Natural Holistic Health Blog

Botanical Name- Hamamelis virginiana Origin- USA Exraction- Alcohol and water (14% alcohol) Shelf life- 3 years Notes- Our line of Witch Hazel extract is distilled from the twigs and Bark of the Witch Hazel tree and contains 14% ethyl alcohol. USP grade and manufactured according to such standards.

Specifications

Color- Clear Odor- Virtually odorless/characteristic Pesticide residues- Tested Negative Alcohol by volume- 14.6% pH- 3.52 Tannins- <0.03 mg/ml

An Introduction

Witch Hazel Extract is a wonderful ingredient for use in your cosmetic and medicinal preparations. It is gentle enough to be used alone, or it may be combined with other ingredients or Herbs.

Commercial Witch Hazel extracts usually contain more alcohol than actual Witch Hazel, and have only been distilled once. However, the line offered by Mountain Rose Herbs leads in both quality and potency. Our true Witch Hazel extract has been double distilled, and contains 86% Witch Hazel extract and only 14% alcohol. This makes it more soothing than the version found in your local store, and lacks the alcohol sting and scent.

A Brief History

Witch Hazel extract is produced from the leaves and Bark of the North American shrub Witch-hazel, Hamamelis virginiana. It has been used medicinally throughout history. The Native Americans used poultices of Witch Hazel leaves and Bark to treat hemorrhoids, wounds, painful tumors, insect bites, and skin ulcers.

They also made Witch Hazel infusions for conditions including cuts, colds, heavy menstruation, tumors, and eye inflammation. In addition, Witch Hazel was used in folk medicine for backache, and internally for Diarrhea, nervousness, nosebleed, vaginitis, and venereal disease.

Medicinal and Cosmetic Use

Witch Hazel extract has astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anesthetic properties, making it indispensable for a variety of different medicinal and cosmetic uses.

Medicinally, Witch Hazel extract is used for bedsores, Bruises, Eczema, insect bites, hemorrhoids, poison ivy or oak, Bruises, Sore Muscles, swelling, Psoriasis, cracked or blistered skin, Diaper Rash, windburn, and sunburn.

In cosmetic products, Witch Hazel extract is used as an aftershave or a facial astringent, applied to blemishes and pimples, varicose veins, and is used to cleanse oil from the skin, remove make-up, decrease bags under eyes and skin puffiness, and to reduce pore size. It is beneficial for both oily and dry mature skin, and is commonly found in anti-aging products as well as in products for blemished or Acne-prone skin.

Usage Instructions

For conditions such as bedsores, Bruises, hemorrhoids, poison ivy or oak, Bruises, Sore Muscles, swelling, or Diaper Rash, Witch Hazel extract can be applied using a compress. For hemorrhoid relief, it is also added to sitz baths.

For facial care products, Witch Hazel extract can be easily added to facial cleansers, astringents, masks, and toners. Witch Hazel extract can be incorporated into creams or lotions, and then applied to the skin. For Sore Muscles, Witch Hazel extract can either be used in a compress or cream, or may be added to bath water. Athletes rub Witch Hazel extract onto their arms or legs limbs prior to workouts to help prevent muscle strain, or after a workout to help relieve soreness.

Precautions

Witch Hazel extract is intended for external use. Avoid using Witch Hazel extract close to the mucus membranes or in the eyes, as it contains a small amount of alcohol. It is best to use on this product on unbroken skin. External use of Witch Hazel extract could result in minor skin irritation for some people.

Do not use on serious burns, cuts, or other wounds.

The FDA has approved Witch Hazel distillate as safe for external use in Skin Care products. Sources had reported no known side effects as of March of 2000. However, future studies may provide more information about the safety or side effects of Witch Hazel

—–
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies

NaturalEco Organics is where we recommend you go for Organic, natural, chemical-free products and quality remedies for a safe, healthy journey for Mom and Baby, from Pregnancy to baby’s Nursery!

Mountain Rose Herbs is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!

Are you looking for quality Vitamins, diet aids and health Supplements? Visit the Health Supplement Shop - highly recommended by NHH!

Ginger and Cinnamon are most often found on the spice racks in the kitchen. For most people, they are merely Spices used to add flavor and fragrance to our food and drinks. What most people ignore is the fact that these Spices are well-known for their medicinal properties.

Ginger

Ginger has many surprising applications outside the kitchen. Its medicinal prowess extends from the treatment of common ailments to the remedy of frigidity in women and is even a rather potent Aphrodisiac. The Ginger root was used in Chinese medicine that dates as far back as two thousand years. It was only in the 1600s that it arrived in Europe. Originally, Ginger wasn’t taken internally as a cure, but instead as a paste made with water. The Ginger paste was applied onto the forehead of the patient and this was thought to lower blood pressure. Later on, Ginger was taken internally to relieve High Blood Pressure.

Even before, Ginger is famous for its benefits to the circulatory system because it stimulates the heart and assists in Circulation. Aside from lowering blood pressure, it has also been known to prevent excessive blood clotting in the system which could lead to stroke. In cases of menstrual problems like a delayed period, Ginger is said to promote menstrual flow. In this area, Ginger is also thought to aid in Fertility in women and impotence in men.

Ginger paste and Ginger that is taken internally relieves the discomforts caused by respiratory problems such as colds and flu by acting as an expectorant. It can also break fevers by promoting Perspiration. Ginger is particularly popular in the remedy of certain symptoms of digestive disorders. It is used in the prevention of nausea, the relief of Diarrhea and Flatulence and helps in the general digestive process.

Ginger is also said to have the ability to hinder the ageing process. When Ginger is applied externally, as in liniments, it is able to ease the pain in joints and of lumbago and also in Neuralgia. The pain from toothache is also said to be relieved by chewing a piece of Ginger.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known for its unique flavor and aroma. We usually use Cinnamon in small amounts as an added flavor in our food and drinks. Unknown to most people is the fact that Cinnamon can help relieve the discomforts that come with common conditions such as wounds and muscle pain.

Cinnamon is a good treatment from the ordinary coughs and colds to Catarrh and respiratory infections, especially in cases where there is fever present. Cinnamon is also used to remedy muscle and joint pains such as Arthritis. A lot of common digestive annoyances are relieved by Cinnamon, including Colic, nausea, Flatulence and Diarrhea. It is also believed to be able to control Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, nose bleeding and other forms of slight to moderate bleeding in the body.

When applied externally, Cinnamon is used as an antiseptic to treat and prevent infection in stings, wounds, abrasions and other skin problems. Another common external application is in the treatment of head lice infestation.

About the author

Michael Russell

Your Independent Herbal guide.

—–
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies

NaturalEco Organics is where we recommend you go for Organic, natural, chemical-free products and quality remedies for a safe, healthy journey for Mom and Baby, from Pregnancy to baby’s Nursery!

Mountain Rose Herbs is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!

Are you looking for quality Vitamins, diet aids and health Supplements? Visit the Health Supplement Shop - highly recommended by NHH!

Castor-Oil Packs are used to reduce Water-retention; heal muscles; heal boils; and the like and are made easily by purchasing following:

1. 1 bottle of Pure Castor Oil; cold-pressed(Organic preferable).

2. 1 heating pad or hot-water bottle and plastic to wrap it in.

3. 1 flannel Sheet;(use old shirts or pjs); cut into strips.

4.(optional) 1 small bottle of Olive Oil.

Instructions:

Cut flannel into strips. Pour plenty of Castor-Oil into a pan; place strips of flannel in pan until throughly saturated. Place pan in oven. Warm Pan and Castor-Oil flannel strips until hot. Cool slighly.

Place the Castor-Oil flannel on part of body affected; leave on.

Put a piece of plastic on the Castor-Oil packs; Place hot-water bottle filled with hot-water OR heating pad on the Castor-Oil Pack.

Leave the warmed Castor-Oil Packs on for atleast one hour.

Remove; save the Castor-Oil Pak in a Plastic-Bag for future use; store the pac. in a cool dry spot. Use the Pack for 3 days. Then take 1 teaspoon of Olive Oil by Mouth on the third night.

* Tip: make sure the Cloths are saturated w/Castor-Oil*.

source: www.cayce.com

—–
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies

NaturalEco Organics is where we recommend you go for Organic, natural, chemical-free products and quality remedies for a safe, healthy journey for Mom and Baby, from Pregnancy to baby’s Nursery!

Mountain Rose Herbs is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!

Are you looking for quality Vitamins, diet aids and health Supplements? Visit the Health Supplement Shop - highly recommended by NHH!

Identification:

Slippery Elm is an American deciduous tree found planted along streets and growing in forests. It grows to a height of 50 feet and more. Its stem is covered with dark brown, rough, furrowed outer Bark; the inner Bark is whitish, aromatic, and very mucilaginous (slippery). Its alternate, obovate-oblong leaves are doubly serrate, very rough on top, and downy underneath.

The small flowers grow in dense axillary clusters during March and April, giving way to papery, winged, yellowish-green, 1 seeded fruits, about 1/2 inch wide, without hairs on margins.

Family: Ulmaceae (Elm family)

Other Names: Red Elm, Indian Elm, Sweet Elm

Flowers: March - May

Parts Used: Inner Bark

Habitat: Moist woods. Maine to Florida; Texas to North Dakota.

Constituents: Mucilage, polyuronides, starch, tannin.

Medicinal Properties:

Demulcent, diuretic, emollient.

Main Uses:

Slippery Elm is both food and medicine. The inner Bark is one of the best soothing remedies useful wherever there is inflammation. It lubricates and relieves gastro-intestinal irritation. It is good for Diarrhea (for which it has also been prescribed as an enema) because it is also mildly astringent. The finely powdered Bark makes a nourishing food, easily assimilated during convalescence. It can be flavored with a little Cinnamon or Nutmeg, and it makes a wholesome food for children.

Collection of the inner Bark usually leads to destruction of the tree. Because of the worldwide demand for Slippery Elm, the fine powdered inner Bark is in short supply and the coarser outer Bark is substituted. This lacks the healing power of the inner Bark.

Other Uses:

Internally it is helpful where inflammatory irritation exists, as in Sore Throat, Diarrhea, dysentery, and many urinary problems. Externally it is applied as poultice to irritated and inflamed skin, wounds and boils. It has also been used to make rectal and vaginal suppositories, enemas, and a vaginal douche.

Preparation And Dosages:

Infusion:

Steep 2 oz or more of inner Bark in 1 quart water for an hour or longer. Take 1 teaspoon every 30 minutes. Sweeten with honey or syrup if desired.Decoction: Add 1 heaping tablespoon inner Bark to 1 pint boiling-hot water and let stand for 1 hour. Bring to a boil and simmer for a few minutes. Then let stand for another hour, boil and simmer again.

NOTE: The Slippery Elm should be protected against widespread use of its Bark. The Bark cannot be used without disfiguring or killing a noble tree.

—–
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies

NaturalEco Organics is where we recommend you go for Organic, natural, chemical-free products and quality remedies for a safe, healthy journey for Mom and Baby, from Pregnancy to baby’s Nursery!

Mountain Rose Herbs is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!

Are you looking for quality Vitamins, diet aids and health Supplements? Visit the Health Supplement Shop - highly recommended by NHH!

Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)- A powerful antiseptic oil with a strong pungent, spicy aroma and reddish brown color. Cinnamon has a long tradition of use, having been produced in Sri Lanka for more than 2,000 years.

Research shows that virus, bacteria, and fungus cannot survive in the presence of Cinnamon oil. Cinnamon Bark oil has even stronger antiseptic properties than Cinnamon Leaf and readily kills bacterial and fungal infections.

Historically Cinnamon has been used in the Middle East and the Orient for combating viruses and infectious diseases. It has been used as a treatment for fever, Diarrhea and menstrual irregularities, as well as Indigestion, cramps, nausea, vomiting and Colic. Inflammations of the throat and pharynx may also be relieved through its use. Inhalation of Cinnamon has proven effective for relieving respiratory infections.

In Ayurvedic medicine Cinnamon is used to relieve many common complaints such as those already noted and to balance the various doshas or body types: Vata, Pita and Kapha.

The trees are cut every two years to just above ground level. The Bark is harvested from the new shoots, then dried. The outer Bark is stripped away, leaving the inner Bark, which is the primary part of the herb used for medicinal purposes. The medicinal value of the herb is attributed to the oil extracted from the inner Bark as well as the leaves.

Cinnamon Bark is one of the most popular food flavoring and a valued commodity on the world market. Because it kills the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease Cinnamon Bark is a common ingredient in many common oral hygiene products like toothpaste, mouthwash and breath fresheners. It is also used for making perfume, Soap, chewing gum, lip stick, nasal spray, cough syrup and soda pop drinks.

Cinnamon Bark continues to be a valued treatment for various common ailments. As in ancient times modern day herbalists continue to prescribe Cinnamon Bark as a remedy for nausea, vomiting, Diarrhea and Indigestion. Chinese herbalists recommend it for Asthma sufferers when their symptoms are brought on by cold, digestive disturbances, backache, or menstrual related difficulties.

Cinnamon Bark is known to regulate blood sugar levels and may reduce the amount of Insulin required for glucose metabolism by diabetics. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers found a dose of 1/8 to 1/4 tsp of ground Cinnamon to be beneficial in regulating blood glucose levels.

I rely on Cinnamon Bark in my health care practice to keep the air fresh and clear of “bugs” and for preventing the spread of infection. Clients absolutely love its fresh, clean scent and enjoy the benefits it so readily bestows that of preventing and relieving cold and flu symptoms.

Cinnamon�s powerful scent is a definite pick-me-up! It is useful for relieving “brain fog,” common among Chronic Pain sufferers, as well as the winter “blahs.”

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil enhances Circulation making it excellent for warming you when you are feeling chilled down to your bones! Try 1-8 drops of Cinnamon Bark or Leaf Essential Oil blended in 1 ounce of Jojoba oil and massage your feet with a small amount of the mixture then put on your socks and enjoy warm happy feet all day!

Keep warm when engaging in winter outdoor sports by rubbing a small amount of this same mixture on your chest and abdominal area, as well as over the lung area on your back.

Please note: There are many cheap chemical copies of Essential Oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wild crafted or pure, Organic Essential Oils that are pesticide free!

CAUTION: An intensely powerful oil to be used with respect and extreme caution. Generally not for skin applications except in weak dilutions of less than 1%. May cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Due to its stimulating properties should be avoided during Pregnancy, by Lactating mothers, or young children.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and Alternative Health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns

About the author

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure Organic and ethically wild crafted Essential Oils. KG’s DVD & book, “Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal,” are scheduled for release in 2006. To learn more & purchase: Order Certified Organic Cinnamon Bark Please refer to KG’s Essentials Safety Guide before using any aromatic oils! KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. Contact: KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

—–
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies

NaturalEco Organics is where we recommend you go for Organic, natural, chemical-free products and quality remedies for a safe, healthy journey for Mom and Baby, from Pregnancy to baby’s Nursery!

Mountain Rose Herbs is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!

Are you looking for quality Vitamins, diet aids and health Supplements? Visit the Health Supplement Shop - highly recommended by NHH!

Onions don’t just make us cry and Garlic isn’t just for vampires. Onions and Garlic have been used as Spices in cooking for thousands of years and they are usually the first ones thrown in to the frying pan. However, these tasty ingredients are often confined to the kitchen because few people know of the many uses of Garlic and onions outside cooking. They contribute a lot to our health and are a couple of the more widely used Herbs in Alternative Medicine.

Onion

From the early beginnings of traditional medicine, the onion has been famous for its healing powers. Onions were speculated to have antiseptic properties and were often used in wound dressings and washes to protect wounds from infection. When taken internally, as in onion soup, it is an effective expectorant for coughs, colds and even Bronchitis. Slow and frequent sips of the soup were thought to relieve Sore Throats and sinusitis. It could also break high fevers.

Onions are thought to have diuretic properties and are good for people suffering from Arthritis and gout. Onions were used as a remedy for Flatulence and Constipation as well as disorders of the liver. It is also considered generally as an aid in digestion by acting as a tonic to the liver thus stimulating it to produce bile.

Onions are famous for their ability to lower High Blood Pressure and dissolve and prevent the formation of blood clots by improving Circulation. It also purifies the blood with its diuretic property. Cases of anemia have also been treated with onions.

When used externally, onions can remedy a lot of skin problems. The juice of the onion is widely used in the treatment for stings, insect bites, animal bites, cuts, boils, abscesses and even burns. Onion juice is also good for toothache, earache and warts. A poultice made of onions is known to cure chilblains. When inhaled, it can relieve Headaches. Lastly, when handled correctly, onions can be a very potent Aphrodisiac.

Garlic

Nowadays, Garlic is mostly thought of as a culinary component. But with the recent emergence of Garlic pills that are used as a health supplement for certain conditions, people are starting to realize its healing prowess. As with the onion, the use of the bulb of the Garlic in Herbal Medicine dates back at least a thousand years and it is used in a lot of different ways. Garlic is known for its ability to prevent and cure infections. It is also well-known in treating simple to serious respiratory disorders such as Asthma, influenza and Sore Throats, Bronchitis and lung infections. Garlic is also used as a decongestant and expectorant to relieve the discomforts of Asthma, cough and chest infections.

In the digestive system, Garlic has been found to have a good effect on the liver and also in the intestines for it helps flush out worm infestations. It is a general cleanser of the alimentary canal and an over-all aid to digestion.

Probably the most profound of its benefits is its ability to treat certain disorders of the blood. It has the ability to lower blood pressure as well as blood sugar levels. It can also treat excessive blood clotting.

When used externally, it also has a lot of benefits. Garlic is crushed and macerated then mixed with oil or made into an ointment. This is effective in treating stings, insect and animal bites, cuts and ringworm. This mixture or ointment applied to certain areas is able to relieve the pain and inflammation of the joints in Rheumatism and sprains. When rubbed into the chest, it could also lessen labored breathing and chest infections as well as earaches.

About the author

Michael Russell

Your Independent Herbal guide.

—–
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies

NaturalEco Organics is where we recommend you go for Organic, natural, chemical-free products and quality remedies for a safe, healthy journey for Mom and Baby, from Pregnancy to baby’s Nursery!

Mountain Rose Herbs is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!

Are you looking for quality Vitamins, diet aids and health Supplements? Visit the Health Supplement Shop - highly recommended by NHH!

Melaleuca oil, also known as Tea Tree oil, is truly nature�s natural antiseptic. This topical oil, which comes from an Australian tree called the Tea Tree, is naturally safe oil that is effective as an antibiotic, anti-viral, and fungicide.

Tea Tree oil was first used by the Bundjalung Aborigines living in the Northeast Corner of what is now New South Wales, Australia. They would pick the oil-covered leaves of the Tea Tree and rub them on their skin to alleviate cuts, bites, burns, and other skin ailments. They made a dressing for wounds by grinding the leaves into a paste. They also crushed the leaves to use as an insect repellant.

There are several kinds of tea trees. Yet, the most potent medicinal oil is called Melaleuca alternifolia.

Dr. A. R. Penfold, a chemist in Sydney, found that Tea Tree oil was 13 times stronger in killing bacteria than carbolic acid, the universal standard antiseptic in the early 1900�s. The Medical Journal of Australia published a study that Tea Tree oil was effective in treating pus filled infections of the skin and infected nail beds, and helped speed recovery from Sore Throats when the oil was gargled. Another study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990 found Tea Tree oil as effective in treating Acne as benzoyl peroxide, with fewer side effects. It is also effective in treating burns, thrush, and bacterial and fungal infections.

Tea Tree oil can also be used for animals; Bites, cuts, stings, rashes, dermatitis, lice, mange, ringworm, fleas, and ticks are just a few of its veterinary uses.

Melaleuca oil may be applied full strength or diluted in water or other type of oil like Olive Oil. Most Tea Tree oil that is produced is added to skin and Beauty care products, such as deodorants, shampoos, and mouthwashes. Industrial-grade oils are used as disinfectants, floor detergents, and can be added to air conditioning and ventilation systems to kill mold and fungus.

As we rediscover nature�s natural medicines through modern research, a new world of therapies is opened to us. Natural therapies are often as effective as drugs, but without the side effects. Many medicinal drugs contain properties to heal that no synthetic drug has been able to mimic.

About the author

This article was written by Vanessa Pruitt, a work at home mom promoting wellness in our everyday lives. To learn more about the benefits of Melaleuca oil, and about the products Vanessa uses in her home, email her at peetred@hotmail.com To learn more about working from home promoting wellness visit her website at http://www.TriCityMoms.com

—–
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies

NaturalEco Organics is where we recommend you go for Organic, natural, chemical-free products and quality remedies for a safe, healthy journey for Mom and Baby, from Pregnancy to baby’s Nursery!

Mountain Rose Herbs is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!

Are you looking for quality Vitamins, diet aids and health Supplements? Visit the Health Supplement Shop - highly recommended by NHH!

Olive: Olea Europaea

Medicinal Parts: Leaves, Bark, fruit.

Description: The olive tree is an evergreen native to the Mediterranean area but widely grown in tropical areas and warm climates.

Properties and Uses:

Leaves: antiseptic, astringent, febrifuge, and tranquilizer.

Oil: cholagogue, demulcent, emollient, Laxative. A decoction of the leaves or inner Bark of the tree is effective against fever; an infusion of the leaves has a tranquilizing effect helpful for nervous Tension. Olive Oil taken internally increases the secretion of bile and acts as a Laxative by encouraging muscular contraction in the bowels. It is also soothing to mucous membrane and to dissolve Cholesterol. Olive Oil is useful externally for burns, Bruises, insect bites, sprains, and intense itching. With alcohol it makes a good hair tonic, and with oil of Rosemary a good treatment for Dandruff. One of its most common uses is as a base for liniments and ointments. 1

It is amazing how many applications there are for Olive Oil including; Skin Care, cosmetics, cooking and medicinal. Olive Oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet and is used more commonly than butter. The use of Olive Oil has been linked to reduced Cholesterol and a protection against several types of Cancer.

Extra virgin Olive Oil is particularly rich in the phenolic Antioxidants as well as squalene and oleic acid, and high consumption of the foregoing in the diet provides considerable protection against colon, breast and skin Cancer, coronary Heart Disease and aging by inhibiting oxidative stress. Research has shown that scavenging of the hydroxyl radical was significantly higher among extracts of Olive Oil. This effect was only minimal in seed oils. In addition to their direct Antioxidant capacity, extracts of Olive Oil are also potent inhibitors of xanthine oxidase activity. A constant high Olive Oil intake in the diet, especially extra virgin Olive Oil, provides a constant supply of Antioxidants. This may reduce oxidative stress through inhibition of lipid peroxidation, a factor that is currently linked to a host of diseases such as Cancer and Heart Disease. 2

The same study also concluded that a diet high in Olive Oil may reduce blood pressure levels due to its polyphenol content. Polyphenols are potent Antioxidants that help the arteries to dilate thereby reducing blood pressure.

Introducing Olive Oil to your diet is an important step in your ongoing health. When selecting an Olive Oil, look for “extra virgin Olive Oil.” It is made from the first press of the olive and is the least processed. If you’re having difficulty figuring out how to incorporate Olive Oil in your diet, here are a few suggestions.

• Anything you fry in vegetable oil can be fried in Olive Oil. Olive Oil works particularly well when stir-frying vegetables and adds a slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
• Prepare a traditional Italian salad. Forego the bottled Italian dressings and give this recipe a try.

Ingredients:

• Lettuce Greens (avoid iceberg lettuce, which has little or no nutritional value.)
• Onion
• Tomato
• Green or Red Peppers
• Olive Oil
• Wine Vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

In a bowl, combine lettuce, onion, tomato and peppers. Salt generously then add ground Black Pepper. Pour 2 tbsp. of Olive Oil over the lettuce (a bit more if you are making a large salad), then 4 to 5 shakes of vinegar. Mix well. If you prefer a sharper taste to your salad, add the vinegar before the Olive Oil. Yes, that actually makes a difference. If the salad seems a bit bland it is probably because you didn’t add enough salt and/or Pepper.

Healing with Olive Oil: I wanted to include at least one home remedy for Olive Oil that has been used in my family for at least 6 generations and probably more, (6 generations is as far back as I can actually document.)

First however, let me add a cautionary note. You should never, ever administer a home remedy without first consulting your health care professional. This is particularly true when dealing with children. Just because you learned of a remedy online or in a book does not mean it will be effective or appropriate for your child.

A common childhood ailment is the ever-annoying earache. In some cases that annoying earache can become a serious medical condition escalating into recurring ear-infections that can require tubes in the ears and even reconstructive surgery.

In our family earaches have always been treated with Olive Oil. Not only is this effective, but relief from the pain is virtually instantaneous. Warm up one teaspoon of Olive Oil. I’ve always done this by simply filling a metal spoon with Olive Oil and holding it over an open flame on the stove for a few seconds. (Okay, I guess I qualify as a bit primitive here.)

Big Caution: Check the temperature of the Olive Oil against the inside of your wrist, as you would milk from a baby bottle. The Olive Oil should feel warm, NOT HOT! Because the spoon itself will continue to heat the oil, I transfer the warmed oil to a plastic dispenser, an eyedropper works nicely for this.

Have the patient rest their head on a pillow, with the problem ear facing up. Put 3 to 4 drops of the warmed oil into the ear canal and plug the ear with a tissue or bit of cotton. That’s it. The pain should go away immediately. If this remedy is ineffective, or continues for a prolonged period of time, you are likely dealing with an infection that will require antibiotics.

I’m passing along this family remedy not just because it works, but because of all the children it was used on, not one developed chronic Ear Infections. Now granted, this is a rather small sampling, but I find that significant. Over the years I’ve watched countless neighbors, friends, and in-laws struggle through repeated chronic infections that always seem to escalate first into to tubes in the ears and finally reconstructive surgery. I can’t help but wonder if there isn’t a relationship between this home remedy and the lack of infections in my own children, not to mention the lack of infections in brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.

I believe the key here is early intervention. This home remedy allows you to act as soon as the symptoms are present rather than waiting for them to escalate. And after all, isn’t that why we use Herbs in the first place?

1 The Herb Book, by John Lust, Benedict Lust Publications, 1974

2 Lee, A.; Thurman D.I.; Chopra, C. Consumption of Tomato Products with Olive Oil but not Sunflower Oil increases the Antioxidant Activity of Plasma. Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 20:1051-1055; 2000 Nov. 15th, 2000 issue

MK Welty hosts an informational site for herb enthusiasts where you will find great tips on growing Herbs, how to use Herbs, Herbal Remedies and more. For everyone who’s been enjoying our series of articles on Herbs, we encourage you to sign up for our free newsletter today at: http://UsingHerbs.Com

—–
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies

NaturalEco Organics is where we recommend you go for Organic, natural, chemical-free products and quality remedies for a safe, healthy journey for Mom and Baby, from Pregnancy to baby’s Nursery!

Mountain Rose Herbs is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!

Are you looking for quality Vitamins, diet aids and health Supplements? Visit the Health Supplement Shop - highly recommended by NHH!

You can make Rose water and extracts (or any other herb) at home.

Take a large pot, insert a clean brick or rock, fill with Rose petals or Herbs or whatever around the brick. Cover with water and place a small glass dish on top of the brick. On top of the pot put a stainless bowl and fill with ice. Simmer about three hours depending how many petals or Herbs you have, replacing the ice as needed.

The bowl with the ice will condense the steam and drip down into the glass bowl. The water in the glass bowl is your Rose water or whatever herb, on top will be a layer of oil. This is the Essential Oil.

You can separate these and use the water in cooking and the Essential Oil in potpourri, lotions, Soaps or whatever. Or some believe it worked in cleansing space. And rids of entities you do not want around you.

—–
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies

NaturalEco Organics is where we recommend you go for Organic, natural, chemical-free products and quality remedies for a safe, healthy journey for Mom and Baby, from Pregnancy to baby’s Nursery!

Mountain Rose Herbs is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!

Are you looking for quality Vitamins, diet aids and health Supplements? Visit the Health Supplement Shop - highly recommended by NHH!

**Note: Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure you are in good enough health to do an intensive detox and fast before beginning this plan.

This is a maple syrup detox recipe I have used. The first time I added the Cayenne to the drink and I thought my mouth was going to burn off!!! (I’m a light weight) I now make my own Cayenne capsules and it works great. I drank this mixture 3 times a day and lots of water, no food. I also lost 8 pounds during the 10 days. And I didn’t feel hungry.

It is recommended that the master cleanser lemonade cleansing diet recipe be followed for a minimum of 10 days or more. It has all the nutrition needed during the body cleansing. Following the lemonade cleansing diet three to four times per year will do wonders to detox the body and keep it healthy.

The Lime or Lemon juice recipe is as follows:

• 2 Tbsp Lemon or Lime juice (approximately 1/2 Lemon)
• 2 Tbsp genuine maple syrup (not maple flavored sugar syrup)
• 1/10 tsp Cayenne Pepper red Pepper) or to taste - Water - warm

Combine the juice, maple syrup, and Cayenne Pepper in a 10 oz. glass. Fill with warm water. Cool water may be used if preferred. Only freshly squeezed lemons or limes (preferably Organic) are to be used in the Lime or Lemon juice recipe. Being a balanced form of positive and negative sugar, pure maple syrup must be used - not a substitute.

Follow the lemonade cleansing diet for a minimum of ten days - more if necessary. The cleansing diet has all the nutrition needed during this time. Three to four times per year will do wonders toward keeping the body in a healthy condition. The diet may be used more often for more serious conditions.

—–
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies , please visit Native Remedies

NaturalEco Organics is where we recommend you go for Organic, natural, chemical-free products and quality remedies for a safe, healthy journey for Mom and Baby, from Pregnancy to baby’s Nursery!

Mountain Rose Herbs is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your Bulk Herbs, Spices, Teas and single oils!

Are you looking for quality Vitamins, diet aids and health Supplements? Visit the Health Supplement Shop - highly recommended by NHH!