Anit-Biotic Tonic

 

Anti-biotic Tonic

Ingredients

• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 small onion
• 1 piece of turmeric (1 inch or 1/4 tsp ground)
• 1 piece of ginger (1/2 inch or 1/4 tsp ground)
• 1 lemon
• 1/2 small jalapeño or dash of cayenne pepper
• 1 oz of apple cider vinegar
• Optional: 1 piece of horseradish (1/2 inch)
• Optional: 1 tsp raw honey

If you do not have a masticating juicer, use what you have that could juice the ingredients properly. Failing that, finely chop or grate first 4 items, or get freshly ground versions (which will not be as potent, but will have benefit).

Directions

• Peel garlic and lemon
• Feed garlic, onion, turmeric, ginger, and lemon and jalapeño (if not using cayenne pepper) through juicer one by one
• Add cayenne (if not using jalapeño, or if you can handle more heat) and apple cider vinegar
• Line up large chaser of water, if required

Consumption

• Acute Infections: Take up to 1 oz immediately when feeling symptoms related to bacterial or viral infection, and up to 3 times a day, as desired.
• Chronic Infections or Immune System Issues: Pour liquid into a dark tincture or dropper bottle and take 2-4 droppers daily, especially during times of immune suppression (stress, winter, etc).

The Kitchen Witch: Witches’ Digit Cookies

 

Good Morning!

The Kitchen Witch: Witches' Digit Cookies

(excerpt from Andrew's newest ebook: "The Kitchen Witch - A Large Portion of Eatable Spells Direct from the Hearth!") 

This e book has been created from the culmination of knowledge and historic wisdom gathered throughout time for the purpose of working with the NATURAL world. 

It covers the magic and spells that originated in the kitchen and a little about the history of how spells made it out of the kitchen and into the workings of witches everywhere.

This e book is designed around the wisdom and knowledge of our ancestors and how they have shared so much through their kitchen witchery. We should always speak of them with honor. Especially when many people feel that their ancestors or personal guardian angel or spirit guides are watching over them at all times.

This e book will help you to achieve more self-awareness, self-reliance and self-motivation. It is designed to help you envision the world in a better way.  It is used to assist with the interaction of the world and the elements within it. It is a course to help with the awareness of nature and the wholeness of the world, in general. 

The recipes and spells in this e book are also from other sources, many very old and traditional and some with a very modern twist. I have been collecting many of these recipes for YEARS and was asked to turn it into this 45 page book for others to enjoy.  

The Kitchen Witch: Witches' Digits

Disturbing but Delicious Halloween Cookies 

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons almond extract

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Red decorating gel

1/2 cup sliced almonds

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet and set aside.

Directions:

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar. beat in the egg and extracts. Gradually add flour, baking powder and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing well. Divide dough into fourths; cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, or until easy to handle. (If dough is too warm and soft, it will be difficult to shape properly.)

Remove one piece of dough from refrigerator at a time, roll quickly into 1-inch balls (15 balls per quarter portion of dough), and then shape balls quickly into 3-inch by 1/2-inch fingers, tapering the finger tips very slightly. 

Using the flat tip of a table knife, make an indentation on the finger tip for a fingernail. With the unsharp edge of a knife, make two sets of three slashes on each finger for knuckle areas (consult your own finger for accuracy!). Using knife held vertically, score bottom end of finger, to create ragged "torn off" look.

Place fingers 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. They will not spread out.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 5-10 minutes, and then squeeze a small amount of red gel on nail bed, outlining edge of nail bed. 

Press a sliced almond over gel for nail, allowing gel to ooze around nail. (Choose well-shaped almonds and turn them so the whitest side is facing up.) 

For maximum gross-out effect, squeeze a bit more red gel to decorate the bloody stump end of the finger. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 60 cookies.

Make ahead: Plain cookies may be made several weeks ahead, wrapped tightly and frozen without gel and fingernail. Thaw, then decorate with gel and fingernail almonds to serve.

_,_._,___

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Subtle Signs of Cancer

 

Good Morning!

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Subtle Signs of Cancer

A British group of researchers have recently put together a list of the top warning signs of cancer that maybe overlooked or ignored.

1. Blood in the urine is a possible sign of bladder cancer.

2. Difficulty swallowing is an early sign of cancer of the esophagus.

3. Lumps on the breast among women and men could be breast cancer.

4. Blood in the stool is a top symptom of colon cancer.

5. Menstrual bleeding after menopause could suggest uterine cancer.

6. Coughing up blood is an indication of lung cancer. This is especially true in smokers.

7. Fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss or persistently achy bones all could be signs of cancer nearly anywhere in the body.

But by no means do these signs mean cancer all the time.

Again, there are many clinical situations where patients can develop one of these signs or symptoms for a non-cancer related reason.

Additional research has also shown that our mind can send even stronger warning signs of cancer than the body. Don't disregard your own intuition, as an internal sign. There just maybe times when you can sense that something is not right within your body. 

Fantastic Fall: Coping with Dryness

 

Good Morning!

Fantastic Fall: Coping with Dryness

Dryness is a common problem in Autumn. Dryness can manifest as constipation, dry throat, dry skin, dry eyes, dry brittle hair, thirst, and lack of sweat. Most people do not drink enough fluids regularly, let alone in the Autumn. Spicy food can cause or worsen dryness. Be careful not to get stuck in the vicious cycle of craving the same food that makes your symptoms worse!

Below are some of the most popular and common herbal remedies for aliments of the lungs:

Coltsfoot Root, (Tussilago farfara) The mucilaginous property of the root makes it useful with lung problems, coughs, and intestinal upset. Coltsfoot is available in tincture, syrup, capsules and tea. The active ingredients are extracted from the dried leaves, root and flowers.

Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo Biloba) has been a staple with practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat asthma, allergies, and coughs. Studies have shown that ginkgo can inhibit allergic response and scientists have isolated an active ingredient in ginkgo that has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Horehound, (Marrubium vulgare) can be considered whenever heavy, dry, mucus must be discharged from lungs and respiratory passages. Horehound is the botanical herb of choice due to its long history as a safe, reliable, and effective herbal cough remedy.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) contains elements helpful for the adrenals and glands, inducing the adrenal cortex to produce more cortisone and aldosterone. It is thought to exhibit a mucosal protectant effect by beneficially interfering with gastric prostanoid synthesis and increasing both mucous production and regional blood flow. Very helpful in treating flu, colds, and lung congestion. It is also found in popular cough remedies. Due to the adverse reaction of licorice, many studies have been performed using the deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract, which is free of glycyrrhizin and has had no significant reported adverse effects.

Lobelia, (Lobelia inflata) is used smoking cessation and to treat asthma and depression. The piperidine alkaloids (lobeline) are believed to be responsible for the mechanism of action. In vitro studies show that lobeline crosses the blood-brain barrier and has similar activity to nicotine, and stimulates the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. At low doses, lobelia has stimulant effects. There are several contraindications with this herb. Lobelia is known to cross into breast milk and should not be consumed by pregnant or nursing mothers. Adverse reactions included nausea, vomiting, sweating, cough, dizziness, bradycardia, hypertension, seizures, respiratory stimulation (low doses) or depression (high doses). Toxicity includes sinus arrhythmia, bundle branch block, diaphoresis, cardiovascular collapse, seizures, coma. Herb-Drug Interactions include nicotine. Lobelia may have additive effects when combined with nicotine-containing products, resulting in toxicity.

Mullein, (Verbascum thapsus)is an antispasmodic, which is rich in mucilage, a substance that soothes the throat. It is a good expectorant and, in the process of clearing out congestion. It also soothes irritation in the throat and bronchial passages. As an antispasmodic, mullein can relieve stomach cramps and help control diarrhea. Mullein is an age old remedy, which is specific for bronchitis with hard cough and soreness. It is also a herb for cold and congestion. The leaves and flowers are used to reduce mucous and stimulate coughing up of phlegm.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)had been known to reduce allergic reactions. Rich in iron, potassium and silicon, nettles combined with comfrey, mullein, or horehound can be used for asthma. 

__

The Psychological Aspects of Cedarwood Essential Oil

 

Good Morning!

The Psychological Aspects of Cedarwood Essential Oil

I have always found the psychological aspects of herbs and oils fascinating and Cedarwood is no exception. Cedar wood (Cedrus) or cedar, is a genus of coniferous trees in the plant family Pinaceae.

Fully grown, cedar is a large coniferous evergreen tree. Prized by the Egyptians, The Celts and Native Americans, Cedarwood has a long history as an incense and perfume. The wood was burned by the Greeks and Romans to fragrant the air.

This steam distilled oil comes from the bark, and has a woody, balsamic scent with rich dry overtones. It has been used for stress reduction, anxiety and tension. Strengthening and comforting. When diffused into the air, this strengthening oil has a soothing quality that calms nervous tension and anxiety. It also helps alleviate upper respiratory and sinus problems.

Its fragrant base note blends well with bergamot, clary sage, eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, juniper berry, lavender, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, rose, rosemary and ylang ylang.  It's warm, sweet camphor- like note has a deep woody undertone. It is said that it becomes richer and softer as it evaporates.

Found in France, at the end of the 19th century, The Coligny-Calendar is a compilation of pre-Christian Celtic systems of timekeeping, including the Gaulish Coligny calendar, used by Celtic countries to define the beginning and length of the day, the week, the month, the seasons, quarter days, and festivals. On the calendar is a series of lines of glyphs, called Oghams.  The Ogham (commonly pronounced Oh-m) is an early Medieval alphabet used primarily to transcribe the early and late period, Irish language The glyphs are the only written form left by the Druids. The Ogham is sometimes called the Celtic Tree Alphabet, based on ancient medieval Br­atharogam tradition ascribing names of trees to the individual letters. Although, Cedarwood was not part of the first 13 trees, it was transcribed from later findings. These findings are the basis of Author, Robert Graves, who made reference to these trees in his book "The White Goddess" regarding the trees and their personas.

The Celts actually gave Cedar a persona and emotion, representing confidence. It is considered a rare beauty. Based on Celtic studies of the Ogham Tree Calendar, Robert Graves theorized that if the Oghams were associated with 13 sacred trees and that they followed the 13 moons of the calendar year then each moon, he thought, there must be an association with the tree of that month. Trees physically unite the heavens with the Earth, and this is probably why the Celts used so many of the trees' properties, like the bark, in herbal remedies and referred to others born during the days of the Cedar Tree (Aug 14 to Aug 23) as Cedar persons.

The "Cedar person"  is known to like luxury, the tenants of good health, is not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, is self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, has a healthy dose of optimism, is waiting for the one true love, and able to make quick decisions.

The Native Americans worshipped this tree of knowledge and used it for grounding and worship. Cedar knows how to adapt in nature, which gave the tree great reverence for American Indians. The Cherokee tribe would look upon the Cedar as their ancestor. It is traditionally believed that the wood of the cedar tree holds powerful protective spirits from the Cherokee's past. Ceremonial drums would be made from cedarwood. It is a common practice to carry a small piece of cedarwood in your medicine bag worn around the neck. It is also placed above the entrances to the home in order to protect against evil spirits. By rubbing the bark or breaking some of the bows in your hand, you release the essential oils. You would then rub your hands together, cup them over your nose and mouth and breathe naturally for several minutes. This is a remedy for stress relief, soothing tension and to help with loneliness. You can also massage into the feet. This emotional "heart tonic" could be applied over the heart center.

_

Human warmth vs robots

 

Thought you might enjoy this.

DO ROBOTS HAVE COLD FINGERS? 

Every time I watch this old video it makes me laugh, it's fun to see Mom again. It's almost like being there with her. She lives in Sanfrancorp and I live in Portlandcorp with my husband, Orson —the severe travel restrictions mean we rarely get to see each other anymore. I haven't seen her for two years.
My mom used to be a journalist and she wanted to record one of the last physical exams she was given by a real person. You know, before the CARE Units took over. That was twenty years ago.
Talk about the dark ages. It's hard to even imagine all the microbes everyone carried around and passed back and forth—shaking hands, hugging, and all that stuff.
Oh! All those germs crawling all over you.
Of course, we're civilized now. We know better than to touch each other unless we absolutely must. I don't even like to mess around with Orson much anymore. Those decontam showers are no fun.
Strange how I always feel compelled to pull Mom's video out the day before my Well Exam. Mainly, it's reassuring to see how medicine has advanced and how we take better care of ourselves today.
I look at the video again and there's Mom being brought into a cubicle by someone wearing purple pajamas—they're pretty funny looking. Speaking of funny, the woman has a big, smile on her face. I think she's bored because that grin never changes—it looks pasted on her face. I'll bet what she really wants to do is roll her eyes. I mean, she doesn't, but I do when she asks my mother a bunch of stupid questions that any decent robot would already have the answers to. Before the woman leaves the room in her colorful getup, she squeezes my mother's arm and there's something in her expression that always makes me … I don't know … it makes me feel strange.
Mom has a real sense of humor and when the woman turns away, she sticks her tongue out at the camera she's placed on a table across the room.
It's nothing like that today. I don't need anyone to bring me into a sterilizing cubicle. Shoot, I can read the signs, can't I?
I stare at Mom undressing and watch her put on some kind of paper gown. Back then you could cut down trees, use them for any silly thing. That was before the already depleted rainforests started suddenly dying off. Mom wrote a lot of stories about it then, but now she works for Newscorp which runs all the information feeds globally, and my mother is a blogger for State of the Art.com, a subsidiary. She doesn't seem as happy as she used to be when I was a little girl and she was chasing after live news.
"You do what you gotta do," she always says.
Each time she says that, I think she's going to cry, instead she always bursts out into a hearty laugh. I really miss my Mom, even though she's old-fashioned and makes fun of a lot of the things we do or don't do today.
It's late so I close everything up, take the first of my bedtime pre-exam pills, crawl under the covers, and look over at Orson who's already asleep in his bed.
I think of my last robot exam and try to remember all the details. For some reason, whenever the exam is finished, my memory of it fades. My friends say the same thing. They don't remember much either.
It makes me uneasy.
I hope nothing is wrong with me. Some people seem to disappear after they've had their exam. Where do they go? Do they change jobs or what? There are rumors …
A sudden jolt of fear runs down my spine, but it's gone before I can really think about it anymore.
I try to relax. I remember the CARE Unit door enclosing me into a dark, small examination chamber.
It seems surreal standing there with only blue, purple, and green indicators blinking and a disembodied voice hanging in the air:
"Please remove all your clothes and place the second and third fingers within the outlines of the DNA sensor on the panel in front of you."
Colored lights blink faster. That's when I get really sleepy.
"Thank you. Now place your fourth finger on the adjoining indent."
It stings as a drop of blood is extracted from my fingertip.
"Please remove your hand."
Don't really remember much more. Just flashes of pictures in my head that could be real or not real.
I do remember a faint aroma of disinfectant surrounding me as the floor begins a slow rotation. Cold tentacles slide across my skin and wrap, enter, and touch every part of my body. They pinch, then squeeze and relax, squeeze and relax. Almost in the blink of an eye the chamber lights comes on.
"You may dress. We are pleased to inform you there is nothing wrong requiring treatment. Thank you for visiting CARE Unit Number Three today. Rx is deferred."
Is that what it really said? I can't remember.
As I drift into sleep I think about the woman with the purple pajamas in the examination room with Mom.
Her eyes were soft.

Remedies for Heat Exhaustion

 

Good Morning!

Remedies for Heat Exhaustion

The summer heat can sneak up on you and not only zap your energy, while you are outdoors, but it can cause dehydration, sunburn and actual exhaustion! Children under four, people over 65, and those who are obese, already ill, or taking medications can especially be affected very easily. prolonged exposure to heat and insufficient body fluid can result in heat exhaustion. Its symptoms can include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness headache and nausea or vomiting. Here are the best remedies for heat exhaustion:

1. Carry water with you and sip it throughout the day. Dehydration can set in and we don't even realize it until we begin to feel thirsty!

2. Pace yourself when working outdoors, exercising or just having fun. Those who participate in regular exercise over time, allowing their bodies to adjust to hot conditions, may better tolerate exercise on hot days.

3. Replace salts and minerals with electolytes such as Gatoraide or other power drinks that have potassium. Avoid drinks with large amounts of sugar. Dehydration can stress the heart and impair the kidneys' ability to maintain the correct level of fluids and balance of electrolyte. Electrolytes are charged elements�like potassium, sodium, phosporous and chloride�essential for the normal function of every cell in the body.

4. Wear lightweight clothing the lighter the colored clothing (white,being ideal) the more sunlight is reflected away from you. Darker colors absorb the light and heat.

5. Seek air conditioning, cool breezes under the shade and/or take cool showers in order to bring down your body temperature.

6. Sunburn can happen very easily if you are not careful. Dilute one part Tea Tree Oil with ten parts of olive oil or coconut oil and spread freely over the affected areas. This is soothing and pain-relieving and to reduce blistering and peeling. People have also applied tea tree oil full strength to sunburn.

7. Use common sense Schedule your outdoor activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and use a buddy system if necessary to keep watch on those at high risk.

8. If you feel dizzy and/or stop sweating, quit all activity and get out of the sun fast. Drink cool, not cold water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in it. The vinegar helps to replace electrolytes and minerals like sports drinks do.

9. In ancient Egypt, China and the Far East, watermelon juice and its seeds were traditionally offered to thirsty travelers, and they are still important today in times of drought or water pollution. This flavorful fruit is one of the best remedies for dehydration and summer heat symptoms, which include thirst without desire to drink, band-like headache, nausea, low appetite, heavy, weighted body sensation, low motivation, sluggish digestion, increased body temperature, sticky sweat, surging pulse, and red tongue with thick white or yellow coating. Watermelon cools and cleanses the system, clearing summerheat and acts as a natural diuretic.

10. Take a cool bath. Run a cool bath and relax in the water for 15-20 minutes. Try to submerge as much of your body as possible. 

__

Taking Away The Taboo: The Empowerment of Everyday Rituals

 

Good 

Taking Away The Taboo: The Empowerment of Everyday Rituals 

A ritual is a set of actions, performed for their symbolic value or to reach an outcome. Brushing your teeth or eating breakfast is a ritual. We do them everyday. Some rituals are done monthly, like paying our bills or paying the rent. We do seasonal rituals like planting the garden, harvesting the fields or once a year rituals like celebrating a birthday or a holiday.

Rituals give us the opportunity to start anew, refresh and reboot our lives, our intentions or goals.  Rituals can be done with simple words (like a prayer or affirmation) other rituals use tools such as incense, water, candles or oils.

Since the start of the New Year, I have participated in several rituals that many people experience... the countdown to New Years, the cleaning and sweeping of our home after the holidays and the family ritual of lighting a candle on New Year's day. 

In year's past, I have always had the privilege of working with and studying from Ecuadorian Shamans in the upcountry outside of Quito.  This year I had the great honor of working with a spiritualist/psychic, Sylvia Mendez, who privileged me with a sacred "spiritual" cleansing, called "Levantamento" (to wake or rise up).  It is basically done with prayers, candles, meditation and a cleansing bath with a special castille soap and a dowsing of a prepared herbal bath used for clearing and refreshing the mind/body/spirit.  

There is not necessarily any religious or denominational beliefs one needs to do a cleansing.  I do feel that a belief in a higher or Universal power is important. To realize that we are not always in control of our lives, is a humbling and moving experience.  I think your own belief system can make your rituals that much more powerful! 

The components of a ritual can be anything. For instance the ritual of brushing your teeth, need only be the toothbrush, toothpaste and some water.  The process of that ritual, most everyone knows. You set your intention: "I'm going to brush my teeth in order to have a clean mouth and avoid cavities". Maybe you wet the brush and add the paste. Brush up and down and all around. Maybe you brush your tongue. Rinse and finish. You may repeat this twice or three times a day.  It is the same sequence of events for any ritual.  

You gather your tools, prepare your intention, act upon the intention and then you finish, allowing for your actions to take affect. Here are some examples of healing rituals you can do:

A ritual meditation or affirmation are several words or images that you can use to create a base for your ritual. A meditation or affirmation can be done once or several times a day. It implies a connection between your inner life and your mind's eye.  Your inner life or spiritual center becomes in tune with your mind's eye or focus and intention. 

A wonderful and powerful tool for creating self-love and confidence is to stand, facing yourself in the mirror. Repeat a positive affirmation "I will be filled with pride and confidence today".  "I will remain at peace and calm all day". "I look handsome and confident".  Whatever your words, the power of repeating your affirmations to yourself in the mirror (and throughout the day) is a ritual of self-empowerment. 

A great meditation you can do at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day, can simply be sitting (grounded) on the floor and closing your eyes. Taking some very deep breaths in, so that each breath reaches all the way down to your pelvic bone and then exhale s-l-o-w-l-y each time. Choose and image, person or scenario that empowers you. Always go back to it when you find your mind drifting. Take your focus to the back of your eyelids. Let whatever comes into your mind pass through, then let it go.  When you are ready move your focus to between your eyebrow, to your Third Eye. Sense it opening and filling your mind with your chosen image. All it to expand outside your head and fill the room. Your image is now, all around you. When you are ready, slowly bring the image back and contain it with your Third Eye again. Move your focus back to behind your eyelids. Then, when you are ready, slowly open your eyes.

A ritual bath or "magical" ceremony involving the use of water to immerse or anoint a subject's body and/or feet, prepares one to be more aware, conscious and open for new opportunities. It can be used to cleanse the mind, the body, as well as embrace the spirit. Ritual baths can clear negative energies and prepare yourself for accomplishments. First, clean your bath tub. Run the warm/hot water. As you do this, add a cup of sea salt, perhaps a tablespoon of lavender, clary sage or rose essential oils and as a final touch, a handful of flower petals. Swirl these ingredients around in the bath water and emerge yourself for a good 15-20 minutes.  You can add some nice stress reducers, such as incense, low lighting or candles and soothing music.  Make this ritual "your time", as you deserve it!

A ritual tea or tea ceremony has been done for centuries to honor ancestors, embrace the change of seasons or as a "time out" from the day.  I always like using fresh or dried herbs sans the tea bag. A one or two teaspoons of herbs per serving. Use clear spring water. Colder and fresher makes a tastier, livelier infusion. Warm the steeping pot.

Pour the measured, fresh water into the saucepan and place over medium heat. Heat the water until it just comes to a rolling boil. Add the tea leaves to the warmed steeping pot (one teaspoon per cup, plus one "for the pot"). Immediately pour the boiled water over the loose leaves; cover the pot. Steep three to five minutes for most teas. Longer, to taste. Also be sure and steep the herbs longer for the teas made from sticks, twigs, roots or berries, as well as, herbal infusions. 

These are just a few rituals we do or can do in our lives in order to bring about, peace, confidence and empowerment!.

Finding Inspiration Series: Exercise

 

Good Morning!

Finding Inspiration Series: Exercise

My 'Finding Inspiration' series was written out of a need that comes up in my
practice, most often in Spring and Fall. I feel we all need a bit of
encouragement and enlightenment now and then to help us move forward. Finding
motivation through inspiration can be the spark which sets you on your way!

Exercise is what your body instinctively wants to do especially under stress:
fight or flight, and it works. It burns off some of the stress chemicals which
tension produces. Therefore, a tired muscle is a relaxed muscle. Regular
exercise builds stamina that can help anyone battle stress. But even something
as casual as a walk around the block can help you burn off some of the tension
that you carrying around.

Stretching is a great tension reducer. Stretch your chest for better breathing.
The tense musculature of a person under stress can make breathing difficult and
impaired breathing can aggravate the anxiety you already feel. To relax your
breathing, roll your shoulders up and back, then relax. The first time, inhale
deeply as they go back, exhale as they relax. Repeat four or five more times,
then inhale deeply again. Repeat the entire sequence four times.

People under pressure have a tendency to clench their teeth. Dropping the jaw
and rolling it helps make those muscles relax, and if you relax the muscles, you
reduce the sensation of tension.

Resistance is essential for making a muscle stronger. When a muscle has to work
against a load placed on it, it adapts to the stress by creating new muscle
fibers and making neurological changes that ultimately make it stronger. Muscles
respond to virtually anything that offers resistance.

You need only to remember a few do-anywhere exercises:

*sit-ups for abdominal muscles

*push-ups for the arms, chest, and shoulders

*dips for the back of the arms

*squats for the muscles in the rear and front of the thighs

*calf raises for the lower portion of the leg.


You also might work some simple equipment into your regime. Both rubber bands
and rubber tubing can add resistance, as can simple household items. To increase
the resistance when you're doing squats, for example, you can do something as
simple as hold soup cans or milk jugs filled with water.

Yoga and Pilates are also great and can be done at home. Many of the poses in
yoga require using one's own body weight to load the muscles. Take the "warrior"
pose, for example. It's essentially a lunge, one that works the muscle in the
front of the thigh. Pilates is a series of exercises that involve slow, precise
moves -- either using your body weight or specially designed machines -- to work
your muscles. You might work your abdominal and leg muscles, for example, by
pushing against a bar on springs or by raising your legs when they're attached
(by straps) to a pulley.

Exercise gives you energy. Study after study supports those words, including one
by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. More than 200 federal
employees were placed on a moderate, regular exercise program. The results: 90
percent said they had never felt better. Almost half said they felt less stress,
and almost one-third reported they slept better.

Energetic exercise, aerobics, a brisk walk three to five times a week, for 20 to
30 minutes each time and no later than 2 hours before bedtime are extremely
beneficial. If you're obese, if you need to drop 20 percent of your weight or
more, losing weight will be a great help. Make sure you follow a sensible diet
in combination with exercise.

Remember the key to doing exercise is to SCHEDULE it into your day.

_

Re:] Hello Diane, thank you for the informative email about teeth & gums. Will you

 

Diane, hi!
How kind of you to share all this useful information with me - thank you! I will incorporate what I can.
I went through extreme stress & all that goes with it for about 2 years & have been getting it turned around for a while. Things are going ever so much better! I teach Law of Attraction & that has helped me so much. If I can help you, please let me know, & ask anything you'd like. It's the most direct path to a happy life I have found; however, what you suggest certainly supports the process!
I have learned it's all about progression rather than perfection. Some non supporting beliefs can be tricky to change! So with progression I add persistence! :) It's serving me well.
Hugs to you,
Cindy

On 2/25/2014 11:49 AM, Boonight@aol.com wrote:

��

Hi Cindy,

��

I had adrenal fatigue from stress. With the Adrenal imbalance you can feel tired or wired all day and night. I was wired at night because my cortisol levels were high Cortisol should be high during the day for energy and low during the night for sleep.��I tried many sleep��remedies for insomnia, the one that worked for me was�� 500mg. of Now Foods��Gaba, 500mg of Now Foods Taurine, and 250 mg. Panatothenic acic B5,�� Chelated Magnesium at night (most people��under stress are depleted in Magnesium).�� Experiment and see what works for you.

��

Now for my low Immune System and Stress: ��I took Mega Vitamin C, multivitamin with a liquid B12, Vitamin D, Omega 3 fish oil,��a high quality Magnesium (best Magnesium is Glycinate or Malate or Magnesium Chloride spray.��If the fatique is severe some��people need to take a B12 injection. I also took Ayurvedic herbs, Rhodiola Rosea, Holy Basil,��Astralagus and Ashwagandha.�� Rhodiola was very helpful for my cortisol imbalance. There is a Adrenal diet I will send. Eat smallhealthy meals throughout the day. Always eat breakfast before 10 am.

��

I only have one cup of organic coffee in the morning. Then drink lots of��bottled water,��Yogi Ginseng Vitality Tea during the day, Yogi Soothing Caramel Bedtime tea, Organic Green Tea, Organic Vegetable juice, Coconut Milk and org. Virgin Coconut oil.��Miso Soup is good for the��immune system and I stay on low glycemic foods.����I am�� now taking Flaxseed oil lignans.

��

For Stress��I listen to soothing music, Indian flutes, American Indian Drumming, crystal bowls and the Solfeggio frequencies.�� I download the 9��Solfeggio frequency sounds on acd from a web site. I find it hard to silence my mind to meditate, so I figure the music is a form of meditation. You can also daydream and visualize a calming scene.

��

There a great formula for��Adrenal Imbalance�� I took called Womens Sense Adrenal Sense Formula and Licorice Root extract (not good for people who have high blood pressure). I had to add natural mineral sea salt to my diet, best salts Himalayan and Celtic Salt.

��

I got a lot��of info. to heal my Adrenal-Stress-Insomnia health issue from Online research and these��2 exceptional��Library books:��

��

"The Hormone Cure" by Dr. Sara����Gottfried����http://thehormonecurebook.com/

��

��"Are You Tired and Wired" by Marcelle�� Pick�� http://www.marcellepick.com/������

��

��

http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenal-health-2/symptoms-adrenal-fatigue/

��

http://naturopathconnect.com/articles/adrenal-fatigue-syndrome-dietary/

��

http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/adrenal-fatigue-herbs-zbcz1306.aspx

��

Adrenal Recovery Soup - The following vegetable soup recipe has proved helpful in adrenal support. It is rich in minerals and alkalinizing to help balance the acidity that usually occurs in people experiencing adrenal fatigue and stress. It has a calming, settling effect. This soup, called ���Taz,��� comes from Dolores S. Downey's ���Balancing Body Chemistry with Nutrition��� seminars.

��

16 oz. green beans

1 cup chopped celery

1 zucchini, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup tomato juice

1 cup spring water

2 tbsp. raw honey

1 tsp. paprika

1 cup chicken broth

��

Combine ingredients and simmer for one hour until vegetables are tender. Pepper to taste.

��

Diane

��

��

��

Adrenal Fatigue and Alternative Medicine

 

Good Morning!

Adrenal Fatigue and Alternative Medicine

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include: 

low energy levels 

feeling tired even after you sleep 

excessive fatigue 

difficulty concentrating and feel overwhelmed 

nonspecific symptoms people experience: 

poor digestion 

craving salty and/or sweet foods 

food or environmental allergies 

joint pain 

low back pain in the area of the kidneys 

sighing, yawning 

impaired memory 

reduced sex drive 

anxiety and irritability 

low immune function 

recurrent infections 

consistent low blood pressure 

extreme sensitivity to cold 

difficulties that develop premenstrual syndrome 

difficulties that develop during menopause

The adrenal glands, of which you have two, are a part of the kidney system. These endocrine glands sit on top of the kidneys and are mainly responsible for releasing hormones in conjunction with stress through the synthesis of corticosteroids such as cortisol and catecholamines, such as epinephrine. Adrenal glands affect kidney function through the secretion of aldosterone, a hormone involved in regulating blood osmosis. The adrenals release three classes of hormones responsible for maintaining metabolic processes by managing blood sugar levels, regulating inflammation, regulating the balance of salt and water, controlling the "fight or flight" response to stress, maintaining pregnancy and initiating and controlling sexual maturation during childhood and puberty. The adrenal glands are also an important source of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. The result of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) result in:

blurry vision 

rapid heartbeat 

sudden mood changes 

sudden nervousness 

unexplained fatigue 

pale skin 

headache 

hunger 

shaking 

sweating 

difficulty sleeping 

skin tingling 

trouble thinking clearly or concentrating

The cortex is the area surrounding the core and is responsible for fluid and electrolyte balance in the body using corticosteroids. These corticosteroids are responsible for the proper metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates.

The term "Adrenal Fatigue" is not considered an acceptable medical diagnosis. It is actually a term, coined by a doctor in the mid 90's, to cover a group of non-specific symptoms people would experience when the adrenal aspect of their endocrine system was not functioning at optimum levels, resulting in many of the above symptoms. Western endocrinologists and conventional tests cannot diagnose adrenal fatigue because they are only able to diagnose extreme dysfunction in the adrenals, such as Addison's disease, a potentially fatal condition where the adrenals essentially shut down.

The best way to establish a baseline diagnosis is with a saliva testing for cortisol levels and measurement of thyroid hormones in the blood in order to confirm the irregularities within the endocrine system. Simple boosting of cortisol levels or other hormones is not efficient enough in treating the balance of multiple organ systems. Finding the root cause of the disorder is essential.

It is also important to differentiate adrenal fatigue vs. chronic fatigue syndrome. CFS is typically a post-viral fatigue syndrome characterized by disabling fatigue occurring chronically, after minimal exertion, and with duration of at least six months. As adrenal fatigue affects a group of body systems, treatment is incomplete if it just targets individual symptoms.

The right nutrition for adrenal fatigue is essential. You must eat first thing in the morning. There is no compromise here. A low-glycemic (low-sugar) diet, consisting of sufficient protein and good fats, low-glycemic carbohydrates, eaten in smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day are the secret. Eat 6 - 8 servings of vegetables a day and some fruits (apples, mango, papaya, plums cherries and pears). Eat organic meats and dairy products in small portions. Water is your best choice. Other healthy choices are green tea, herbal teas, natural vegetable juices, goat's milk, almond milk, rice milk and carob (a great substitute for chocolate beverages). A snack before lunch and after lunch is also essential as it helps maintain blood glucose levels, boost the immune system and keeps the adrenals on track. 

Foods to Avoid

Non-organic meats and dairy products are loaded with preservatives, hormones and antibiotics.

Suffering from adrenal fatigue due to blood sugar issues, you should be careful about high sugar levels found in bananas, grapefruit, dates, figs, raisins and oranges and avoid them.

Although coffee, chocolate, alcohol and soft drinks give you an "energy rush" they should all be avoided, since the backlash is a severe drop in blood sugar levels as there affects run out and further deplete the adrenals. 

Herbs and Supplements to Consider

It is best to visit a professional, certified herbalist who is savvy in both Western and Chinese herbs, supplements, mineral and vitamins and who understand the mechanisms behind how they work! Herbs for adrenal fatigue are best used in combination with vitamins and need to be individualized or tailored to each patient's specific needs and contraindications. There is no "one size fits all" approach. This is difference between Western medicine and Naturopathic/Eastern medicine. Herbal treatment for adrenal fatigue should include herbs used to modulate adrenal secretion (or "Yin Tonic" formulations) as well as to increase the body's ability to respond to stress (or "Adaptogen" formulations).

Herbs for adrenal health are best used in combination, and these combinations need to be individualized and tailored to each patient's specific needs and contraindications. For simplicity's sake, there are two ways to think about herbal treatment for adrenal fatigue: Herbs can be used to modulate adrenal secretion (i.e., a "tonic" approach) or to increase the body's ability to respond to stress (an"adaptogenic" approach).

Adrenal Support Formula: combines the whole adrenal and adrenal cortex with a combination of herbs that nutritionally supports the adrenal glands. Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus, or eleuthero, are used primarily as adaptogens, nontoxic substances which improve overall health of the body by a wide range of physical, chemical, and biochemical factors. This formula enhances both the effects and production of certain adrenal hormones and maintains a healthy immune response.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) also comes to the West through its long use in Chinese medicine. It is typically used in combination with other herbs, especially Rehmannia and Eleuthero. Astragalus is both a tonic and an adrenal support herb. Its key components are polysaccharide fractions, isoflavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, and gaba-aminobutryic acid. These substances can affect growth hormone levels, blood glucose, general inflammation, blood pressure, blood flow, and water balance in the body. Astragalus can be combined with Eleuthero and Echinacea for patients who are "run down" and experiencing recurrent respiratory infections.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root comes from India's Ayurvedic medicine tradition. It is particularly useful for stress induced sleeping problems especially when you take Ashwagandha immediately before bed. Recent East Indian trials showed that Ashwagandha improves both DHEAs (DHEA-sulfate) and testosterone levels.

B Vitamin Complex: is a multifunctional blend of the highly crucial vitamins including B-2, B-6, B-12, Niacin and Pantothenic acid to help maintain a sufficient daily intake. These vitamins are essential for normal formation of blood cells, and also support vision health, a healthy nervous system and energy metabolism.

Black Cohosh Root (Cimicifuga racemosa), as a long-term glandular tonic. It is used in North American Indian medicine for malaise, gynecological disorders, kidney disorders, malaria, rheumatism, and sore throat. It was also used for colds, cough, constipation, hives, and backache and to induce lactation. In 19th-century America, black cohosh was a home remedy used for rheumatism and fever, as a diuretic, and to bring on menstruation.

DHEA is a natural steroid hormone, one of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. After being secreted by the adrenal glands, it circulates in the bloodstream as DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) and is converted as needed into other hormones. DHEA is chemically similar to testosterone and estrogen and is easily converted into those hormones. DHEA production peaks in early adulthood and declines in production with age in both men and women. Therefore, many diseases which correlate with age also correlate with low levels of DHEA production.

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus): is an adaptogen herb used to support cognition, alertness, immune function, and physical stress. The most recent research on adaptogens views them as stress adaptogens which act like mild stressors to the body, and the body's protective response is what accounts for the therapeutic benefits.

Fo-Ti Root (Ho Shou Wu): a Chinese herb that's broader and slower in action than but similar to ginseng, works very well on tonifying the kidneys.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a common herb well known for its ability to enhance peripheral circulation and for its neuroprotective effects. Often overlooked is the fact that Ginkgo can favorably affect stress levels. In one study, it lowered cortisol levels in healthy patients undergoing glucose tolerance testing.

Ginseng Root (Korean - Panax Ginseng): is traditionally used in western herbal medicine to remedy physical or mental exhaustion, lowered immunity and facilitate adaptation to stress. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it is considered a key herb for reinforcing vital energy and longevity. Ginseng Root, (Siberian): along with astragalus for immune support are key tonics for the adrenal and endocrine systems.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra and G. uralensis) is a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for adrenal insufficiency and ulcers. This herb contains triterpenoid saponins that influence cortisol-cortisone balance throughout the body. Glycyrrhizin is the main active compound in licorice. At higher amounts, however, it has a strong effect on the kidney and allows cortisol to interact with aldosterone receptors, which affects sodium/potassium balance and increases blood pressure. For this reason, patients taking higher amounts of licorice need to be monitored closely. That is why, in TCM, it is used to assist the other herbs in a formula and is not the main ingredient.

Mate: (pronounced, "mah-tay,") is an herbal tea native to South America. Mate is considered more nutritious than black tea (or coffee), and though it also has some caffeine, it's effects are energizing, rather than jittery.

Multivitamins for Women and Multivitamins for Men are an essential part of any balanced lifestyle plan. It provides adequate amounts of key vitamins and minerals for the adrenals and metabolic processess. Consider your multivitamin carefully, as often, the least expensive have the poorest amounts and proper ratios needed for daily intake. You can find a good list of what should be in your vitamins here.

Pregnenolone, (3-alpha-hydroxy-5-beta-pregnen-20-one): is a natural steroid hormone produced in the body from cholesterol. It has been described as the â€Å"Grandmother of all Steroid Hormones,” since all steroid hormones, over 150 of them, are derived from pregnenolone. Pregnenolone has been linked with positive support of the immune system, mood and memory. In the body, it takes one or two metabolic pathways, converting to DHEA and/or progesterone. It is likely that the body will convert pregnenolone appropriately, according to its needs. Studies show that the body makes 60% less of this hormone at age 75 than it does at age 35. Pregnenolone, a natural precursor to over 150 steroid hormones, helps support the immune system, mood and memory.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is an adaptogen herb with a long history of traditional use. It also has a number of positive human trials in the areas of stress and fatigue management, enhancement of mental performance and treatmentof mild depression. Rhodiola exerts these beneficial effects by regulating key mediators of the stress response including cortisol, nitric oxide, molecular chaperones (HSP70) and stress activated protein kinases.

Triphala : an Ayurvedic remedy, has been used as a long term glandular tonic. This combination of three fruits is one of the best bowel formulas in the world! Assists natural internal cleansing, Gently maintains regularity, nourishes and rejuvenates the tissues, supports healthy digestion and absorption and is a natural antioxidant. 

Exercise for Fatigue?

Absolutely. Consider exercises that are not overstimulating such as heavy lifting or aerobics. Do something more calming such as Pilates, restorative yoga or tai chi. Exercise gives you energy. Study after study supports those words, including one by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. More than 200 federal employees were placed on a moderate, regular exercise program. The results: 90 percent said they had never felt better. Almost half said they felt less stress, and almost one-third reported they slept better. 

Get Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation is one of the Studies have shown that acupuncture helps to regulate the HPA axis (hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis) therefore, correcting problems that arise from adrenal hormone and neurotransmitter derangement like depression, anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia. Acupuncture can help suffers of adrenal fatigue by stimulating key points associated with the kidney. In some cases, acupressure may be done by massaging just inside the ankle between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. Massage the area in a clockwise motion for five minutes on each side of the foot and repeat daily. 

,___

Empowering Resolutions: Starting and Keeping Exercise In Your Life

 

Good Morning!

Empowering Resolutions: Starting and Keeping Exercise In Your Life

This month we will be keeping tabs on your New Years Resolutions, in order to empower you, help you to stay on track and give you some great tips for keeping your promise to yourself. 

Exercise is what your body instinctively wants to do especially under stress: fight or flight, and it works. It burns off some of the stress chemicals which tension produces. Therefore, a tired muscle is a relaxed muscle. Regular exercise builds stamina that can help anyone battle stress. But even something as casual as a walk around the block can help you burn off some of the tension that you carrying around. 

Exercise and Love It!  Want to drop the depression? Want to get the blood circulating again? How about stop the aches and pains? Get back to exercise! It is the secret to better brain health, bone strength and good sex! What is stopping you? Here is a secret... exercise by doing something you love! It has to get your heart rate going and you have to do it for 30 minutes. Be creative, get motivated, get moving! 

How To Do It 

By increasing lifestyle activities each day, try doing four 10-minute increases at least five days a week. The idea is to just do more of what you are already doing. Here are some great ideas on getting motivated:

*Walk, don't drive. 

*Take the stairs at the office â€" not the elevator. 

*Play with your kids instead of watching them play. 

*Bike to the store. 

*Stretch while you watch TV. 

*Get up from the sofa to change the channel. Channel surfers get 
quite a workout. 

*Park at the opposite end of the mall from where you're headed. 

*If you've got an exercise bike at home, peddle away for 5 minutes while you're talking on the phone or waiting for the washing machine 
to finish. 

*Walk the treadmill while watching a favorite TV program. 

*Listen to music and dance your way through housecleaning. 

*Start slow â€" a few minutes at first. Then, pick up the pace and go longer. 

*Workout clothes are not necessary, but wear good walking shoes. 

*Don't let missing a few days become your excuse to quit. 

*Even if you miss a few days, you won't lose all the benefits you've gained. 

*Be flexible. Do what you can when you can. 

*Take advantage of opportunities. If you're watching your child's soccer game, walk around the field. 

*Playing golf? Skip the cart. 

*Find a partner. Climbing stairs at the office will be far more interesting if you chat away the minutes with a co-worker. 

*Instead of building your life around exercise, build exercise around your life. 


_._,___