On the Road Again – Healthy Travel Tips

Do you have travel plans this summer?

Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or maybe even out of the country, your usual eating and sleeping routines are disrupted making you and your family vulnerable to a variety of travel-related problems. Motion sickness, diarrhea, constipation and infections can all be caused by the change in diet, water and air in a new environment.  Some thoughtful planning and smart packing can help keep your trip happy and healthy.

Here are some ways to keep your health and longevity intact on your journey:

Flexibility

Flexibility is key to stress-free travel.  Keep in mind that travel is often unpredictable, and adopting an attitude of flexibility can help overcome the stress.  Just remember everything that happens – bad or good – is part of the adventure.  Take a few deep breaths, put the problem in perspective and you’ll be able to face the next step.

Give Yourself a Breather!

A 15-minute nap or meditation can reinvigorate you.  Try this daoin massage to hit the reset button on your energy: take one of your heels and rub it against the sole of your other foot until you feel heat in the massaged foot, then reverse the feet and repeat with your other heel.  This will stimulate blood flow into the lower extremities, and it also activates an important acupuncture point for energy and vitality.  This massage is especially great for long plane or car rides!

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol which dehydrate you.

Eat Healthy Snacks

Bring along a mix of nuts, seeds and dried fruits to energize you and curb your hunger.

This is a quick and easy recipe that tastes great and will give you a healthy energy boost for those long travel days.

Trail Mix

Almonds
Pecans
Sunflower Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Unsweetened Carob Chips
Unsweetened Shaved Coconut

You decide the amounts of each ingredient but I use
1/4 cup of each ingredient.

Mix all together, toss in a travel-safe container.

Avoid the Ailments of Travel

Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than the common ailments associated with travel.  Combat motion sickness and digestive distress with Nature’s Sunshine Ginger capsules.  If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, begin the Ginger capsules a couple of days before your trip and continue throughout your travels.

Food Enzymes taken with meals help to digest food and promote proper elimination. LBS II is especially helpful for constipation and no traveler should be without it if you are prone to that problem when away from home!

Activated Charcoal is a must to have in your bag for diarrhea, food poisoning and intestinal gas.

When traveling out of the country, take Black Walnut ATC with meals to combat any parasite issues.  This taken with Enzymes (either Food Enzymes or Proactazyme) at every meal will help you avoid stomach upset.

Now just a tiny bottle of Tea Tree Oil, an antiseptic, for any wounds and you’re prepared to leave on a health-filled vacation.

To learn more and to  purchase any of the Nature’s Sunshine supplements mentioned click here.

Happy and safe travels!!

Paige

45 Inspirational Thoughts

This list, I believe, has made it’s rounds on the internet either by email or blogs.  I came across it again today and love the message so I thought I would share with you in case you missed it. Even if you’ve read it before it’s always good to remind yourself that with a shift of a behavior or a thought you can create a better life.

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3.. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your  friends and parents will. Stay in  touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone..  It’s more healing than crying alone.

8.  It’s OK to get angry with God.  He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the  present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

18.  Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.  But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.  Don’t save it for a special occasion.  Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the  brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five  years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything.  Give time time..

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34.  God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35.  Don’t audit life.  Show up and make the most of  it now.

36. Growing old beats the  alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day.  Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw  everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41.  Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come…

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44.  Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

Not sure who to give credit to for this, if you know please let me know in the comments.

Quote Block via Debbos.tumblr.com

Stay Healthy, Strong & Vibrant with these 7 Key Supplements

1. Medicinal Mushrooms – In Chinese medicine, many of the “superior” drugs — those that increase resistance to all disease agents — are derived from mushrooms. You can add them to your regular diet as well as take them in a supplement.

Shiitake mushrooms stimulate your immune system’s powerhouses and act both quickly and aggressively against invasion. A little shiitake goes a long way, and the dried ones have the same nutrients as the fresh. Simply soak them until they’re soft, and sliver them with kitchen scissors into miso soup, brown rice or stir fry recipes once or twice a week.

Reishi mushrooms stimulate your immune system in a way that allows it to fight against all disease strains. You can maximize the activity of reishis when you take them in a formula that has tonic herbs like ginseng. (Unlike shiitake and maitake, reishi is not used for cooking.)

Maitake mushrooms are significant immune normalizers for serious immune compromised conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hepatitis. An especially promising extract in maitake inhibits cancer tumor growth and metastasis by enhancing immunity at the cellular level. Maitake is a treasured delicacy in Asian cooking, but it is difficult to find and very expensive. Caplets or teas are widely available though.

Maitake mushrooms are such powerful immune boosters that they offer hope for people with AIDS. Tests by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) reveal that maitake extract can actually prevent HIV from destroying the “helper” T cells of the immune system. Leading scientists from NCI consider maitake as powerful as the leading AIDS drug, AZT, but without the toxic side effects!  Find Maitake and and Reishi mushrooms in Nature’s Immune Stimulator plus it contains Beta Glucans, Arabinogalactan, Colostrum, and Cordyceps.

2. Enzyme Therapy – Enzymes are mighty scavengers. They literally clean up toxic cellular debris, partially digested food and unused proteins from your body before they ever have the chance to make you sick!

When digestion is poor, protein can work against the body, not for it. For example, if your intestinal wall is damaged, unused protein particles can leak past the intestinal lining and into the bloodstream. Your immune system has to work double-time to defend against these invaders. That’s where supplemental enzymes come in.

Food Enzymes is a full spectrum enzyme product that includes Betaine Hydrochloride (HCL). Proactazyme is also a full spectrum food enzyme supplement without hydrochloric acid.

Protease Plus also dissolves scar tissue with miraculous results — both externally and internally! NSP also offers

Supplemental Protease taken between meals enters directly into the bloodstream and helps the immune system digest the protein fragments and unwanted waste, including harmful bacteria and viruses in the blood and soft tissues.

High Potentcy Protease. Enjoy the same benefits of three Protease Plus capsules in one capsule of High-Potency Protease.

3. Probiotics including Acidophilus and Bifidophilus are organisms that live in our intestinal track and boost the immune system and white blood cell activity. Probiotics are so powerful they can suppress virulent strains of bacteria like E. coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus. Try Probiotic Eleven which contains 11 strains of live microorganisms.

4. Antioxidants scavenge and neutralize highly reactive free radicals in the body. Some great choices include sea vegetables, like dulse, kelp and sea palm, and herbs like Gingkgo Biloba, Eleuthero and Grape Seed & Pine Bark. Also try Super Antioxidant with a combination of herbal antioxidants.

5. Immuno-modulating tonic herbs are the best choices for long-term protection against seasonal illness. Their activity is gentle and long lasting without the harsh side effects of antibiotic drugs.

Two excellent choices are:

Astragalus. In studies with people susceptible to frequent infections, astragalus improved natural resistance so patients got sick less frequently. It is especially beneficial for the respiratory system against viral and bacterial invasion. NOTE: Astragalus is not recommended for acute illness. It’s best used as a preventative or during the recuperation stage of disease.

Burdock provides remarkable support for your liver. Your liver is responsible for more than 1500 functions that directly maintain your immune system.

6. Green Superfoods have immuno-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-viral properties for fighting colds, flu and bronchitis. It may also help fight more deadly diseases, such as cancer. The best green superfood sources come from green algae (Super Algae & Spirulina), wheat grass, barley grass (Barley Juice Powder Concentrate) , Alfalfa and leafy greens. Take a green drink several times a week during the winter months for the best protection. Try Greenzone Powder or Capsules.

7. Minerals are the foundation your body works with to build everything –  from bone strength to food assimilation. Minerals increase body enzyme production and help establish normal pH levels, vital for immune system maintenance and disease prevention.

Minerals play a major role in not only detoxifying cells, but also in elimination acid crystals from the lymph system, a secondary circulatory system that your immunity relies on to filter and remove infective organisms. Try Ionic Minerals w/Acai or Herbal Trace Minerals.

Can Cholesterol Be Too Low?

The answer to that question is absolutely! Believe it or not I am seeing more clients in my office with cholesterol levels that are too low rather than too high. Most people have no idea that their cholesterol can be too low.

Cholesterol has been given a bad rap in today’s society. We’ve been told that high cholesterol “causes” heart disease. TV commercials warn us that “diet and exercise may not be enough,” and drugs are increasingly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. It’s important to realize that high or low cholesterol levels are a symptom of something else gone awry in the body. So to simply pop a pill that has numerous side-effects to lower cholesterol does much more harm than good. The result of the medication is that you now have a low cholesterol level but you feel lousy and are now at risk for some very serious health problems. Read on as I share research on the effects of having a low cholesterol level.

Why Cholesterol is Important to Health

Cholesterol belongs to a group of compounds called sterols. It is, by far, the most abundant sterol in the human body. We do get cholesterol from some of the foods we eat but most of the cholesterol in the body is manufactured in the liver. It’s interesting to note that every cell is capable of making this substance.

Cholesterol has many important functions in the body including:

1. The formation of cholic acid which is used to make bile salts. Bile salts are used to emulsify and digest fat.
2. The production of adrenal and reproductive hormones. Cholesterol is the basic building block for DHEA, pregnenolone, progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, aldosterone and cortisol.
3. Along with other lipids it helps to make the skin water tight and impervious to various substances that might otherwise penetrate the skin. It is also used in small amounts in all cell membranes.
4. Helps the immune system by binding toxins, reducing inflammation and protecting nerve and brain tissue from chemical damage.

Obviously, cholesterol is an important substance to the body, and necessary for our health.

Healthy Cholesterol Ranges

Although excess cholesterol in the blood isn’t good, excess cholesterol is not a cause of anything — it is a symptom that something is wrong with the body’s metabolism. The ranges that you see on the lab report are 100-199. These numbers are simply not correct due to the many studies that have been done showing that low cholesterol predisposes you to many health problems (see below). For optimal health, cholesterol levels should be between 208 and 242. Oddly enough, people are being encouraged to take statin drugs to reduce their cholesterol to unhealthy, low levels.

How do you determine the cause of high or even low cholesterol?  The best way I know how to find the root cause along with evaluating a client’s diet, lifestyle and health history is Biochemical Blood Analysis, the in-depth process of evaluation that I use to look at blood work. It gives the answers to what is actually happening at the cellular level and can determine what will bring balance back to your biological terrain.

The Problems Associated with Low Cholesterol

The European Heart Journal published a three year study of 11,500 patients. This study showed that patients with low cholesterol experienced:

* Increases in lung cancer
* Increases in other cancers
* Higher risk of cardiac death
* Erectile dysfunction and infertility
* Loss of memory and mental focus

(Source European Heart Journal 1997, 18, 52-59)

A Swedish researcher found that:

* Individuals with low cholesterol suffer from frequent and severe infections
* Individuals with high cholesterol had a lower mortality than the average population

(Source: Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD. independent researcher Magle Stora Kyrkogata 9, S-223250 Lund, Sweden)

A study performed by the University of San Diego School of Medicine showed:

* High cholesterol can be protective against environmental toxins rather than harmful
* Low cholesterol is a risk factor for heart arrhythmia
* High cholesterol readings are associated with protection from neurotoxins and cancer protection

In a 30 year follow-up to the Framingham study which helped link cholesterol and heart disease in the first place, the Journal of American Medical Association reported:

* There is no correlation between high cholesterol and mortality, but correlation between low cholesterol and mortality
* Death rates from cardiovascular disease increased 14% for every 1 mg/dl drop in total cholesterol per year

(Source: Anderson KM. Cholesterol and Mortality, 30 years of Follow-up from the Framingham study. JAMA 1987 Apr 24;257 (16):2176-80)

The Journal of Cardiac Failure published a paper on low cholesterol. The study was an analysis of 1,134 patients with heart disease. The conclusions:

* Low cholesterol was associated with worse outcomes in heart failure patients and impaired survival rates
* Elevated cholesterol was not associated with hypertension, diabetes or coronary heart disease.

(Source: Horwich TB. Et.al. Low Serum Total Cholesterol is Associate with Marked Increase in Mortality in Advanced Heart Failure. J Card. Fail. 2002 Aug, 8 (4): 216-214)

A Japanese study found that death rates from coronary heart disease went down as cholesterol levels went up.

(Source: Okayama A., Marmot MG Int. J Epidemiology  Dec 1993)

The following was reported in the journal of Arteriosclerosis:

* Despite successful attempts to lower cholesterol with statin drugs, the death rate from heart disease has not changed in 75 years and mortality from heart disease is more than double what it was in 1996.

(Source: Uri Goldbourt. Et al. Cholesterol and Coronary Heart Disease in Mortality. Arteriosclerosis. Vol 10, No. 4, July/August 1990)

Here’s another study of 11,500 patients. It showed that:

* The risk of death in the low cholesterol group (160mg/dl and below) was 2.27 times higher than those with high cholesterol.
* Most common cause of death in low cholesterol patients was cancer.

(Source: European Heart Journal (1997) 18,52-59)

From the bookThe French Paradox:

* High levels of the stress hormone cortisol along with high insulin levels creates the metabolic state that causes atherosclerotic plaque development.

(Source: The French Paradox by Hugh Tunstall-Pedoe 1978)

Low cholesterol and also been linked with depression, mood disorders, aggression and increased risk for suicide.

If this information is new to you I hope it has opened your eyes and triggered you to want to learn more and question the reason behind every medication you take. The body is always working to maintain balance and if we give it what it needs it can correct the imbalances. Address the root cause and health returns.

Facts About Statins:

* Are known carcinogens in experimental animals in doses approximate to those given to patients
* Increase risk of polyneuropathy fourteen times
* Deplete CoQ10 and lower antioxidant levels
* Can cause liver dysfunction
* Can cause muscle pain
* Are associated with memory loss, lack of concentration and global amnesia
* Have been known to cause insomnia, weakness and fatigue
* May cause erectile dysfunction
* Create difficulty in managing diabetes because they raise insulin levels
* Annual sales of statins — $27 billion

Emotions Related to Cholesterol

High

• Difficulty processing emotions
• Aggressive
• Demanding
• Moody
• Irritable
• Prone to emotional outbursts

Low

• Holding emotions in
• Self-worth issues
• Buried anger
• Feeling stuck

Karol K. Truman, author of Feelings Buried Alive Never Die… states that the belief that “I’m not supposed to be happy” and also denying self joy are related to an imbalance in cholesterol.

And Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life says, in relation to cholesterol, that the channels of joy are clogged and there may be a fear of accepting joy. She offers the affirmations below to help shift these beliefs.

Affirmations:

• I choose to love life
• My channels of joy are wide open
• It is safe to receive

Blue Vervain for Coughs & Congestion

A couple of weeks ago I wasn’t taking care of myself the way I usually do.  Not eating well, doing too much and stressed more than usual due to our getting a new puppy. Well you probably can guess what came from that. Yes, I got sick with a cold. I haven’t been sick in I can’t remember when and it really was a good lesson to remind me of what I need to do to take care of myself. I loaded up on all my herbs and vitamins including AL-J, Goldenseal, Zinc Lozenges and drank a lot of tea and chicken broth. But one herb besides my favorite herb combo AL-J really made a huge difference in my quick recovery. That herb is Blue Vervain. It’s not an herb people usually know a lot about but it’s a wonderful one to have in your herbal medicine chest. I was beginning to get the obligatory cough so I took 1/4 tsp. of the liquid Blue Vervain in some water twice a day for just one day and it made a huge difference. I took a few more doses for good measure but the cough was gone!  Now I know this stuff works because my clients tell me their stories of healing but when you experience such amazing results yourself it really makes an impression.  So today I wanted to share my experience with you so that if you are having any respiratory issues or are experiencing any of the other things listed below you can try Blue Vervain.

Here are just a few of the things it has been traditionally used for:

• Relieves congestion and cleans out body toxins.
• It was used to save lives during the Medieval plagues.
• In the liquid form, is given to small children to help relieve colds and fever with a relaxing effect.
• It can help as part of a liver cleanses when there is inflammation and jaundice.
• Calms coughing including whooping cough and croup
• Settles stomachs
• Expels phlegm from throat and lungs.
• Expels worms.
• Alleviates upper respiratory conditions.
• Bronchitis
• Anemia (it’s high in Iron)
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Insomnia
• Neuralgia and Neuritis

Contraindications: Should not be used during pregnancy as it may be a uterine stimulant. Should not be taken with antidepressants and sedative drugs.

Have you tried Blue Vervain? What is your favorite herb for colds and coughs?

Detoxify Your Body with Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale – a member of the Sunflower Family

Of course we all know that Dandelion’s are weeds that pop up in our lawns quite frequently and people go to great lengths to remove them but unbeknownst to most is the fact that this is an amazing herb with great medicinal value. An effective health remedy right in our own backyard!

Recently I have noticed that more of my clients have been testing for and needing this herb to help clear liver congestion.  We unfortunately live in a toxic world and our bodies are paying the price. The good news is that we have herbs to help us out and Dandelion works wonderfully for this.

A European folk remedy since the 15th century, the entire plant was used with wine made from the flowers, salads from the young leaves and the leaves & root used as medicine. It has been said that the dandelion never grows where there are no people, so it is a very sociable plant!

Some of the many ways the dandelion can aid the body:

Liver – A great herb for detoxification, the root is particularly effective for treating build up of toxins in the liver by helping to remove waste products and for aiding a sluggish or congested liver. A general tonic, it may help reduce side effects of medication and as it can help improve bile flow & reduce inflammation, it may be useful for hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Kidneys & Urinary Problems - The leaves are also a tonic for the kidneys, as a diuretic to help stimulate urine flow, improving general kidney function. They also stimulate toxin removal, improving health and assisting with skin problems. The leaves are high in vitamin A and potassium and are useful for water retention, kidney stones, edema, lymphatic swellings and bladder infection. If you have problems with fluid or water retention please consult a natural health practitioner before taking dandelion leaves.

Gallbladder – Both the root and leaf are used as a tonic for the gallbladder & spleen and are often used to prevent gallstones. The leaf can dissolve existing gallstones, but again this should be used with the support of your practitioner. If there is a bile duct obstruction, it should not be used at all.

Digestion – Dandelion Root has an excellent effect on the digestive system. It is stimulating and strengthening and is used as a mild laxative for constipation and also for general poor digestion. It helps to cleanse the digestive tract gently from the effects of meat, excessive fats, fried foods, drugs, coffee, and medication. The leaves help to increase  production of saliva, promoting digestive enzyme & stomach acid production. The roots may help stimulate appetite and aid digestion. With ulcers or gastritis, it should be used with care, due to the overproduction of acids.

Blood Cleanser -  A well-known blood cleanser & detoxifier, dandelion can help with ailments such as rashes, psoriasis, eczema, inflammation, boils, infection, abscesses, chicken pox, measles, painful joints, eyes, skin and fever. As a diuretic, it can help treat high blood pressure, increasing the flow of blood to the tissues and improving circulation, as well as being a blood vessel strengthener and cleanser.

Arthritis & Rheumatism – Another traditional remedy for treating rheumatism and arthritis, due mainly to it’s detoxifying properties

Pregnancy and Lactation -Taken in moderation during the second & third trimesters, dandelion is a useful nutritional aid. It is also a galactagogue, used to promote lactation, increasing milk flow and supporting the breastfeeding process. Discuss with your midwife if you have any concerns.

Nutritional Tonic – With an amazing nutritional value, dandelion is high in vitamins A, B, C and D, plus iron, copper, potassium and higher levels of beta carotene than carrots, plus magnesium, zinc, manganese, choline, silicon, calcium and boron. Older leaves are bitter but the young leaves are great raw or cooked.

External Uses – A well-known remedy for warts, the ‘milk’ from the stem and leaves of fresh dandelion can help with treatment, although this can cause an allergic rash in some individuals. This milk can also be used externally to ease the pain of sores & bee stings and for acne, fungal infections and growths.

Do not use dandelion unless recommended by your health professional if taking insulin, diuretics, lithium or any medication which reduces blood sugar levels

Nature’s Sunshine offers excellent quality Dandelion Root and Mountain Rose Herbs offers Dandelion Leaf & Root in bulk.

Thanks for reading!

Wellness Revolution 2 – Teleseminar Series

Recently, I found something called Wellness Revolution 2
that you need to know about.

I've been hearing the buzz online about this
but hadn't paid much attention until now.
This is one of the greatest opportunities
I've seen in a while as far as health and
healing.

This is a high-powered teleseminar with some
of the biggest stars in this new field of
complementary medicine, that is, the new
combinations of modern medical practice with
ancient/traditional healing including:

· Dr. Norman Shealy – best selling author, one of
the world's leading experts in pain management
and the resolution of chronic pain.

· Iyanla Vanzant - Iyanla Vanzant an inspirational
speaker, New Thought Minister and spiritual
teacher, best selling author, and television
personality. She was named one of the 100 Most
Influentia" l Black Americans by Ebony Magazine.

· Deborah King is a master healer and recognized
expert in the health & wellness field She is a
media personality, a speaker and best-selling
author of Truth Heals: What You Hide Can Hurt
You.

· JJ Virgin is one of the nation’s foremost
nutrition and fitness experts, public speaker and
media personality.JJ is the author of Six Weeks
to Sleeveless and Sexy and the co-star of the
TLC reality series, Freaky Eaters.

…and over a dozen others – over 21 leading international
doctors, researchers, authors and health practitioners
in all.

I want you to be a part of this with me.
It won't cost you a dime. It's totally fr'ee
and you even get fre'e gifts just for
registering. So just follow the link below
and pick up your gifts. The life that gets
healed may be your own.

Listen in and learn how to heal yourself!
Wellness Revolution 2 

Golden Seal – Herbal Supplement

One of my favorite herbs lately is Golden Seal.  My usual go to remedy has and will continue to be Silver Shield however I’ve noticed and you may have noticed that these “bugs” are mutating and are even more difficult to eradicate. Even natural medicine is needing to adjust what to use for these things.  That means we turn to other herbs or a combination of herbs and Silver Shield.

Golden Seal is one of those herbs that is very effective for so many types of germs including bacteria, virus, fungi etc. It’s traditional uses  include helping to support the mucous membranes that line the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts. It tonifies, astringes and cools this first line of immune defense in the body.  It’s wonderful for urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and all kinds of other infections.

It’s properties include: Blood Purifier, Antacid, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antiparasitic, Antipruritic, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Aperitive, Appetite Stimulant, Astrigent, Bitter, Cholagogue, Detergent, Emmenagogue, Hemostatic, Hypoglycemic, Insulinomimetic, Nervice, Stomachic

Things you should be aware of before taking Golden Seal are:

Golden Seal lowers blood sugar levels which of course is of benefit to some borderline diabetics but avoided in those with hypoglycemia.  It’s been recommended not to take it continuously for more than a week at a time. Also it’s not recommended for pregnant women since it can influence uterine muscles and someone with autoimmune disorders where the immune system is over active ( ie. M.S., Lupus, Hodgkins, etc.)

Of course consult your health care practitioner for dosage and time needed to deal with your specific issue. You can also contact me for more information and I would be happy to test it for you over the phone or e-mail.  I do not diagnose at all I only check with your body to see what it needs to heal.

To purchase the highest quality Golden Seal on the market go to my Nature’s Sunshine site

10 Healthy Holiday Gifts!

It’s that time of year again where the shopping can get out of control. Why not keep it simple this year? The gift of health is something that everyone will love! I have some interesting ideas for you that you may not of thought of yet.  Hopefully these will inspire you to make someone very happy by letting them know how much you care about them and want them to be around for a long time.

1. A bottle of the person’s favorite Essential Oil. Lavender is a safe bet if you don’t know their favorite and is so versatile too. This Lavender Body Wrap is a great addition along with a Lavender Eye Pillow.Add a book of essential oil recipes or find them yourself online, print them out, put them together and you’ve got a wonderful, healing gift!
2. Healthy Chocolate! These delicious bars have 55% Cacao and are sweetened with alkalizing and good for you Xylitol. They come in either Dark Chocolate or Raspberry/Dark Chocolate. Perfect for anyone who has blood sugar issues like Diabetes as they don’t cause a rise in blood sugar. Oh my gosh they are really good.
3. How about a tasty drink that has numerous health benefits? Thai-go is the perfect choice. This high antioxidant drink quells inflammation in the body and helps to protect it from free radicals from pollution, tobacco smoke, ultraviolet light, radiation and from the body’s own processes.
4. Two products that are a must have for personal care and for home use are the Nature’s Sunshine Concentrate and the Nature’s Fresh Enzyme Spray.  The multiple uses of these 2 products are too many to list here but if you purchase these and want to include a list of uses I will provide them for you! Just send me an e-mail with the words NSP cleaning recipes in the subject and I will get them to you. You will be amazed at everything these do and they last a long time too.
5. Herbal Beverage for the person who is working on getting off of caffeine and needs a healthy substitute. It has a wonderful flavor and is very healing and alkalizing to the body. Check my last post as I have a great recipe that you can print out on a cute recipe card for the person as well. Oh and you could throw in a bottle of Caffeine Detox, a homeopathic remedy, for good measure as this will help with minor caffeine withdrawal.
6. Do you know someone who suffers with anxiety or fear? Then I would highly recommend Distress Remedy, an alcohol-free flower remedy, that will help the person calm down from emotional upset plus it has the added benefits of comfrey, arnica and calendula for minor accidents, injuries and bruises; pain and inflammation.  And I would include Nutri-Calm (comes in a 60 or 100 count bottle) as it soothes frayed nerves, aids in relaxation and encourages restful sleep, boosts the immune system,  helps provide energy,  is a source of antioxidants (vitamin C and lemon bioflavonoids) and provides other nutrients essential to good health.
7. Tei-Fu® Massage Lotion is the gift people will flip over. I’m not kidding, it’s that good! It is amazing for muscle and joint pain as it is cooling and warming at the same time. Whenever I have back pain or soreness I have my husband apply this and I feel immediate relief. It contains essential oils of menthol, wintergreen, camphor, eucalyptus and clove in a base of massage lotion.
8. For the person on the go why not give Solstic Nutrition. Convenient single-serve drink mix packets that provides 100% or more of the daily value of 18 vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health. Perfect for someone who wants to stay healthy but doesn’t have a lot of time or for someone who travels frequently.
9. Don’t forget the kids on your list. They want to be healthy too! The new NSP Sunshine Heroes Children’s line fits the bill. These soft-chews are so good that kids will be asking to take their vitamins!   Perfect as stocking stuffers too.
10. And last but not least choose from the line of healthy sugar-free Xylitol sweetened products.  Offering Cinnamon, Green Tea, Peppermint and Spearmint gum (good for your teeth); Peppermint, Berry and Lemon Mints; Xylibrite Toothpaste and Xylitol Mouthwash; and don’t forget your bulk Xylitol for all your baking needs this holiday season!

I hope this list has inspired you to give the gift of health this year. Happy Holidays!

To purchase the products listed at wholesale prices click here and make a purchase of $40.00 or more and you become a member. There are no fees or quotas and if you purchase 100QV or more in a calender month you get a 10% rebate! Please contact me for more information and if you are interested in starting your own business and would like to share the health email me at Paige at mynsp dot com.

Please share your favorite healthy gift you like to give during the holidays!

Coffee Alternative – Healthy Drink Recipe

Working with many nutrition clients over the years I have seen addictions to certain foods literally take over their lives. One of these addictions is to Coffee. Telling people they need to cut back or avoid this substance for health reasons sets off an intense cascade of emotions inside them. I will work with them to determine what that deep need is all about. There is a physiological component but also it’s very emotionally based. They like the warm drink in the morning (it soothes them) they of course like the taste too but it revolves around the ritual of the drink above all else.  I’ve never been a coffee drinker so I’m not attuned to the need for this substance but oddly enough I love the coffee flavor. My favorite flavor of ice cream (when I was eating sugar which was my addiction) was Coffee. And while I’m sharing I will admit to another past strange food combination I used to eat. When I was younger I used to dunk my Oreos in coffee! How’s that for confessions today? ;0)

Anyway after changing my detrimental diet ways I have now learned how to satisfy my taste buds with healthier and yes even delicious alternatives. And so can you! If you are addicted to coffee or anything else you know isn’t creating health in your body. Ahem…iodized salt, sugar, soda, etc. here is a recipe to spark your interest in trying something new that’s not only healthier for you but tasty as well. Now it does take some time to get used to “different” so don’t give up too soon. Your taste buds have been used to it one way and they need time to make the crossover. Go ahead you can do it!

Herbal Coffee or Frappuccino – Great hot or cold

2 teaspoons NSP Herbal Beverage (caffeine-free coffee substitute) Make it hot like coffee
Coconut or Almond Milk to taste
1 tablespoon grade B maple syrup or Xylitol to sweeten
1-1/2 scoops chocolate Protein Powder (I like Healthy-n-Fit) or you could use a vanilla Protein Powder and add in Organic Cocoa Powder
3-6 ice cubes if you want cold, otherwise heat on the stove
Place ingredients in the blender
Blend to make a smoothie.
Whip cream optional!!