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Health
Information for Women
God's Healing Herbs
Fascinating Guide to Healthy Living with Herbs, February
7, 2007
Dennis Ellingson owns and operates Sprague River Herb Farm in
southern Oregon and Illustrator Matthew Kondratieff is a
biologist and wildlife artist. Together they have created an
illustrated book of herbal remedies.
After reading this book you may find yourself using Anise in
tea, drinking catnip tea when you want to feel calm and using
more chives because they are high in Vitamin C. If you love to
cook, the information on cinnamon, nutmeg and cocoa will be
invaluable.
Through the years I've spend a lot of time looking up
information on herbal remedies and this book is one of my
favorites because it gives you all the information on one page.
Some herb books separate the information and I found the way
this book was organized to be very entertaining and helpful.
How can you improve your health and quality of life with herbs?
Where can you find herbal remedies?
The first section includes detailed descriptions of herbs from A
to Z. Each page has information along with herbal icons that
allow for quick access to the information you are looking for
including: description, growing tips, medicinal information,
internal or external use, culinary uses, how to prepare,
biblical references and cautionary concerns.
The biblical references shed light on the types of aloe
mentioned in the Bible:
"The aloes mentioned in the Bible are perfumes that likely
came from a tree in India known as "eaglewood." The
aloe mentioned in John 19:39 is from the lily family, the same
one we use for topical medicinal purposes." ~ pg. 13
Some of the herbs listed include Alfalfa, Aloe Vera, Bergamot,
Blessed Thistle, Calendula, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Cranberry,
Dandelion, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng,
Hyssop, Lavender, Myrrh, Olive, Pomegranate, Savory, Tea Tree,
Uva Ursi, Valerian and many more.
The page about cloves explains how it is used in incense, soaps
and scented candles. I also like making pomanders by decorating
oranges with cloves. I just made one for my kitchen and there
are lots of recipes online. Some people make these during the
holiday season, but for some reason I was in the mood to make
one after the holiday season.
I will say that I also agree with the author about Wormwood. I
recommend avoiding this herb if at all possible or only taking
it after you have talked to your doctor and if you don't intend
to take it for an extended period of time. This can cause
serious problems and the benefits may not be worth the risks to
your health. Wormwood is also found in absinthe (highly toxic
because it contains a neurotoxin called thujone - also found in
sage and cedar oil), which is known to be dangerous to health
and can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system,
convulsions, blindness, hallucinations, and mental
deterioration. Artists, writers and poets have used this herb to
enhance creativity, except the expansion of creativity doesn't
seem to be worth losing your life or experiencing the side
effects like nausea, tremors, insomnia and vertigo.
As the author notes: "Wormwood is mentioned numerous times
in the Bible and always in reference to calamity and bitter
experience." The author also explains why you should not
use too much sage, normally used during the holiday season or
when cooking a chicken dinner. While this book states that
Siberian ginseng is a "recognized cure for insomnia"
you don't want to take the herb at night because then it could
cause insomnia.
"On trips to the Oregon coast, nothing is more pleasant
than long walks on the beach together. My wife and I explore the
beach, the rocks, find interesting pieces of driftwood to lug
home. But we also notice long, cylindrical ocean plants,
uprooted by the tides...Ocean herbs are considered detoxifiers
for the body, helping rid the body of excess fluids and fatty
wastes." ~ pg. 85
If you want to try the seaweed bath, look up LUSH Big Blue - it
has seaweed and is a very interesting experience. This book
recommends seaweed as a brain food and I've been taking
"Sea Vegg" on a regular basis. There is also a recipe
for an oat and honey facial scrub.
I especially enjoyed reading the sections on herbs used in the
kitchen, especially rosemary, savory and tarragon. The last
sections of the book include an interesting journey through the
teachings of Christ in regards to plants mentioned in the Bible.
A Table of Medicinal Herbs for External and Internal use is also
included.
There are also recipes:
Poached Salmon in Herbs
Green Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
Oregano Garlic Bread
Herb Grilled Lamb
Lavender Cookies
Boursin-Style Cheese Spread
Gingerbread Cookies
Chai Tea
To find out how to use herbs you are growing in your garden,
there is also a Table of Culinary Herbs. Fennel can be added to
salmon or breads and savory can be added to soups. I like using
it when making a Tuna Fish sandwich, along with dill.
To make this book even more helpful, the author has lists of
herbs for women, men, children and seniors. A glossary is useful
for words like tincture and compress and the index is useful for
finding specific herbs, remedies or health issues you are
researching.
I didn't know a book on herbs could be this much fun. Dennis
Ellingson is also a pastor and counselor so he includes
spiritual elements along with recipes, advice and solutions to
common health problems. This book is a result of his own
research and he states that this is not a book of "medical
advice" although this book presents a variety of remedies
that will be very helpful to anyone looking into the value and
use of herbs. I feel much safer trying herbs after reading this
book and since herbs can be powerful and do have side effects,
this book presents herbs in a realistic way so you can make wise
decisions about your health.
I can also recommend:
Natural Health Complete Guide to Safe Herbs
The World's Healthiest Foods by George Mateljan
The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B. White
Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley
~The Rebecca Review
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I seek out people who make me laugh. Having a sense of humor is one
of
the most important health behaviors. Preliminary studies show
it improves immune function. ~Alice Domar, PhD
Buddha Nose Chest Balm
Winter Comfort, December 22, 2006
Buddha Nose makes a few salves that are very convenient and will
save you time and energy if you normally make your own. The
Breathe Easy Chest Salve is a blend of soothing oils and
beeswax.
More natural than Vicks, it still relieves nasal congestion or
can just clear your head. Hyssop is one of the main ingredients
and hyssop oil is one of the main essential oils suggested for
breathing along with Eucalyptus and Peppermint. In fact, upon
close observation of the ingredients in this blend, they have
done their research. You could also use this salve when you have
a headache because it contains lavender. Lavender is also
wonderful for healing or relaxation.
Some of the properties of the essentials oils in this blend
include:
Hyssop - Opens the respiratory system, cleansing, purifying,
clears the mind. Can also be used to stimulate creativity,
strengthen the nervous system. This oil should be avoided during
pregnancy or if you have high blood pressure.
Lavender - Helpful in treating asthma, depression, headaches,
migraines, nervous tension, throat infections and skin
disorders.
Rosemary - A plant considered to be sacred because it has been
used to protect against the plague and infectious illness. (You
can also inhale the steam from a pot of hot water and
dried/fresh rosemary.)
Eucalyptus - Anti-bacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic, antiviral - what more can you wish for? This will
make you feel wonderful if you have a cold!
Peppermint - Helps to reduce fevers, relieves headaches,
anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, comforting and can reduce anger.
The Breathe Easy Chest Salve has many uses, and can be used even
when you are not feeling ill. I'd recommend using this now and
then just to prevent illness. They also sell an immune boosting
salve, which would be perfect for travel.
To be honest, Vicks doesn't work as well as this salve and isn't
as comforting. This salve will clear your head and leave you
completely refreshed. It also won't cause a reaction on your
skin - at least not like Vicks.
When you first open this tin, there is a mild scent, but the
true healing aspects reveal themselves as this salve warms on
your skin, releasing the healing essential oils.
~The Rebecca Review
Complete Omega
 Helps
My Mood and Makes My Skin Glow, February 18, 2005
Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of essential fatty acid
nutrients derived from marine or plant sources. Based on
preliminary research, Dr. Stoll's team hypothesized that
Omega-3s had many of the same characteristics as effective mood
stabilizers. In a double-blind study of 30 patients who were
recently ill with bipolar disorder, Dr. Stoll found omega-3
fatty acids from concentrated fish oil to be an effective
antidepressant and mood stabilizer. ~ Andrew L. Stoll, M.D.
If you don't eat fish on a consistent basis, you may be
deficient in oils that support healthy skin, hair and joint
flexibility, not to mention fat metabolism. My grandmother
cooked a lot of salmon and her skin was always beautiful and she
had a very positive outlook on life.
After I got married, I noticed that my skin was not as healthy
as it had been in the past. The reason is strange, yet finally I
realized what was happening. My husband hates eating fish and so
he hated it when I would cook fish, even for myself. The smell
of prawns and salmon makes him feel ill, so I have to cook fish
when he is away. Since this is not that often, I finally decided
I needed to think up a better solution. I still enjoy eating
fish on occasion, especially when we eat out, but I've decided
to take a fatty acid supplement.
It seems the food we are eating today is not doing the job and
we have to take supplements to maintain health, not to mention,
"striving for longevity."
Nordic Naturals
The Nordic Naturals Complete Omega really helped my mood and
since it helps to eradicate depression and the symptoms of
depression, you might find yourself sleeping better, eating
healthier foods or even having enough energy to adopt a new
kitten. In fact, they say that some people respond better to
Omega 3 therapy than to antidepressants. If antidepressants make
you worse, then give this a try after consulting with your
doctor. Although, I have found some doctor's to be very
skeptical about natural remedies, to our detriment.
Unlike many antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, and lithium) this
has good side effects. Instead of making you feel listless,
uninterested in sex or even more depressed - this makes you feel
amazingly good, energetic and basically improves your skin and
hair. If you are bipolar there are some very good studies that
indicate this might be what you need to rebalance you life.
Truthfully, this supplement has changed my life in a number of
ways. I have more energy, my joints feel less stressed while
working out and it has now been proven that we need to either
consume a lot more salmon or take supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Support:
Normal Brain Functioning
Mood Regulation
Brain Function with Regard to Learning
Enhanced Energy Levels
Stress Relief
Prevents Heart Disease (although it is not recommended that you
take this supplement if you are on blood thinning medications)
Omega 3 MOOD
I also like the Omega 3 Mood High EPA Mood Balancing Formula
from Country Life.
Please consult with your doctor before taking this supplement. I
started with two 1000 mg capsules and now take the Omega 3 Mood
capsules that provides 2,000 mg Fish Oil Concentrate, 1,000 mg
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and 200 mg Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
all from fish sources. I found it to be more effective than the
Nordic Naturals Complete Omega formula based on my own
experience with my moods. This is definitely worth a try.
Could the increase in depression be linked to not eating enough
fish? It seems there is a link between diet and mood. It is
complex enough just trying to stay alive, this supplement takes
things to new levels. Exercise, drinking enough water and
supplements will make you feel better and I seem to want to eat
healthier foods when I take supplements and exercise.
~TheRebeccaReview.com
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For added
benefits, I also recommend looking into essential
oils. A book is
essential because many oils can be quite strong and may not be right for every
application. Reference Guide for Essential Oils
by Connie and Alan
Higley is the "Bible" on Essential oils and your
best source for every imaginable oil. See a page about Lavender
Oil. Call
1-888-726-8805 to order a watch which can be programmed with up to 12
gentle alarms to remind you to take
your medications and/or vitamins. Chronic medical information can also
be stored in the watch.
Andrew
Weil, MD Andrew Weil, MD - health and lifestyle
products.
Garden
of Life Products for a healthier life.
Health
Finder Gateway to targeted sites. Common health matters
and hot topics in the Health News section. Heimlich
Institute Learn
CPR Medlineplus
The National Library of Medicine. Information on more than 400
diseases and conditions. Guides to pharmaceutical drugs.
The
Healing Power of Vitamins
Cdc
Traveler's health, immunizations, bicycle safety, dog bites,
food-borne illnesses, etc. Inteli
Health The Harvard School of Medicine sores
reliable materials here for all to see. You can find basic fact
sheets, feature articles, news reports and a diary to keep track
of your blood pressure. Mayo
Clinic In-depth articles and an index of diseases listed
A-Z.
Nutritech(All One) - All One Original Formula, 2.2 lb powder
Great Product, January 25, 2004
Reviewer: The
Rebecca Review
"Every molecule of ALL ONE is pure nutrition. Not a
protein drink. Not a meal replacement drink. ALL ONE is formulated
with a unique, amino acid bonding process that begins with pure
vitamins and minerals." ~All One Container
If you hate swallowing or chewing vitamins, then this is an
alternative. This is a tasteless powder that can be mixed into
milk or juice. If you try to stir this powder into a drink you
will be disappointed with the way it clumps and clings to the
edges of your cup. Instead, use a blender like the Braun Blender
I like blending a level tablespoon of this powder with one
scoop of GeniSoy Soy Protein Shake
. I find the flavors of the shake make the flavorless
vitamin powder very palatable, although you can simply use just
the powder and flavor your milk with vanilla and a bit of honey.
The powder has a base derived from the sweet milk of New Zealand
dairy cows. However, this mixture is "lactose and
hormone" free.
High Potency antioxidants: A, C & E + selenium and
bioflavanoids
Stress B-Complex + a full gram of vitamin C
Full spectrum minerals for easy absorption
Valuable trace minerals
Essential vitamins
Includes iron
All nutrients in optimal balance
One heaping tablespoon ( 15 grams ) contains:
35 Calories, 2g Carbohydrates, 7g Protein, 8,000 IU Vitamin A
(Vitamin A Palmitate), 7,000IU Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), 1,000mg
Vitamin C, 500IU Vitamin D (Ergocalciferol), 400IU Vitamin E (as
d-Alphah Tocopherol Succinate), 5mcg Vitamin K (as Phylloquinone),
25mg Thiamin HCL (B-1), 25mg Riboflavin (B-2), 100mg Niacin (Niacinamide),
25mg Pyrodoxine HCL (B-6), 400mcg Folic Acid (as Folate), 25mcg
Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobaliamin), 25mcg Biotin (d-Biotin), 100mg
Pantothenic Acid (d-Calcium Panthothenate), 500mg Calcium (as
Calcium Caseinate/Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate-AA
Chelate), 200mg Phosphorus**(as Dicalcium Phosphate from Calcium
Caseinate), 18mg Iron (as Ferrous Sulfate-AA Chelate), 180mcg
Iodine (as Potassium Iodide), 200mg Magnesium (as Magnesium
Carbonate), 15 mg Zinc (as Zinc Oxide), 50mcg Selenium (as
Selenium Proteinate), 0.2mg Copper, 4mg Manganese, 50mcg Chromium,
50mcg Molybdenum, and 99mg Potassium. This mixture also contains
Amino Acids: Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Cystine/Cysteine,
Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Leucine,
Methonine, Phynylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan,
Tyrosine, and Valine. This also contains: Hesperidian Complex,
Lemon Bioflavonoids, PABA, Choline, Rutin, Lecithink, Inositol,
Rice Bran and a base of Papain, Betain (digestive enzymes) and
Kelp. There is also 3mg of Maltodextrin.
This is a 30-day supply of Vitamins, Chelated Minerals and
Amino Acids. It is a High Potency B-Complex formula and contains
Anti-oxidants.
After just a week of using this product you are going to notice
faster muscle recovery after exercise and also find that your skin
is just glowing.
I recommend this formula to anyone who is feeling worn out,
irritable, lacking energy and noticing their skin texture and
vibrancy is just not what it could be. Take this with Soy protein
powder and you will start to notice increased energy levels and
other great benefits.
The main reason I chose this "Original" formula was
because I was looking for Leucine, isoleucine and valine, which
are good for muscle recovery after a workout. This powder
contains: 623 mg Leucine, 332mg Isoleucine and 402mg Valine. So, I
thought the original formula would be perfect to add to an
after-workout shake.
"Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been shown to
enhance recovery after exercise. The catabolic stage can also
produce a feeling of "the blahs," which is partly but
not entirely related to fatigue. BCAA supplementation has been
shown to counteract this effect, leaving people feeling
"pumped and powerful" after their workouts." ~The
Metabolic Plan, pg. 88 (Information originally obtained from the
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness and other
sources.)
There are 5 main formulas: Original, Rice Base, Green Phyto
Base, Fruit Antioxidant and Active Senior.
Added Bonus: This company offers a free "scoop and shaker
cup" when you provide a proof of purchase.
I'm very impressed with this product and want to try all the
products ALL ONE produces. There is a purity in their products
that makes me feel good about taking their nutritional
supplements. I also enjoy the fact that there is no
"vitamin" scent to their products. This product is
almost flavorless which makes it perfect to add to juice or milk.
Just use a blender for the best result.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid
Critical Molecule of Youth, September 21, 2004
In the years of youth the human body abundantly produces a special
water-gelling molecule called HA that is largely responsible for
producing these visible signs of youthfulness. That is because HA,
a key component of collagen, is the body's natural
"space-filling" molecule... ~Bill Sardi, researcher and
author
After using a Hyaluronic Acid face cream by Derma E on a daily
basis, I took a second look in the mirror and my skin was
literally "plumper" as if it was more hydrated and
healthy.
I have also started buying the Solaray Hyaluronic Acid as a
dietary supplement after reading about people in Japan who eat a
sticky gelatinous root vegetable instead of rice have smooth skin,
flexible joints and full heads of hair even when they are quite
old. Researchers have finally concluded that they have unusually
high levels of hyaluronic acid in their bodies.
Also look for Pycnogenol and the All One Protein Powders,
especially the Antioxidant blend.
You might also want to look for the Derma E products:
Microdermabrasion Scrub - Salon Quality exfoliation right in your
own home!
Astazanthin and Pycnogenol Age-Defying Moisturizing Crème
Cracked Skin Relief Crème
Vanilla Bean Cleansing Mousse
Tea Tree & E Antiseptic Crème
Each capsule contains 20 mg of Hyaluronic Acid and 50 mg of
Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid). These are "enteric coated"
capsules so they survive the stomach.
~TheRebeccaReview.com
P.S. Drinking Aloe Vera Juice also seems to make your skin softer
and you can mix it into a variety of fruit juices. The taste
becomes very mild after about two weeks. I actually have grown
rather fond of the taste of Aloe Vera after seeing great results.
Pycnogenol & Hyaluronic Acid Eye Creme
Critical Molecule of Youth blended with Potent Antioxidants,
August 17, 2004
In the years of youth the human body abundantly produces a special
water-gelling molecule called HA that is largely responsible for
producing these visible signs of youthfulness. That is because HA,
a key component of collagen, is the body's natural
"space-filling" molecule... ~Bill Sardi, researcher and
author
After years of being out in the sun in Africa, I am starting to
see the results of my childhood tans. They do say most of our skin
damage occurs when we are younger. So, I was using a sample of the
Derma E Hyaluronic cream and had really never heard of hyaluronic
acid, although I had heard of a village in Japan where people live
for an especially long time.
After using the face cream on a daily basis and after about a
week, I took a second look in the mirror and my skin was literally
"plumper" as if it was more hydrated and healthy. About
a week later, an article about hyaluronic acid appeared (as
articles often do when looking for answers).
I have also started buying "HA" as a dietary supplement
in tablet form after reading about people in Japan who eat a
sticky gelatinous root vegetable instead of rice have smooth skin,
flexible joints and full heads of hair even when they are quite
old. Researchers have finally concluded that they have unusually
high levels of hyaluronic acid in their bodies.
This eye crème is especially potent because it contains not only
hyaluronic acid, it also contains pycnogenol. Derma-E has a few
products that are ahead of their time. My esthetician had not even
heard of pycnogenol.
These amazing discoveries seem to take years and years to filter
down through our society and the fact that the product works so
well, should mean everyone in the skin care industry is talking
about it. Fortunately Derma-E is producing wonderful anti-aging
products that have dramatic results in a short amount of time.
Live
Longer
So what will this new Pycnogenol and Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream do
for you? Well, since it seems to plump up the skin a bit in a
noticeable way, you will want to use this cream in areas where you
want to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Your skin will take on a smoother appearance and you might also
find yourself hunting down Pycnogenol and Hyaluronic Acid in pill
form.
It has taken me years to finally find products that promise and
deliver and Derma E is a line of natural skin care products that
visibly change your appearance in a matter of weeks. They have
obtained licensees to use proprietary ingredients and they also
believe in adding antioxidants to their products.
This crème itself absorbs quickly and you will start to see
noticeable results in a short amount of time. The Hyaluronic Acid
firms, tones and rehydrates the skin and Pycnogenol is 50X more
powerful than Vitamin E. So, if you want your skin to heal super
fast, you can also use a bit of this crème in place of Vitamin E.
Ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerin, Witch Hazel Extract, Capric
Triglyceride, Green Tea Extract, Aloe Vera Gel, Stearic Acid,
Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetyl Alcohol, Jojoba Oil, Xanthan Gum,
Allatoin, Panthenol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pycnogenol, Hyaluronic
Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Methylparaben,
Ethylparaben, I.Urea.
Additional Products I've tried and loved:
Microdermabrasion Scrub - Salon Quality exfoliation right in your
own home!
Astazanthin and Pycnogenol Age-Defying Moisturizing Crème
Cracked Skin Relief Crème
Vanilla Bean Cleansing Mousse
Tea Tree & E Antiseptic Crème
Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Wrinkle Treatment Crème - love the
scent of this product!
~The Rebecca Review
P.S. Drinking Aloe Vera Juice also seems to make your skin softer
and you can mix it into a variety of fruit juices. The taste
becomes very mild after about two weeks. I actually have grown
rather fond of the taste of Aloe Vera after seeing great results.
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