issue #2
March 2004
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Dear
Subscriber,
So glad to have you on board! Feel free to suggest topics or submit articles. We are always on the lookout
for subjects on natural health,beauty and lifestyle for women. Hope you enjoy this month's feature. And don't forget, that
we have quality
used books on these subjects available for purchase---for SALE prices. Simply log onto our website:
http://pages.ivillage.com/naturalcat1/
and
click on our used book section.
Have a good month!
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"If
you always do what interests you, then at least one person is pleased."
Advice to Katharine Hepburn from her Mother
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FEATURE
ARTICLE:
Spring Means Tonics!
Feeling a little sluggish? Out of sorts? Depressed? With spring mere weeks away,
our bodies are ready for a spring tune-up! Old-time herbalists knew this and called it the time to cleanse and renew. They
used tonics to strengthen the body and restore tone and vigor. Tonics are herbal extracts that contain high vitamin and mineral
content designed to do just that…improve our immune systems. In this sense, a tonic is not really a medicine at all.
It’s a healthy brew designed to invigorate the body, so that the body itself can heal and relieve the minor discomforts
that a long winter of excess can bring on. The fact that these tonics can help the body itself cure devastating illness is
merely a magical side-effect….
Tonic drinks
are usually strong herbal teas or infusions. They have been used medicinally
for millennia, yet with the advance of modern Western medicine many traditional healing techniques have been dismissed as
arcane and archaic. We can learn from our ancestors, who lived and worked in
harmony with the earth, respectfully reaping its glories, from nourishment to healing.
For a taste of what the herbs can do, I’ll outline a simple weekend cleanse program in this article, taken from
my book, Naturally Healing Herbs. This book is out of print, but you can purchase
the book used from this link: http://www.abebooks.com/home/STONEYPINE/ and search for the title from my catalog.
It has a complete listing of tonics that can help the body heal and renew from a variety of illnesses; from flu to
cancer, arthritis to sexual problems.
Weekend Renewal Program
The weekend renewal program is a two-to-three day herbal tonic program that can refresh and invigorate the body. Set aside two or three stress-free days. Try
to delegate responsibilities or set them aside for this time. Plan your meals
and write out a menu plan. To help you remember to drink your 8 glasses of water,
measure your water for the day and place in a container in the refrigerator. At
the end of the day, the container should need to be refilled. Lemon or lime slices
add zing and visual appeal to your water.
Meals should consist of fresh fruit juices for breakfast, vegetable juices for lunch and clear broth and soups for
dinner. Herbal tonics can be taken a half-hour before meals and before bedtime. Exercise 1 hour each day and add time for quiet meditation. Naps of less than 1 hour are suggested. Take this time to
take a break from television and find things to do to keep pleasantly occupied; gardening, reading, hobbies, puzzles, journaling. At the end of the day, take a relaxing bath (add relaxing essential oils like lavender,
or rose---10 drops total per bath), then snuggle into bed early to catch up on your sleep.
There are a wide variety of different tonics to choose from the book, but here is one that has an all-around use and
is very good for the body.
Licorice Root
It has a licorice taste, making this an easy tonic to drink. The herb is fifty times sweeter than sugar. It has been recommended
for soothing sore throats, urinary and bowel disorders, helping to clear the respiratory passages, as an antispasmodic, mild
laxative and cough remedy. It has diuretic action, eases ulcers and reduces arthritis
inflammation by ridding the body of toxins.
As if that were not enough, the root extract produces mild estrogen-like effects, so it’s helpful for women who
have menstrual problems or who are in menopause. This estrogenic activity has
clearly been established in an animal study. In another study, women who could
not ovulate were able to have normal ovulation after using the extract.
Other studies conducted by the Japanese, have shown that licorice root modulates and strengthens the activity of other
herbs. Its status as a tonic is probably due to the cumulative effect of all
its medicinal properties. It is very complex.
It adjusts concentrations of blood salts, stimulating and sustaining proper adrenal function and protects the body’s
own detoxification plant, the liver, from such diseases as cirrhosis and hepatitis.
Studies have also proved that the chemical glycyrrhizin contained in licorice reduces cancer tumors in rats and has
even killed off HIV cells before they turned into full-blown AIDS.
A group of Russian researchers has found that licorice root inhibits tumor growth (sarcoma-45 and Ehrlich ascites cells). Another recent study has found that licorice root actually stimulates the production
of interferon, a chemical critical to enhancing the immune system, which has proven key to preventing and treating many immune-response
deficiency diseases, AIDS included. Other studies showed it helpful in combating
growth and development of cancer cells, specifically for prostate and breast cancers.
Licorice root is a natural disease fighter, with strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Of course, for serious cleansing, you must follow a longer cleansing program (as outlined in the book). Here, the weekend cleanse is intended merely to jumpstart the body for spring and give the immune system
a gentle boost. You can purchase licorice root extract in health food stores
by the ounce. The dried root is also available.
Remember that you can over-dose on this, and it will produce the opposite effect you want to produce; causing salt
and water retention. For this reason, cardiac patients or those with high blood
pressure or kidney disorders, or pregnant women and people very overweight, should carefully monitor their intake.
Make a tea by boiling water, lower the heat. Add 1 tablespoon of dried
root per cup and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Strain and cool. Drink 2 cups per day. If more cleansing is needed, rest 3
days and then repeat.
STRESS-BUSTERS
** Plan a "YOU" Day!
After all the stress
of the holidays, winter, and now tax-time and paying winter's bills, you may need a break to get out of the doldrums. What
better way than planning a "YOU" Day! Call off, unplug and play hooky. Go see a movie all alone, with popcorn. Or buy yourself
a snuggly new blanket and a great new book, then read in bed all day----with a pot of herbal tea! Pretend to go off on an
adventure, then go to a visitor's center and pick up some local interest brochures and ask about fun things to do near you.
It's much cheaper than an all-out vacation, but it accomplishes almost the same effect. To add to the adventure, wear a disguise
(raincoat and dark glasses)---you'll feel ever so much more the tourist. End the day with a splurge of your favorite treat,
whether it's a hot fudge sundae or a cappuccino!
**Spring Clean---Unclutter
Getting back to basics can feel so freeing.
So remember as the urge to spring clean hits, to make it a goal to unclutter and de-stress your life. Do it in small steps.
Clean out one drawer each night. You'll make progress toward your goal each day and it won't seem so intimidating. By the
end of a week, you'll have accomplished something big!
**Make your own Rose perfume
Rose is the most beloved of
scents. The scent is said to help with depression and grief. Although the true essential oil of the rose is very expensive,
if you can get some, it is worth every penny. And since you only use mere drops, it will last.
Rose Dreams
60 drops
rose essential oil
8 drops sandalwood
6 drops bergamot
4 drops lavender
Take a 1/4 ounce bottle and place the
essential oils. Add about 40 drops of vodka as a dilutent. Shake gently and let age 2 weeks. Then use as you would any perfume!
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http://www.abebooks.com/home/STONEYPINE/
WHOLISTICWOMAN Newsletter
Issue #1
February 2004
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Dear
Subscriber,
So glad to have you on board! Feel free to suggest topics or submit articles. We are always on
the lookout for subjects on natural health,beauty and lifestyle for women. Hope you enjoy this month's feature.
And don't forget, that we have quality used books on these subjects available for purchase---for SALE prices. Simply
log onto our website:
http://pages.ivillage.com/naturalcat1/
and click on our used book section.
Have a good month!
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"It
is never too late, to be what you might have been",
George Eliot
(Marian Evans)
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FEATURE
ARTICLE:
Not Feeling Well? Could it be Food Intolerance or Allergy?
Have you been feeling
tired, and don't have a reason? Weight gain from out of nowhere? Allergic symptoms often develop from overexposure
to the same food over a long period of time. These sensitivities can result in a reduced ability to metabolize fats.
According to a classic work by
a leading expert on allergies, an allergic reaction to food may cause the body to retain as much as 4 percent of its body
weight in edema fluid (Basics of Food Allergy, Charles C. Thomas, 1978). When
we continually keep eating foods that cause problems, we set ourselves up to overload our immune systems---our body’s
protective mechanism. As the immune system breaks down, we get more and more
problems. Doctors often don’t diagnose, or even know much about food allergies. However, natural health care professionals know how common the problem is. And, it can be easily addressed.
There are diseases or disorders
known or believed to involve the immune system in a major way. The most obvious
of these are allergies. On the face of it, the last thing that the immune system
might appear to need in such cases is stimulation, because the trouble appears to arise from an over-stimulated condition
of the immune system in which the system attacks foods and environmental non-foods in an unnecessary and unproductive way. However, allergies can be viewed as a misdirection of immune function. Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides may be found to put the immune system back into a balanced state of function,
and to alleviate allergic conditions. Once again, anecdotal evidence from alternative
health care professionals and their patients already suggests that this is the case.
Extensive research since the
1930’s has shown that the clear gel of Aloe Vera or the “Burn Plant” as it has been called, has a dramatic
ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns by putting a protective coating on the affected areas and speeding up the healing
rate. The plant is about 96% water. The
rest of it contains active ingredients including essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glycoproteins. Modern healers have used it since the 1930’s.
Many liquid health treatments are made, some combining aloe juice with other plants and herbs. The juice is soothing to digestive tract irritations, such as Crohn’s, Colitis, GERDS and Peptic
Ulcers. Aloe Vera has long been recognized as a potent Herbal Remedy.
It has been found to contain
at least 6 antiseptic agents: Lupeaol, Salicylic Acid, Urea nitrogen, Cinnomonic acid, Phenols, and Sulphur. All of these substances are recognized as antiseptics because they kill or control mold, bacteria, fungus,
and viruses, explaining why the plant has the ability to eliminate many internal and external infections. The Lupeol and salicylic acid in the juice explains why it is a very effective painkiller. It also contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids: cholesterol, Campestral and B-sitosterol
(plant sterols), which explains why it is a highly effective treatment for burns, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, allergic reactions,
rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, acid indigestion, ulcers, plus many inflammatory conditions of the digestive system
and other internal organs, including the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, kidney and pancreas. B-sitosterol is also a powerful anti-cholestromatic which helps lower harmful cholesterol levels, helping
to explain its many benefits for heart patients. If you consider that aloe contains
at least 23 polypeptides (immune stimulators), then we understand why aloe juice helps control a broad spectrum of immune
system diseases and disorders, including HIVC and AIDS. The polypeptides, plus
the anti-tumor agents aloe emodin and aloe lectins, explains its ability to control cancer.
The anti-inflammatory fatty acids are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent overacidity---a common cause of indigestion. It helps cleanse the digestive tract by exerting a soothing, balancing effect. A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen
the body’s natural resistance. Studies have shown acemannan to boost T-lymphocyte
cells that aid the immune system.
Uses: Throughout history aloe has been commonly mixed with water, milk, honey, and many other natural and synthetic
substances, to make it easier to use and more palatable, with no loss of effectiveness.
Aloe vera juice can help reduce allergic tendencies. For such a use, take
three tablespoons daily in juice or water. Or you can take gel capsules. Both these items can be found at your local health food store. Healing time frames have been as short as 90 days, but you will have to experiment as to your own situation
and your body’s symptoms.
“When
you are sensitive to a particular food, your immune system puts up a minor fuss, producing such symptoms as rashes, nasal
stuffiness or a tummy ache. Food sensitivities may be a relatively recent phenomenon,
some experts say. That’s because eating food grown and manufactured thousands
of miles away from your community is only as old as superhighways and chemical preservatives.
As many as 60 million Americans may suffer mild symptoms after eating such things as dairy products, wheat, eggs, corn, chocolate
or monosodium glutamate, says Robert Dockhorn, M.D., clinical professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of Missouri
School of Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri?’---from page 213 of HOME REMEDIES WHAT WORKS---Thousands of Americans Reveal
Their Favorite Home-Test Cures for Everyday Health Problems. Gale Maleskey, Brian
Kaufman, and the editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books, 1995 Rodale Press. Originally
$29.95---On SALE at STONEYPINE RARE & USED BOOKS for ONLY $11.99!!! Click
this link and search by title:
http://www.abebooks.com/home/STONEYPINE/
STRESS-BUSTERS
** Make a lavender eye-pillow. Fill a tube
sock with rice, and a handful of lavender buds. Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil. Make sure it is long enough
to cover both eyes. Tie closed. To use:
Recline, situate pillow over closed eyes, and relax. Eye pillow may be chilled
or stored in the freezer for use over the eyes or forehead to help ease a headache, or hangover. Also can be heated
in a micro at 1 ½ minutes to soothe stress. If fragrance fades, revive with a few drops of lavender essential oil.
**Turn those "stress-building" thoughts into "stress-busting thoughts. When you are under stress what messages
are you sending yourself? You can decrease your stress by learning to talk to yourself in a reassuring way. For
example, instead of saying, "I'll never get this assignment done in time" say, "If I stay focused and take it one step at
a
time, I'll make steady progress."
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http://www.abebooks.com/home/STONEYPINE/
To
unsubscribe to this newsletter, simply send a blank email to
carly@junglemate.com with unsubscribe in the subject line.
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