Pacific Trash Tsunami - nearly every bit of plastic ever made still exists

The plastic industry continues to convince and condition us into believing plastic is a beneficial and necessity of our modern way of living. If stuff, made of toxic chemicals is in fact such a great thing for modern man then why do we continue making more of it and using it?

I grow more and more convinced that plastic is anything but beneficial to the survival and convenience of our so-called modern world. You may agree with me even more after reading this…

Our oceans are turning into plastic… are we?

By Susan Casey, Photographs by Gregg Segal
Feb 20, 2007

A vast swath of the Pacific, twice the size of Texas, is full of a plastic stew that is entering the food chain. Scientists say these toxins are causing obesity, infertility…and worse.

Fate can take strange forms, and so perhaps it does not seem unusual that Captain Charles Moore found his life’s purpose in a nightmare. Unfortunately, he was awake at the time, and 800 miles north of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean.

It happened on August 3, 1997, a lovely day, at least in the beginning: Sunny. Little wind. Water the color of sapphires. Moore and the crew of Alguita, his 50-foot aluminum-hulled catamaran, sliced through the sea.

Returning to Southern California from Hawaii after a sailing race, Moore had altered Alguita’s course, veering slightly north. He had the time and the curiosity to try a new route, one that would lead the vessel through the eastern corner of a 10-million-square-mile oval known as the North Pacific subtropical gyre. This was an odd stretch of ocean, a place most boats purposely avoided. For one thing, it was becalmed. “The doldrums,” sailors called it, and they steered clear. So did the ocean’s top predators: the tuna, sharks, and other large fish that required livelier waters, flush with prey. The gyre was more like a desert—a slow, deep, clockwise-swirling vortex of air and water caused by a mountain of high-pressure air that lingered above it…

It began with a line of plastic bags ghosting the surface, followed by an ugly tangle of junk: nets and ropes and bottles, motor-oil jugs and cracked bath toys, a mangled tarp. Tires. A traffic cone. Moore could not believe his eyes. Out here in this desolate place, the water was a stew of plastic crap. It was as though someone had taken the pristine seascape of his youth and swapped it for a landfill.

How did all the plastic end up here? How did this trash tsunami begin? What did it mean? If the questions seemed overwhelming, Moore would soon learn that the answers were even more so, and that his discovery had dire implications for human—and planetary—health.

As Alguita glided through the area that scientists now refer to as the “Eastern Garbage Patch,” Moore realized that the trail of plastic went on for hundreds of miles. Depressed and stunned, he sailed for a week through bobbing, toxic debris trapped in a purgatory of circling currents. To his horror, he had stumbled across the 21st-century Leviathan. It had no head, no tail. Just an endless body… click here to continue reading the story.

A previous post may also be of interest to you… Plastic: Fooling with Nature

It just wasn’t all that long ago that we somehow easily managed to live without plastic. My dream is that within my lifetime will be living without it again.

Essential Oils - the high cost of low price

For almost 15 years before I got into essential oils I was a very faithful user and supporter of herbs for culinary, nutritional and medicinal purposes. I studied the edible and beneficial native plants and learned their powers and benefits.

Twenty years ago, in my quest to find nontoxic household cleaners, I turned to essential oils. I knew that pure essential oils could be used for healing, nutrition and flavoring foods. I was quite disappointed that when I set out 20 years ago to find pure organic essential oils that I was unable to find a source.

Even though my original quest was to get toxic, perfume-grade and synthetic products out of my household I was hopeful that I’d find essential oils I could try in cooking and healing that were safe for those purposes. I couldn’t find any. There’s a lot more involved to making a pure essential oil than just growing the plants organically and not using any solvents during distillation.

I continued reading about the benefits of pure essential oils and prayed one day I would find the quality oils I desired, Young Living Essential Oils. That day came 8 years ago. I couldn’t believe I had finally found exactly what I was looking for!

Once I had discovered the Young Living essential oils I was amazed by how much better they smelled, and how quickly I saw results. I was used to using fresh or dried herbal preparations for nearly everything and waiting weeks and sometimes months before I saw results. What I found with the Young Living oils is that if I selected the right oil I got results in minutes, if not seconds!

It’s been 8 years since my discovery, and what I’ve realized is that with all the knowledge I had of the nourishing and healing plants, was but a miniscule exposure to the vast knowledge our ancestors had of the plant kingdom around them. Even as I type this, I find myself drifting off into a disconnect of our modern world beside myself as to how such fine knowledge is a rarity today.

Buy the best, get Young Living Oils here!

If the bible can have nearly 1,000 references to essential oils it seems to me that the people of old utilized the powerful gifts of mother nature as skillfully and easily as we today insert coins into a soda machine and slip our finger into the aluminum ring to pop the top. It boggles my mind to think how much we average modern people have lost.

I am now a Distributor for Young Living Essential Oils, it’s my full-time business.

A part of me had forgotten that if someone has a bottle of Frankincense in their hand that probably 80% of the population doesn’t have a clue as to how it can be used. Sure, they know they can remove the cap and smell it, but beyond that they’re clueless.

Remember when I say, “whenever you hear me speak about how to use essential oils I am only referring to the Young Living brand because I know the quality. So do not try using store bought oils, even if they come from a Health Food store, in the same way.”

The reasons why you must know the quality of the oils you’re using is because the essential oil industry operates on a “perfume-grade” standard, which in my mind is scary at best. This is why you will see in many books and hear that you should never apply an essential oil topically undiluted and never ingest them. Statements like that refer only to the results you can expect from adulterated aromatherapy oils.

Buy the best quality essential oils from Young Living

Diet and Eating - Choose Your Foods Like Your Life Depends on Them

For many months now I have been a subscriber to to free newsletter, Naturopathy Works by Dr. Colleen Huber, NMD.

I’ve enjoyed reading the different natural health topics she writes about. What caught my attention in the May issue is her discussion on food and a new book she has written, Choose Your Foods Like Your Life Depends On Them.

Did you know...

Young Living has Blue Agave (item # 3221 & 3224), Stevia Extract (item # 3239) and JuvaSpice (item # 3279) in your favorite recipes yet you may want to start. The essential oils and JuvaSpice will add so much flavor. And Blue Agave is a perfect sugar/sweetener alternative, it has a low glycemic index which means you can have your cake and eat it too.

Young Living also has a Cookbook (item # 3947) filled with recipes for using Young Living Essential Oils in your cooking recipes.

Buy Young Living Essential Oils and the Young Living Cookbook here!

Read the Essential Oils User's Guide to see which Young Living oils can be used in cooking and/or as a supplement.

Remember, that all of the citrus essential oils, peppermint and spearmint can be used to wean off of junk juices and sodas. One drop in your “glass” of water or your “glass” water bottle (recycle your empty NingXia Red bottles for this) will help get undesirable beverages out of your life. Note: never add essential oils to a plastic, styrofoam or a waxed drinking cup, essential oils hate synthetics and petro-chemicals and will begin dissolving them on contact.

Young Living's NingXia Red is also an excellent choice to combat sugar cravings, among other things. Learn more in the NingXia Red booklet.

I have also read from a few different sources recently that chocolate cravings are due to a magnesium deficiency. Young Living's MegaCal (item # 3280) and Mineral Essence (item # 3222) would be good choices to help ward off those cravings.

I use the Young Living supplements daily, they're the best I've found.

NOTE: any information found here refers solely to products from Young Living Essential Oils and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. We urge you to do the health related research necessary to learn what is right for you. Young Living uses only therapeutic grade oils. Perfume grade or poor quality oils may possibly be harmful due to unknown additives and poor plant or distillation conditions. US labeling for essential oils is governed by the Perfume Act, allowing labels to say “100%”pure essential oil” and by law contain only 5% of any grade oils. Know what you’re buying!

Excerpted from the chapter “Food as Medicine: We eat our way into our symptoms, and we can eat our way back out"

“Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” - Hippocrates

“We live at a strange crossroads in history. Over the last few decades, the human species has been hypnotized by the temptations offered by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The 1950’s ushered in the “better living through chemicals” age. And we believed, and we bought and swallowed and injected and are still consuming them in massive amounts, and, most recklessly, injecting such chemicals as ethylene glycol (antifreeze), aluminum and formaldehyde into our babies as part of vaccines, without any prior safety testing.

But now with massive chronic disease plaguing our most industrialized populations, autism closely following children’s shots, and more pathology coincident with concentrated chemicals, we are beginning to wake up from our long post-World War II slumber. Now begins the next era when synthetic chemicals are starting to be seen as, however useful in many applications, best kept at a distance from our bodies, our homes, public spaces and wilderness.

The old era of unthinking reliance on a synthetic existence is showing severe disadvantages, just as the urgency to forge new relationships with nature is becoming apparent. Plants and other whole foods are coming into their own new era as naturopathic physicians and other well-informed health practitioners rely on them for their central role in healing. Within our lifetimes, natural substances will eclipse pharmaceuticals in medical practice, as the general public awakens to its far superior healing capacity.

But the pharmaceutical industry will be the slowest to catch on, just as most physicians and druggists of the early 20th century refused to believe that absence of certain nutrients could bring on such horrible diseases as scurvy, pellagra and beriberi. Then as now, allopaths were eager to lay blame for these diseases on microbes, until . . . oops! limes cured the “limey” British sailors of their scurvy, and we saw that Vitamin B3 prevented pellagra, while Vitamin B1 prevented beriberi and Vitamin D prevented rickets. As usual, conventional medicine corrects itself long after the natural physicians are already healing patients. In fact, evidence now shows that even bubonic plague, which allopathy still attributes exclusively to bacteria known as Yersinia pestis, was more likely to strike those with low Vitamin C intakes and those who did not eat garlic.

What would possess a person to think that food could possibly be medicine? Our first clue is the structure of our intestines. Whatever comes into the mouth later travels through miles of efficient tubing that extracts certain molecules from the food we eat, then converts them to one common molecule, Acetyl Co-A, from which the building blocks of the body are then made: protein, glucose and (healthy-type) fats.

The intestines are great little machines, but not omnipotent. That is, they can convert food molecules to Acetyl Co-A, because food has familiar and malleable combinations of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. But it cannot do that with bizarre substances that the body is unfamiliar with, such as petrochemical products and synthetic substances used in pharmaceuticals. The body has no experience with many of these substances, has little clue what to do with them, and often excretes them, which may explain why placebos so often equal or surpass drugs in clinical trials. More often, though, as the body tries to either detoxify or wall off the offending invader drug, it creates new metabolites, which have multiple pharmaceutical effects, some of which may be quite harmful.

Food, on the other hand, is right at home in the body, since our species has always processed it, and we have become quite efficient eating machines as a result. Therefore, we easily break down ingested protein to its component amino acids. These then in turn get rearranged into the proteins that our genes tell us to make, all of the busy construction that takes place in the womb, and for the rest of us: replacement of lost skin and membrane cells, slightly longer fingernails, hair, scabs over wounds, etc. Carbohydrates and dietary fat get broken down to Acetyl Co-A and rearranged to form the molecules our body needs to function, because this is how our bodies have been handling things for all of our existence as a species. How would the body be able to do that from a pharmaceutical? It can’t. It’s like trying to make your car run on orange juice…click here to continue reading

click here to read Chapter 20

Mold In Your Vehicle May Cause Fungal Infections

”The rash started on his ankles, and it took us months to realize that he had a fungal infection. Then we found mold growing in the carpet of his SUV and thanks to your information, we used the essential oils products the way you suggested, and got rid of the mold. Now, his fungal infection is gone too.”

Dr. Close goes on to say... Les and Sharon told us their story during the cruise we took in January, 2007, and we have heard similar stories from many other people. Water-damaged vehicles, flooded vehicles, and even vehicles that have been cleaned but the carpets have not been dried properly can all be infested with mold, sometimes toxic mold. Our cars, trucks, SUVs, in fact any vehicle provides an opportunity for high levels of exposure to mold in short periods of time, and over long periods of time when we travel frequently or take long trips.

Read Toxic Mold Q&A to learn more.

There are numerous areas of the United States, and around the world, that are flooded every year. Research shows that many water-damaged vehicles end up being sold in the used car market. So how can you protect yourself from buying a vehicle that may have been flooded or water-damaged? The following article by the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) highlights the problem with flooded vehicles making their way to the used car market, and also offers tips on how to avoid buying a flood-damaged car.

Tips to Avoid Buying a “Flooded Car”

NEW YORK, April 23, 2007 — The deluge from last week’s Nor’easter not only means extensive flooding to homes but to cars as well. Unfortunately, many of these vehicles could be purchased by dishonest auto dealers, cleaned up and then sold, with their flood damage history illegally hidden, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Unscrupulous salvage operators and dealers often try to conceal the fact that the vehicles they are selling have been damaged by a natural disaster, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB home page).

To prevent this type of fraudulent resale of cars to unsuspecting consumers around the country, the NICB home page has been helping law enforcement groups and insurance companies identify and catalogue vehicles damaged by these types of disasters.

“By creating a registry of damaged vehicles that consumers can access when purchasing a used car, the potential for this type of fraud can be greatly reduced,” said Robert M. Bryant, president and CEO of the NICB.

The NICB compiles a database of vehicles affected by such storms, which offers a free search of any car’s vehicle identification number (VIN), so used-car buyers can learn more about the history of the car and whether it has been involved in a claim related to flood damage. It usually takes several months before the flooded cars get into the market. Consumers who suspect a car has been flooded can access this service from the NICB home page.

“To avoid inadvertently purchasing a flood-damaged car, it is important that you only buy a used car from a reputable dealer, have a certified mechanic look for flood damage and check the car’s VIN number,” noted Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I.

The I.I.I. suggests you be on the lookout for the following indicators that a car may have been flooded:

- Mildew, debris and silt in places where it wouldn’t normally be found, such as under the carpeting in the trunk, or around
the engine compartment
- Rust on screws and other metal parts
- Waterstains or faded upholstery; discoloration of seat belts and door panels
- Dampness in the floor and carpeting; moisture on the inside of the instrument panel
- A moldy odor or an intense smell of Lysol or deodorizer being used to cover up an odor problem

If you suspect that your local car dealer is committing fraud by knowingly selling “flooded cars” as regular used cars, contact their insurance company, local law enforcement agency or the NICB at 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422).

Cars damaged by flooding, fire or wind are covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE AND YOUR HEALTH

You can eliminate mold inside your vehicle, by diffusing the Young Living Essential Oil blend Thieves (used in the tests conducted by Dr. Close) continuously for 24 hours inside the vehicle with all the windows closed. When cleaning carpets and upholstery, be sure to use Thieves Household Cleaner. Vacuum up all excess moisture, leave windows and doors open, and do not close the vehicle until carpets have dried completely. After materials have dried, diffuse the essential oil blend Thieves for 24 hours continuously to protect your vehicle and your health.

Learn more about how to get rid of toxic mold and how to buy Thieves.

Grass-Fed Meats - Get Back to a Naturally Healthy Diet... in time for Father's Day and BBQ Season!

by Al Sears, MD
Conventional wisdom tells you to avoid fat whenever possible, especially saturated animal fat. That's too bad. Your body needs fat. It's essential to life. The real problem is that our modern world changed the character of fat. For millions of years, red meat has been humankind's primary source of fat and protein. But today, nutrition "experts" tell you it's deadly. How can that be? Did our bodies change? No. The red meat has changed.

Commercial cattle are fed grain because it's cheap and it fattens them up quickly. Substituting grain for their natural diet of greens makes the animals abnormally fat and leads to a deficiency of the heart-healthy fats still found in wild animals. For meat to be healthy, it needs the right balance of natural omega-6 and omega-3 fats. Studies show that omega-3s prevent irregular heartbeat, reduce arterial plaque, decrease blood clotting, lower blood pressure, and minimize inflammation. But too much omega-6 fat interferes with the functioning of omega-3s and leads to inflammation and heart disease. That's the problem with commercial beef. You get about a 20 times greater ratio of omega-6s than you need and a deficiency of omega-3s. And that's bad news. But there is a solution.

To get back to the healthy diet of our ancestors, eat grass-fed beef. It has the original high ratio of omega-3s in our natural diet. Next to wild salmon, grass-fed beef is your best natural source of omega-3s. Fat Is Not the Enemy By Al Sears, MD People often refer to the "French Paradox." This is the notion that French people eat foods high in saturated fat, but never get fat. To me, that's not a paradox. There's no convincing evidence that saturated fats pack on the pounds. It's more useful to think about the "American Paradox" - a nation full of unhealthy people obsessed with healthy eating. At the root of this disorder is the guilt Americans feel when they eat foods they really love - like steak, eggs, and bacon. All the favorites that we've been conditioned to fear with the dreaded word "cholesterol." Most sources tell you to avoid fat in favor of low-fat, vegetarian, or whole-grain artificial diets. But if you take a closer look (and avoid the commercial interests), you'll discover that the secret to reducing bad cholesterol isn't avoiding fat.

Studies show that if you combine the right nutritional elements you can reduce your bad cholesterol (LDL) as much as, and in many cases more than, the low-fat junk diets or even prescription statin drugs. Avoidance of fat in favor of grains will increase your risk of heart disease, because diets that are high in grains promote high insulin levels. And high insulin levels have been shown to have a direct correlation to heart disease. So here's the key: Choose the right fats (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) and healthy proteins (rich in essential amino acids). Choosing the right fats means eating more fish and the right kind of red meat. Fish is high in omega-3s. It also has a complete mixture of all the essential amino acids in a bio-available, rapidly absorbable protein. And, yes, you can still eat red meat, even steak. But choose cuts of meat from naturally raised, hormone-free, grass-fed animals. That's the important caveat.

Studies show that grass-fed beef gives you one of the best sources of omega-3s. What's more, grass-fed beef has high levels of B vitamins and CoQ10, the most powerful heart nutrient on the planet. Forget the Food Pyramid - Here's My Simple Formula for Getting Lean By Al Sears, MD In 2005, the government issued its latest food pyramid. You've probably seen it.

Over 2,000 supermarkets in 17 states are planning to promote it in their stores. The "new" food pyramid - like the old one - suggests that you eat more grains and carbs than anything else. And, not surprisingly, the big food makers are footing the bill for this "public service" campaign. (When you've spent that much money lobbying politicians to support your high-carb, highly processed, artificial-food-substitute products, why not cash in?) But don't be fooled.

Following this unnatural high-carb diet, while ignoring protein and healthy fats, will only make you fat, sick, and tired. Instead, follow my simple formula for getting lean: High Protein + Low Carbs + the Right Fats + Regular Exercise = Fat Loss

Increase Protein: Quality protein is the key to good nutrition. Protein promotes muscle growth and increases the burning of carbs and fat for energy. Grass-fed beef, fish, lean meats, eggs, dairy, beans, and nuts are all good sources of protein. Decrease Carbohydrates: Starches are a main cause of obesity. Limit your consumption of anything made from grains or potatoes. Get your carbs from unprocessed vegetables that grow above the ground.

Eat Natural Fats: Most modern fat is a health nightmare, but getting enough omega-3 fats is essential for good health. Grass-fed beef is a great choice. Also, try eating unprocessed vegetable fats from avocados, nuts, and virgin olive oil. Avoid corn oil and all hydrogenated oils. Get your animal fat from grass-fed red meat, wild fish, and eggs.

~ My grass-fed meats testimonial ~ Grass-fed meats are the only meats you'll find in my house. I cannot tell you how much different and better they taste... and my body even feels different, much more nourished.

I even get my butter from these guys. When I did my little side-by-side taste test - I had been buying "organic" butter from the supermarket for years - and I swear, the organic butter tasted like poison in comparison. I had to spit it out in the sink it tasted so nasty. I couldn't believe I had been spending so much money on such an inferior product. I spend more on my butter now, but at least it's good for me and tastes the way real butter should taste.

I will never spend one more penny of my money on inferior animal products sold in the stores. Not when we have places like US Wellness Meats, BRAVO!

4 Steps to Help Control Innflammation:essential nutrients and essential oils

Young Living's Core Essentials nutritional program is about understanding the nutritional foundations of optimal health, developing healthy daily habits and supercharging the whole process with the power of nature's living energy, pure, therapeutic- grade essential oils.

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM:

Forty-two years ago Dr. Myron Brin showed that even slight nutrient deficienies cause problems such as slow brain function, insomnia, irritability and nightmares. Today we know that essential nutrient deficiency is a key contributor in the massive inflammation epidemic that lies at the root of all our major health problems. When essential nutrients run low, inflammation goes unchecked, damaging cells, tissues and eventually whole organs and systems. This condition is called chronic systemic inflammation. Research links all of the top killers, even rapid aging, to this condition.

Living Foods, Your Body's ph and Disease

An Acidic or Alkaline System: What's the difference and why should we care?

4 Steps to Control Inflammation

It seems simple: control inflammation and you slow aging and improve health dramatically.

Drug companies understand this and are rushing to corner the anti-inflammatory market. However, Young living offers natural, holistic solutions with only one side effect - you'll love the products like I do.

The body needs optimal amounts of these essential nutrients to control inflammation.

Macronutrients

pure water
essential amino acids from protein
essential sugars
essential fatty acids
fiber (soluble and insoluble)

Micronutrients

essential vitamins
minerals
antioxidants
essential enzymes

Step One: Identify + Eliminate or Dramatically Limit Anti-nutrients.

Anti-nutrients include junk food, stress, toxins, medications, etc. A recent Los Angeles Times survey found that junk food calories comprised 30 percent of the average person's diet, and people consume 1,000 percent more sugar than our ancestors did. And all that anti-nutrient poison requires extra essential nutrient antidotes to counteract the damage. Here's a previous post on non-nutritive sweeteners.

Step Two: Get Enough Essential Nutrients

To keep up with today's extraordinary demands we must flood our systems with all the key essential nutrients. To accomplish this, Young Living packaged foundational essential oil nutrients together with other essential nutrients to create the Core Essentials nutritional program. This program includes Ningxia Red, Longevity, Omega Blue and Balance Complete. Taking these products together will create tremendous life-giving synergy.

Ningxia Red is no ordinary red energy "juice" -- it's an infusion. It's infused with therapeutic- grade essential oils and is an infusion preparation, meaning it delivers all the fresh, whole Ningxia wolfberry parts. This one-of-a-kind preparation supplies an incredible depth and breadth of critical antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), rare protein-polysaccharides and many other key micronutrients. NingXia Red booklet.

Longevity softgels is a daily essential oil ultra-antioxidant and embodies Young Living's unique and powerful place in the universe. It is an age-defying antioxidant supplement of awesome proportions and specializes in fat-soluble antioxidants. Studies on compounds in Longevity confirm they protect the body's most fragile tissues and prevent abnormal cell growth.*
Remember: stop oxidation, stop inflammation and stop the damaging cycle before it starts. Longevity fact sheet.

Omega Blue - Research confirms that omega-3 fats (DHA and EPA) in fish oil reduce systemic-inflammation and support cardiovascular, joint, eye and brain health, and much more. Omega Blue provides a clinically proven dose of pure, un-concentrated fish oil plus the proprietary "Omega Enhance" essential oil blend. This oil blend supports a healthy inflammatory response, supports normal cholesterol levels*, and protects fragile omega-3 fats during encapsulation, (while in the bottle,) and during metabolism. It also ensures Omega Blue is ten times more stable than other fish oil. Plus, our Precision Delivery intestinal release technology can triple omega-3 absorption by releasing nutrients directly into the intestines. Omega Blue fact sheet.

Balance Complete is a superfood-based meal replacement, is a powerful energizer and nutritive cleanser. It's high in fiber, high in protein and contains the good fats, enzymes, vitamins and minerals needed for a nutritionally dynamic meal. The most exciting ingredient is Young Living's proprietary V-Fibertm blend. This blend supplies an impressive 11 grams of fiber per serving with whole, nutrient-dense fibers and soluble fiber concentrates for optimal viscosity (thickness) and effect. It's perfect for forming bulk, absorbing toxins, satisfying the appetite, balancing blood sugar, and much more. Balance Complete fact sheet.

Young Living's Core Essentials Daily Nutritional Regimen

- Drink 1-3 ounces NingXia Red daily (item # 3003).

- Take one Longevity capsule daily (item # 3289) .

- Take one Omega Blue capsule 3 times daily (item # 3190).

- Replace your least nutritious meal with Balance Complete (item # 3292) (for better weight management replace two meals).

Note: This is just a starting place. More intense and targeted nutrients may be required for your particular situation.

Step Three: Assimilate the Essential Nutrients

The Core Essentials program prepares your body, specifically your bowel, to assimilate and maximize essential nutrients. Whole-food-based products like NingXia Red and Balance Complete are easily digested. Balance Complete also supplies a specialized enzyme pack. Using a wide variety of essential nutrients together enhances bioactivity. If further digestive assistance is required, add Young Living's Essentialzyme (item # 3272) to your routine.

Step Four: Give it Time

Commit to following the program for at least 60 days, although 90 days would be better. When the right raw materials are available, the body can do remarkable things, and then time will heal the wounds. Don't be surprised if you begin to see positive changes quickly -- these are not ordinary nutritional products. All Young Living essential oils and oil-enhanced products provide pure, living plant energy, and most people notice this unique and exceptional difference right away.

Get Young Living's Nutritional Supplements here!

Learn about Young Living's Start Living with 5-Day Nutritive Cleanse and Core Essentials and how to save 24%

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Essential Oil Recipe for Stregthening Finger Nails

Strengthening and Creating Healthy Nails with Essential Oils:

2 drops Wheat Germ Oil
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Myrrh
2 drops Lemon

Rub on nails twice a week.

Buy pure therapeutic-grade essential oils here

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Young Living 's Dr. David Stewart on Martha Stewart

Young Living Essential Oils is making national headlines. So set your TiVo or VCR to record, you won't want to miss this!

On Thursday, May 24, 2007, The Martha Stewart Show will feature Young Living's very own Dr. David Hill, Director of Science and Education, along with respected fashion designer Donna Karan.

Dr. Hill recently served as a featured speaker for Karan's Urban Zen Initiative in New York, whose mission is “to create a working environment where the worlds of conventional and alternative medical practices unite to invent new ways of healing, health, and well-being for all of us” Urban Zen.

As a special guest of The Martha Stewart Show, Dr. Hill will discuss the benefits of essential oils, how they can be incorporated into daily activities and routines, and the health advantages essential oils provide. To find out on which station The Martha Stewart Show airs in your area, follow the steps below:

1. Go to Martha Stewart.com

2. Enter your zip code in the Local Show Schedule box (on the left). Links to all available cable, satellite, and network providers will be posted, depending on what is broadcast in your area.

3. Click on the link for your cable, satellite, or network provider. The stations and times for your local area will appear.

If you know anyone who is interested in high quality Young Living essential oils pass along my information to them. My contact information can be found by clicking here.

I'm looking for people who are interested in health, getting toxic products out of their home and personal care items, and, I am looking for people who would like to start a home based business like I have.

My contact information can be found by clicking here.

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For Your Health & Wellness -is aspirin incresing or decreasing your risk of stroke?

Healthy older people who take regular aspirin to prevent stroke may actually be increasing their risk.

In the past 25 years the number of strokes associated with blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin or warfarin has risen seven-fold, a UK study found.

The risk is particularly high in the over 75s and aspirin may do more harm than good in healthy older people, The Lancet Neurology paper reported.

However, people advised to take daily aspirin by their GP should not stop.

Researchers at the University of Oxford compared figures on intracerebral haemorrhagic stroke - a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain - from 1981-85 and 2002-06.

They found that the number of strokes caused by high blood pressure had fallen by 65%, which in the under 75s meant the overall rate of strokes had halved.

"What our study suggests is that, particularly in the very elderly, the risks of aspirin outweigh the benefits."
Professor Peter Rothwell

But in the over 75's the stroke rate remained the same over the 25-year period.

A closer look at the data showed there had been an increase in the number of strokes in patients taking blood thinning drugs, known as antithrombotics.

In the first study the proportion of stroke patients on antithrombotic drugs was 4% but two decades later this had risen to 40%.

Lifestyle choice

People with cardiovascular disease, who have a high risk of blood clot, are prescribed drugs like aspirin to thin the blood and reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

But many healthy older people also take a regular aspirin in an attempt to ward off a stroke.

Study leader, Professor Peter Rothwell, said the increasing use of drugs such as aspirin may soon take over high blood
pressure as the leading cause of intracerebral haemorrhagic stroke in the over 75's.

He warned than in healthy older adults the risks of taking aspirin may outweigh any benefits.

"GPs have been treating high blood pressure very aggressively and that is bringing dividends but there are other causes of stroke in the elderly which have become important.

"There are good reasons for taking aspirin or warfarin but there are elderly who take aspirin as a lifestyle choice and in that situation the trials have shown there's no benefit.

"And what our study suggests is that, particularly in the very elderly, the risks of aspirin outweigh the benefits," he said. Dr Peter Coleman, deputy director of research and development for The Stroke Association said aspirin had gained a reputation of being part of a healthy lifestyle.

"However, this evidence indicates that if you are healthy and have a low risk of heart disease or stroke and unless advised by your GP to take aspirin on a daily basis then the increased risks from the side effects of aspirin are likely to outweigh the benefits of preventing a stroke."

He advised people to lower their risk of stroke by having regular blood pressure checks, eating a healthy diet, stopping smoking, only drinking alcohol in moderation, reducing salt intake and taking regular exercise.

Source: BBC News

Apparently, those in the know are saying the way to reduce your chance of stroke is to eat a proper diet and include Omega 3's. A few good sources, I use and where I shop, that are nutritious, delicious and contain Omega 3's are:

A fantastic source for seafood!

Grass-fed Meats are high in Omega 3's too! Learn more here.

Young Living's Omega Blue yes I sell it and I love it.

A previous post may be of interest too, Eating Right for ADD and ADHD

Living and Speaking Your Truth:A message from the Hopi Elders

Recent message from the Hopi Elders

You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour. Now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour. And there are things to be considered:

Where are you living?

What are you doing?

What are your relationships?

Are you in right relation?

Where is your water?

Know your garden.

It is time to speak your Truth. Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader.

This could be a good time!

There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly. Know the river has its destination.

The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. See who is in there with you and celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we've been waiting for.

The Elders
Oraibi, Arizona
Hopi Nation

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Direct Selling Women's Alliance:VIP Access for 24 Hours

I’ve told you about the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance (see my previous post) and all they offer direct selling professionals like you and me – now I actually have the chance to give you a VIP look inside their vast Member Only area!

Between now and midnight Thursday, May 10th, I’ve arranged for you to have immediate VIP access to the endless resources of the DSWA by using the username and password below.

Username: visitor
Password: success

You are going to love this website rich with success-enhancing resources, tips, articles and over 250 archived tele-classes on topics related to growing your business. Go to the home page now and have fun exploring the possibilities! VIP Access

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Direct Selling Women:About the DSWA(Direct Selling Women's Alliance)

Never, in the 100-year history of the direct selling industry has there been an Alliance that is dedicated solely to the needs of the independent direct seller. At last, it's here! Direct selling women from around the world now have a place to call their own... an Alliance designed with their success in mind.

The information DSWA provides members is offered in a spirit of sisterhood, aimed at uniting direct selling women toward a common vision of success for themselves, their teams, their companies and the industry.

Why Women?

Surveys conducted by the Direct Selling Association (DSA) revealed that approximately 87% of direct sellers are women, many of whom are mom's who want more flexible work schedules. Many of these women are now turning to the Internet as a convenient and reliable source of information and support while growing their businesses.

The DSWA addresses the needs of this powerful segment of the direct selling profession in an effort to strengthen the individual and therefore the industry. Through the DSWA website many issues are addresses that direct selling women face every day. Challenges such as juggling multiple roles, balancing career and family and developing the unique skills that will enhance their success are just a small part of the vision the DSWA holds.

While the DSWA efforts are focused on supporting women in the profession, the information offered is equally applicable to male direct sellers. The DSWA membership is open to all direct sellers regardless of gender, company affiliation, race or religion.

A Note To The Men

With 79.9% of the direct selling profession comprised of women, chances are you work with women every day as you build your organization. Nearly 20% of DSWA memberships are now comprised of men, you will be joining an elite group of forward thinking leaders who will be setting the pace for the profession's growth in the next decade.

Through your membership with DSWA, men can gain an understanding not only of the unique challenges that direct selling women face, but also the many strengths they can bring to your business.

Industry Facts:

According to the Direct Selling Association, there are nearly 14 million direct sellers in the United States and over 55 million worldwide doing an estimated 97 billion dollars in sales.  79.9% of all direct sellers are women.

The DSWA is dedicated solely to the success of all direct sellers who have helped shape this unique and empowering profession.

DSWA members receive numerous benefits which include: weekly educational conference calls, access to a wealth of educational archives, Principle Centered Coaching, managing money, archived TeleClasses, extensive list of articles written by experts on all aspects of your irect selling business.

I love the DSWA, I am a member too. I'm also taking their "ELITE Leadership Training" course which is absolutely amazing!

Here's a list of some of the privialeges membership include:

Art of Booking
Booking Games
Networking
Reducing Cancellations
Hostess Coaching
Team Coaching
A Profile of the Profession
DSWA Published Articles
Legal Issues
Contests & Challenges
Recognition
The Art of Motivation
Leadership
Business Management
Communication
Personality Profiles
Training
Beauty Basics
Creating Your Life
Fashion Focus
Time Management
To Your Health
Your Professional Image
Art of Selling
Closing Techniques
Customer Service
Increasing Sales
Seasonal Selling Ideas
Art of Sponsoring
Handling Objections
Interviewing Tips
Lead Generation
Training
Using Technology
Automating Your Business
E-mails & E-zines
Prospecting and Sponsoring
Domestic Diva
Involving Your Kids
Involving Your Partner
Living Your Values
Dollars & Sense
Record Keeping
Tax Talk

... and that's just some of the articles!

The education and training you'll receive from your DSWA membership will benefit you and your team significantly, like it has mine. You won't get training and information like this with your company or your upline (unless they are DSWA members).

And don't forget to take a look at the DSWA Store for a wealth of education books, audio's & DVD's for you and your team.

The Hole Story: Think the Ozone hole is on the mend?It's gotten worse.

This article has nothing at all to do with essential oils. However, I thought I'd post it so that the word spreads even further, it's from Discover Magazine written by Stephen Ornes.

I think it's pretty important that we once again take a look around at what we have, what we do and see how we can make further changes in our lifestyles. For those inclined to do even more to lessen their impact on the environment I might suggest delving deeper into, how the things you do use and consume are made and where are they made. I'm thinking we need to be much more conscious of how the things were are using are manufactured and how far do they travel before they reach our homes.

I don't think we can count on companies and laws to do all the "Watch-Dog" work for us. A company may make a product that we might consider not terribly eco-friendly. Just because a product is expensive or cheap does not mean it's not a burden on the environment.

I for one have been not purchasing things, food included, that are not in alignment with what I personally consider to be eco-friendly. For milennia, man has been perfectly able to live without a lot of the stuff and processed foods we use today without a blink of an eye. Perhaps we need to be asking ourselves prior to each purchase, "is this item eco-friendly, in what ways will it benefit my life and is it worth consuming?"

Here's the article...

Hovering 10 miles above the South Pole is a sprawling patch of stratosphere with disturbingly low levels of radiation-absorbing ozone. The size of the hole (pictured in dark blue) wanes and waxes due to seasonal changes in temperature and shifting levels of ozone-depleting pollutants. In early October 2006, the Antarctic stratosphere was the coldest it has been since 1979, and the ozone hole loomed bigger than ever, spanning an area larger than North America. What's going on? Wasn't the 1987 United Nations Montreal Protocol—an international agreement that set limits on the emission of ozone-eating compounds like chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs—supposed to shrink Earth's life-threatening atmospheric bald spot?

The ozone hole in November 2006 is as big as ever. The thinnest ozone is blue-violet and the thickest ozone is yellow-green.

The ozone hole was just a slight thinning in 1979.

Like the chemistry of global warming, the answer is not simple. Unlike global warming, however, everyone agrees on why ozone depletion is a threat, what causes it, and what to do about it. Without a protective layer of ozone, life would be exposed to DNA-damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun. Unfortunately, the three-oxygen atom of ozone is also highly reactive, and the conditions in the stratospheric clouds over the South Pole render it even more so. When the temperature there dips below –126 degrees Fahrenheit, ozone-destroying chemical reactions begin. Chlorine atoms (liberated by the breakdown of chlorine-containing products) convert ozone into molecular oxygen, which provides far less UV protection. A single chlorine atom can tear apart thousands of ozone molecules.

Climate studies in the 1970s and 1980s provided the first evidence that CFCs—found in items like hair spray, refrigerants, pesticides, plastics, and fire retardants—work their way into the stratosphere and unleash the chlorine atoms that initiate this destructive chain reaction. The Montreal Protocol and subsequent amendments have made a major dent in the problem by banning the use of most CFCs. "I think it's safe to say we're on the threshold of recovery," says Michelle Santee, an atmospheric scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. But unlike pollutants that break down quickly, such as the sulfur compounds that cause acid rain, atmospheric chlorine can persist for more than 50 years. That helps explain why the ozone layer is still under attack, even though the amount of airborne chlorine is decreasing.

Still, why was this year's hole so huge? One possibility is that 2006 was simply colder than other years. Another possibility is that global warming could be contributing to the cold snap. Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat down near the surface. The result: colder temperatures in the stratosphere.

Taking a long view, though, the news is good. In the last decade, global ozone levels have stabilized or increased only slightly. All the same, experts estimate that it will take 50 to 70 years for Antarctic ozone levels to get anywhere near pre-1980 levels. And that, of course, depends on continued control of the ozone eaters.

Source: Discover Magazine written by Stephen Ornes.

Eating Right for ADD and ADHD

Many of you know by now that I am a committed Young Living Essential Oil fan, I just love superior quality. What you may not know is that in my quest for the absolute best quality animal products/foods I have discovered US Wellness Meats. I cannot tell you how fantastic the meats and "real" butter taste.

My household has been organic for the past 30 years and I've paid more and have gone out of my way for quality foods. Something disturbing began happening within the past 5-6 years though... I was noticing that the "organic" foods I was buying no longer tasted or looked different than the regular store bought stuff. I have discovered that the organic meat sold in natural food chain stores is virtually as bad as the regular. Yes, meats and other animal products can be labeled "organic" and be raised in feedlots and in small cages indoors, as well as be fed GM corn and soybeans. In my mind this is NOT acceptable!

US Wellness Meats has a newsletter which I subscribe to and I felt that a recent article was worth putting out there for readers. If you keep wondering "why" we are the sickest country in the world (and we are) you may want to consider one of the large culprits to be... your "food source." I personally feel that what has been and continues to go on with our food is an absolute disgrace and I disapprove of what is being put on the shelves for unknowing consumers to purchase.

For example: I've bought organic butter for the past 30 years. When I got my first shipment of butter in from US Wellness Meats I did a taste test. Very unscientific, I took a little taste of the butter that came from US Wellness grass-fed cows and a few minutes later a taste of a nationally known brand of organic butter (which does not come from cows that are grass-fed). I couldn't believe what I experienced right in my own mouth!

I kid you not, if I didn't know any better I would have sworn that someone had come into my house and sprayed chemical household cleaner on my nationally known organic butter. It was so bad in fact that I literally spit it out into the kitchen sink and gasped, "oh my god, this tastes like poison and I've been eating it for years!" That's how bad it tasted in my unscientific side-by-side taste test. I will never purchase any animal products again that are not grass-fed.

I believe we are not getting the good nutrition from our foods because the plants and animals we eat are not getting fed properly. It's simple, if a vitamin or mineral is not in the soil and/or in the plant that we or animals eat there is no way that vitamin or mineral is going to be a part of the foods we eat.

Cows are suppose to eat grasses. Their digestive system is designed to process grass, not corn or soybeans, and especially not Genetically Modified corn or soybeans. You just don't have to be a rocket-scientist to figure out that there is something gravely wrong with our food production.

I'd like to share this article from US Wellness Meats by Catherine Ebeling, RN...

ADD and ADHD are some of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorders in school age children today. The symptoms of ADD/ADHD center primarily on areas such as: attention, impulsivity, overactivity, and restlessness.

This group of particular behaviors can cause problems in school, as these children often perform poorly academically, have other learning disabilities, and tend to have conduct problems, as well. They may be disruptive in the classroom, and have trouble sitting still and experience difficulties getting along with other classmates and teachers.

It used to be thought that ADD/ADHD children outgrew their hyperactivity and other behavior problems, but it is now known that 50-80% of these children continue on into adulthood with symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Adults are sometimes able to compensate with other positive behaviors to allow them to function better in the adult world, but behavior and learning patterns established in childhood can have long term adverse effects. As adults, ADD/ADHD can show up as difficulties establishing and maintaining relationships, low self-esteem, forgetfulness, marital problems, anger management and impulsivity, and poor listening skills to name just a few.

Treatment Options
Stimulant medications are commonly used for treatment of symptoms of ADHD. The most common are: Ritalin, Concerta , Adderall, and Dexedrine. These medications have many side effects that include:
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Stomach upset or nausea
• Weight Loss
• Problems Sleeping

The more serious side effects of these medications can be:
• Anxiety, nervousness and mood changes
• Chest pain, irregular or fast heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Joint pain
• Skin rash
• Uncontrollable tics
• Fever

Changing one's diet and eliminating certain foods such as trans fatty acids, sugar and refined grain products may impact such a drastic change as to eliminate any need for medication. A nutritious diet for a child or adult may seem nearly impossible and not that important, but it is actually very critical. In order for it to process all the metabolic functions, one's body needs to synthesize, make and process and store more than 100,000 chemicals. It must manufacture these chemicals out of only a few different essential raw materials, which include essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, glucose, and amino acids. If your child consumes the standard American diet (SAD) of starchy refined grains, sugary foods, trans fatty acids, and refined, processed and preservative-laden products, the body is not able to perform the chemical conversions it must have to maintain normal body and brain function. Even a diet following the standard food pyramid is sadly lacking in essential nutrients necessary for proper function.

One of the most important nutrients is essential fatty acids. Deficiency in EFA's has been shown to be one of the hallmarks of ADD/ADHD. What are essential fatty acids? EFA's are a major component of cell function. Each cell in our body has a membrane to separate it and protect it. The membrane is composed of essential fatty acids. EFA's can only come from our food sources such as Grassland ground beef and beef patties. EFA's are of two different types: Omega 3's and Omega 6's. The body cannot make Omega 3 fats from an intake of predominantly Omega 6's and vice versa. Omega 3 fats in the body must come from Omega 3 fats in the diet and similarly Omega 6's come from Omega 6's in one's diet.

The Omega 3 group of fats start with Alpha linoleic acid, and include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). The Omega 6 group consists of linoleic acid, cis-linoleic acid, gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA), and arachidonic acid (AA). (Stevens, Laura M.S., 12 Effective Ways to Help your ADD/ADHD Child, 2000). Essential fatty acids are critical for a couple of reasons. First the balance of omega 3's and omega 6's affects the properties in the cell membrane and the ability of molecules to enter and exit the cell. Omega 3's and 6's are also used by the body to manufacture prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help cells communicate with one another. Long-chain omega 6's and long chain Omega 3's are more concentrated in the brain and retina than in other cells. They play vital roles in brain and nerve function. They are also critical to proper functioning of the immune system.

Several years ago, studies were conducted on boys with ADHD and it was found that they had lower levels of critical EFA's in their blood than a control group of children with "normal" behavior. About 40% of the boys with ADHD reported many symptoms of EFA deficiency including: excessive thirst, frequent urination, visual disturbances, decreased learning abilities and abnormal behavior. The symptomatic boys showed lower levels of omega 3's and omega 6's. Low levels of Omega 6 EFAs contributed to higher incidents of illness (colds, flu, etc.), and deficits in Omega 3 EFAs contributed to problems with learning, behavior, sleep, and temper. These studies support the case for EFA supplementation as a part of the overall treatment approach to Attention Deficit Disorder - ADD ADHD.

Dietary sources of EFA's
In addition to the much publicized addition of wild caught salmon and other fatty fishes to one's diet, grass fed beef is a healthy and delicious alternative. Changing to grass fed, all natural, additive-free beef will increase Essential Fatty Acids in the diet. Kids love starting their day with grassfed beef bacon or beef sausage. And for a super charged snack, the beef pemmican cannot be beat when it comes to high concentrations of Omega 3's and Omega 6's. The whole family will love the delicious beef brisket, ribs, and stew beef. Everyone in the family benefits from this change. Not only do EFA's help with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, but other family members benefit by enjoying a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, asthsma, arthritis, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disorders. EFA's also decrease inflammation.

Grass-finished beef such as the ribeye steaks is a great source for this essential nutrient. Research demonstrates that Omega 3 is great for individuals with heart disease, and other studies are showing that Omega 3 may also have an anti-carcinogenic effect. The source of Omega 3 is the green leaves of plants. When cattle eat their natural diet, beef becomes a great source of Omega 3. Grain is not a rich source of Omega 3, so standard, cattle-finishing practices cause the Omega 3 level to decrease dramatically. Our grass-finishing protocol produces a natural source for Omega 3, at U.S. Wellness Meats.

REDUCED FAT - Because U.S. Wellness Meats cattle are raised and finished in their natural environment, eating their natural diet, the meat is much leaner than the beef of standard, grain-finished livestock. Grass-fed beef has a much better fatty acid ration and less total fat than grain-fed animals! The myth is that cattle must be grain-fed to be tender and tasty, but we now know better. U.S. Wellness Meats is leaner, so you'll need to cook it at lower temperatures. Wait until you sink your teeth into the lean, clean flavor of U.S. Wellness Meats. You'll find that regular beef flavor has been replaced by a more robust beef flavor that you will love, AND as an added bonus, it's GREAT for you!

NATURAL, ADDITIVE-FREE BEEF - At U.S. Wellness Meats we eat what we sell! We are absolutely committed to the highest standards of food quality and safety. No pesticides or herbicides are used on the pastures where our cattle graze. No preservatives or additives are in our products. No growth implants, feed grade antibiotics or unnecessary antibiotics are given to the animals. Animals are only given antibiotics when necessitated for the treatment of illness. When this occurs the cattle must meet our required withdrawal time prior to processing, which is double that of the industry standard. Cattle graze on a managed rotation, which provides them with consistently fresh forage.

Make the change to all natural, high in EFA's organic beef, meats and poultry from U.S. Wellness. The positive benefits are noticeable and the change will be amazing!

Related articles:

Estrogen and Hormones: What we women need to know

The Future of Food

Aspartame: Ant Poison of Human Food Ingredient???

Hidden Sources of MSG in regular & organic foods

Do You Know What's in the Foods You're Eating?

The Truth About Non-Nutritive Sweeteners

If you would like to learn more here are two other terrific resources to obtain information that is not biased by some large comapny:

Dr. Mercola simply type in the search box the food or topic of interest.

Weston A. Price Foundation The Weston A. Price Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charity founded in 1999 to disseminate the research of nutrition pioneer Dr. Weston Price, whose studies of isolated nonindustrialized peoples established the parameters of human health and determined the optimum characteristics of human diets. Dr. Price's research demonstrated that humans achieve perfect physical form and perfect health generation after generation only when they consume nutrient-dense whole foods and the vital fat-soluble activators found exclusively in animal fats.

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Essential Oils:Denver Zoo Orangutans Now Calmed by a dab of Basil

by Louise Danielle Palmer

Rhonda Pietsch, the Denver Zoo’s primate specialist, has found a perfect (if bizarre-sounding) solution for controlling the adult male orangutan under her care: basil oil. Following the advice of Francis Cleveland, an expert in animal aromatherapy, Pietsch found that the scent calmed down her testy primates in the winter, when they tend to be in close proximity to one another. A dab of basil oil equals no more stick fights, spitting, or poking. It turns out aromatherapy works for the primate population; it is helpful in addressing a variety of animal ills, which is why Pietsch makes the rounds every morning, offering her orangutans a rather sophisticated and unusual side order to the typical zoo breakfast fare.

Pietsch moves from animal to animal, placing different scented oils on the tips of her fingers for their consideration. The animals indicate interest with different body signals, including pushing their foreheads, lips, chins, cheeks, or arms forward to receive the aromatherapy. Sally chooses yarrow and rose to make her aging body more agile. Mias wants a dab of frankincense on his forehead, and a bit of eucalyptus above his lip to clear his allergies.

In essence, these primates are self-medicating — just as they do in the wild, where they have been observed to pick and eat certain plants that have healing properties. Both humans and primates have highly developed smell receptors in their brains, though they have become less important to us as we have evolved. For most animals, though, sense of smell remains crucial to survival.

“They are very, very smart and are able to tune in and read the body,” Pietsch says. “They will refuse an oil if they don’t want or need it any longer. That’s how I know it is time for a change in oils. Likewise, they may take a great deal of interest in an oil and so I will offer it again to them in the afternoon.”

These primates instinctively know which kind of aromatherapy they need in order to balance out a bad mood, stabilize a nervous stomach, or fix a bad cold, Pietsch says. Mias, for example, has allergies that get worse in the winter when he is moved indoors. To alleviate his runny nose, the 300-pounder always picks two different kinds of eucalyptus, a plant commonly used by humans to relieve congestion. Mias also picks fennel and Roman chamomile to soothe his stomach when he’s nervous (the aromatherapy takes away his diarrhea problem, whereas the medicine the vet gives him does nothing, according to Pietsch).

Aromatherapy also alleviates emotional ills, Pietsch discovered. Allie, for example, was only six when her mother died. She quickly became despondent and depressed following her death. Looking for ways to help her heal, Cleveland recommended frankincense and sandalwood, both of which immediately helped Allie release some of the emotion around the death of her mother. After a month and a half, Pietsch says everyone began to see a noticeable change in her mood and behavior.

As far as Pietsch knows, Denver is the only zoo using aromatherapy to help its animals cope. Pietsch, who also gives aromatic oils to other animals she cares for as “enrichment,” says cats love musky scents, especially Possession. Red river hogs love Clinique perfume, but hate the Colors brand. “They won’t go near it,” she chuckles. ~ end ~

Buy pure organic therapeutic-grade Essential Oils here!

Mother's Day: The Forgotten History

by Craig Weatherby
The idea behind Mother's Day has roots among the ancient Greeks, who kept a festival dedicated to Cybele, a great mother of gods, around the vernal equinox, observed today on March 31.

The Greek tradition was adopted by ancient Romans, who moved the celebration to the Ides of March (March 15 to March 18). Ancient Romans also honored their mothers on the feast day of Matronalia, which was dedicated to Juno, the goddess of childbirth.

The predecessor to today’s holiday was first envisioned after the American Civil War by English social activist Julia Ward Howe, with the purpose of uniting women against war.

But it was the efforts of Philadelphia woman Anna Jarvis -- never a mother herself -- that led directly to broad celebration of Mother's Day.

Ms. Jarvis came up with the concept on the first anniversary of her mother's death in May, 1907, and actually trademarked "Mother's Day" in an attempt to defend, unsuccessfully, against rampant commercialization.

In 1914, President Wilson issued a National proclamation establishing the holiday: a watershed moment that made flower stores, candy makers, restaurants, card makers -- and, one hopes, many mothers -- quite happy. Everyone that is, but the modern holiday's creator!

While Mother’s Day grew to its current proportions largely in response to a persistent marketing push, mothers richly deserve a day dedicated to honoring their sacrifices ... no matter how the holiday came about!

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Essential Oils :Aromatherapy Use Growing in Hospitals

By BOB GROVES
STAFF WRITER
The Record, www.northjersey.com

The fragrance of lavender and sweet almond was as soothing as the dreamy voice of Enya coming from the CD player. By the patient's bedside a dialysis machine beeped quietly.

The scents arose subtly from oils that Mary Mazzer, a registered nurse and aromatherapist, was rubbing gently on her patient's knuckles, palms and fingers. Next, she poured more oil from a small cup into her latex-gloved hand and applied it to her patient's shins, calves and toes, and to the balls of her feet.

"She has a lot of anxiety related to her illness," said Mazzer, in the patient's room at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. "We've been working together a couple months. She falls asleep with the touch therapy."

"Lavender allows me to relax," said the patient, Shelly Lomberg of Fair Lawn. She was hooked to the dialysis machine with wires, tubes and monitors.

"A lot of it is the touch," Lomberg said. "The aroma definitely takes me somewhere else." Her head lolled, and she drifted off.

At-home practice

If you try aromatherapy at home, make sure you purchase 100 percent essential oils [therapeutic-grade] – not oils mixed with synthetics.

How to use organic therapeutic-grade essential oils:

Essential Oils can be inhaled, or oils can be applied directly to the skin.

Scents are dispersed in the air by oil drops on a gauze pad or handkerchief, or from an electric fan diffuser, or a cold-air diffuser.

Essential Oils are applied to the surface of the skin by gentle touch therapy or in bath water dispersed by one ounce of milk or vodka. A skin allergy test may be required before application.

Essential oils from fruit, flowers, plants and trees can help relieve nausea, anxiety, pain and other symptoms by acting on the limbic system of the brain, associated with feelings and emotions.

Essential oils should be stored away from heat and light.

Aromatherapy is the use of so-called essential oils -- extracted from flowers, fruits, plants and trees -- to relieve anxiety, nausea, insomnia, pain and other symptoms. Scents from the oils are inhaled and stimulate the olfactory nerves in the nose. Or oils are applied to the skin, where they are absorbed and enter the bloodstream. Either way, they act on the limbic system of the brain, including the hippocampus and the amygdala, associated with feelings and emotions.

The treatment is used in many hospices and nursing homes and is beginning to catch on in hospitals. It can also be practiced at home.

Aromatherapy, which goes back to ancient Egypt, should not be confused with synthetically scented soaps and candles sold in New Age boutiques, practitioners maintain.

"We see aromatherapy everywhere," Mazzer said. "It's in dish detergents. But we're not talking about commercial fragrance use. (Note: there can be up to 1,000 different synthetics and/or chemicals allowed in the formulation of "fragrances.")

"We're not just going to make it smell nice, which is fine. We're talking about essential oil used in a specific way to obtain a specific, measurable clinical outcome," she said.

Valley added aromatherapy two years ago to its holistic services program and now has seven nurses certified to administer it, Mazzer said. But it took a while for some of the doctors at the hospital to get used to the idea, she said.

"Oh, you're that voodoo nurse," one physician said to her early in the program.

"Yes, you'll have to be careful," Mazzer replied with a laugh. "I'll put a spell on you."

Acceptance grows

But as the idea caught on, doctors, nurses, social workers and others began asking Mazzer to use aromatherapy on their patients, she said. Although she does not need a physician's order, Mazzer will consult with a patient's doctor, who can overrule using aromatherapy.

Mazzer limits her oils to a select few, such as lavender for anxiety and healing insect bites, and ginger for nausea. Black pepper is a blood-vessel dilator, which can be helpful in starting an intravenous line, she said. Peppermint is good for headache, rosemary for bursitis, neroli oil from orange blossoms is a fragrant relaxant, and eucalyptus is good for colds.

She puts a couple of drops on a gauze pad and wafts the scent toward the patient. She can also use an inhaler. Oils applied topically to the skin are often diluted with sweet almond extract to avoid irritation. Touch therapy is a light caress, not a deep muscle massage.

Mazzer is versed in 33 essential oils and hopes to expand the menu at Valley. "I'm not here to replace anyone" in traditional medical care, she said.

Holistic therapies should not be considered alternative or even complementary medicine. "We look at it as integrative" with standard care, she said. Treatment involves a patient's mind, body and spirit.

Aromatherapy is used in hospices and nursing homes throughout New Jersey, said Susan Coppola of Care Alternatives, a Cranford-based home-care provider in several states. The treatment helps terminally ill patients and families, said Coppola, a registered nurse and aromatherapist who lives in Wyckoff.

"We're looking at comfort in whatever form it comes," she said. "The wonderful thing about aromatherapy is its effectiveness with multiple issues. It's used in different areas of the body for different purposes."

The power of touch

Coppola puts a blend of grape seed, lemon, frankincense and juniper oil on different parts of the body. "The scent relaxes, and it's good for the skin," she said. "Usually these patients have very dehydrated, old skin."

The agency she works for requires a doctor's order and a skin test for allergic reaction, Coppola said.

"It's a wonderful thing to teach families to do, especially if there's been an estrangement," she said. "Touching each other brings closure. Oil has very positive multiple effects."

The scent of essential oils can reduce the stress of patients headed for surgery, said Charisse Gigli, an operating-room nurse at Barnert Hospital in Paterson. She recommends a blend of rose, bergamot (Turkish orange rind), sandalwood and frankincense.

"I carry an inhaler for myself," said Gigli, who is New Jersey director of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. "As a patient myself, it really relaxed me before surgery."

Everyday consumers can purchase essential oils commercially, but they should be cautious about quality, she said.

"The thing to worry about is, a lot of so-called fragrance oils are fake or might be a mixture of extract and a synthetic," Gigli said. "You have to be sure it's 100 percent essential oil."

Buy organic therapeutic-grade Essential Oils here!

~ Read more about essential oil quality in my previous posts:

Essential Oil Quality Tid-bits

Why Essential Oils Heal and Drugs Don't by David Stewart, Ph.D.

Purchase 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils at The Very Essence.com

Smell Testing an Essential Oil

Essential Oil Sugar Body Scrub

This is effective for your whole body. Do not rub as hard on your face as you would on your feet, facial skin is much more sensitive.

Use a plastic container to mix - glass may break in the bathroom. For storage, use glass.

Combine:

1/2 cup olive oil (or coconut oil)
1 cup of sugar
Few drops of your essential oil (sandalwood is nice!)

Do this in the bathroom. Use small amounts at a time and massage gently on the skin. You can leave it on for a minute or two for a tightening effect. Rinse.

Buy pure organic Young Living Essential Oils

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Cooking with Essential Oils

May Health and Wellness Seminar

Cooking with Essential Oils

Presented by Young Living NW

May 15, 2007 • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Edmonds Conference Center
201 Fourth Avenue North
Edmonds, WA 98020

Free to the general public, $10 for YLEO Members

Pre-register through Evelyn Vincent at:
Young Living NW Online Registration

Add unique dimensions in flavvor & nutrition to your favorite recipes!

Everyday Cook? Professional Chef?

If your answer is “yes,” you will want to meet “Chef To Go,” Debra Lane, as she demonstrates the many easy ways that essential oils add an exquisite flair to enhance food preparation and daily nutrition.

Debra Lane's Chef to Go, is a whole foods gourmet meal delivery service Chef To Go serving the Seattle area. Debra's 17-year career in Seattle restaurants includes the Space Needle and the Seattle Yacht Club. Debra has certificates from the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy, US Personal Chef Institute, and Personal Chef Network. As a certified Nutritional Consultant, Debra is qualified to serve clients with specific dietary needs. She has recently completed a 3 series Diabetic course at Joslin Diabetic Center.

Chef Debra taught classes at 6 National Chef conventions in the US and Canada, and helped to develop training materials for 2 National chef associations. She is co-founder of the Puget Sound Personal Chefs and received a National award as the president of that group. Debra is presently active in Personal Chefs Network, and is a Sous Chef for the Washington State chapter. She was awarded the Pacesetter award in November 2004. Chef Debra is also a member of Slow Food USA, Women Chefs and Restauranteurs and the Personal Chefs Network.

Taste samples of Chef Debra’s essential oil recipes!


PRE-REGISTER WITH EVELYN VINCENT AT:
Young Living NW Online Registration


UPCOMING HEALTH AND WELLNESS SEMINARS

June 19th, 2007
Summer Skin Care
Learn about summer skin care and how liver health relates to the condition of your healthy glow!

July 17th, 2007
Young Living NW Open Forum
Bring your Young Living questions to this open forum. Get practical answers about using essential oils and more!


PRE-REGISTER WITH EVELYN VINCENT AT:
Young Living NW Online Registration


Get to know us... Meet the Young Living NW Team

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Article Writing -Wildly Successful Article Writing & Marketingwith Jeff HerringThe Article Guy

We are just 2 days away from the preview call for the Article Writing & Marketing Secrets TeleCourse.

Get VIP access to a 90-minute teleseminar and discover Jeff Herring - The Internet Article Guy's "4 Pillars of Wildly Successful Article Writing & Marketing.”

Jeff Herring - The Internet Article Guy is hosting a 90 minute teleseminar on:

THE 4 PILLARS OF WILDLY SUCCESSFUL ARTICLE WRITING & MARKETING

This is a FREE Article Writing & Marketing Secrets 90+ minute Tele-Event for those interested in writing and marketing articles. Jeff Herring will share a lot of information that you can begin using immediately.

Date - Monday April 23, 2007

Time - 5:30 pm Pacific/8:30 pm Eastern

I've attended many of his past teleseminars and Jeff provides such great value and information that I know you will walk away with tools and strategies you can immediately use.

Here's just some of what you'll get in this 90 minute plus teleseminar:

> The 3 mistakes even experienced article writers make and what to do instead.

> The most powerful article writing template.

> How to write articles for more traffic, prospects, publicity & profits.

> The 3 most common near fatal article submission mistakes.

> 5 strategies to get your articles picked up and published over those of the competition

> The 3 most limiting article marketing mistakes.

> How to get creative when marketing your articles to beat the competition.

> The 3 most profit killing mistakes just about every article writer makes.

> How to monetize your articles.

> How you can turn just one article into multiple products!

> And Of Course Much More!!!

I invite you to visit ARTICLE WRITING AND MARKETING SECRETS and register for this tele-event right now to learn how to write articles that search engines love!

Jeff's TeleSeminars are terrific, he's articulate, easy to follow and has a wealth of information to share that will help you learn how to write articles that search engines and people love to read!