30 November, 2008

Health Tip of the Day

Learn to laugh. Laughter is a powerful medicine that helps you develop better perspectives during stressful situations. Laughter is an important key to health. Laughter can alter your internal chemistry from negative to positive, releases tension, shifts your perception so you can center yourself and makes life more enjoyable. Consider watching a good comedy instead of the news before bedtime and notice how much better you sleep.

29 November, 2008

Health Tip of the Day

Each day, take some time to thank someone for something they did for you - something recent, or something in the past. Choose something tangible rather than offering a general sentiment.

Write an email, or send a note in a card. Perhaps give them a call, but the written word seems to have a more lasting impact, because the person can look at it again and again. Just dash off a simple: "Thank you for 'this.' I was thinking back and remembered how much I appreciated what you did." Do not pretend appreciation or hang anything on it. Speak from your heart.

The effect of this definitely rides a two way street: You get a chance to count your blessings. Many times, we let things slide and take the simple things for granted. The other person feels loved and appreciated. People are uplifted by positive people who appreciate them.

Make the world a better place for yourself and those around you.

28 November, 2008

Health Tip of the Day

A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that low intensity exercise such as bicycling, walking, or swimming, can increase the speed at which the body utilizes excess fat. If you overindulge on high fat food during the holidays, make sure to keep doing your low intensity exercise. Additionally, your digestive process will improve. You will also find some nifty benefits for your heart, as well.

Go for a walk after the big dinner. Look at the holiday lights on your neighborhood's homes.

Find a health club with a pool and frolic in the water with your kids or friends.

Ride your bike to work, if it is close enough. You will save on pollution, gas, and wear and tear on your car.

27 November, 2008

Health Tip of the Day

The more you praise and celebrate life, the more there is in life to celebrate. Oprah Winfrey

While Oprah is not one of my favorite mystics, she has a point here. There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who are grateful for what life hands them, and those who curse God whenever things do not go their way -- and sometimes when things actually do work in their favor.

A tip from DailyJoey.com: Write "Thank you." in the memo area of your checks, after all, aren't you grateful for electricity, water, and gas?

26 November, 2008

Health Tip of the Day

Your body needs 16 essential vitamins, 60 minerals, 3 fatty acids, and 12 amino acids. No one food has everything the body needs. Eating 80% of one's diet a variety of fresh raw seasonal fruits, vegetables, soaked nuts and sprouted seeds will assure that your body is getting what it needs!

A good strategy is to make sure that each week, when you shop, you pick at least one new fresh ripe quality fruit or vegetable that you did not get the week before. Thus you will provide your body with quality nutrients and give your taste buds a new sensation!

25 November, 2008

Health Tip of the Day

To reduce refined sugar intake, watch for the words sucrose, glucose, dextrose, fructose, corn syrup sweeteners, maltose and lactose on food labels. It is hard to avoid these items in pre-prepared items. Home made meals and treats really do not take much longer to prepare.
☻ In the time it takes to thaw and cook a frozen meal, you can put together a stir fry, made with fresh veggies mixed with nuts, lean meat, or tofu. Serve it with whole grain cous cous, millet, barley, or brown rice. Use three to five veggies in the dish and you can have an endless variety of meals.
☻ Whole grain muffins can be made with as few as 5 ingredients. Put together the dry ingredients and store in a jar. Measure out the portion you need and mix in the liquids and whatever you want to add. They are fresh out of the oven in 20 minutes.
☻ Soak raw nuts for 12 hours. Air dry and pack in serving sized bags for a tasty snack packed with healthy oils, vitamins and minerals.
☻ Cut up celery, bell peppers (of all colors), broccoli florets, and carrots (or get baby carrots) into ‘finger food’ type sizes. Store in zippered bags in the fridge for grab-it snacks.
☻ Dip veggies in nut butter, miso, tamari and ginger sauce, or oil and balsamic vinegar with herbs.
☻ Keep fresh fruits and veggies in the fridge for a quick, nutritious pick me up.
☻ BTW, don’t buy the ‘junk food’ snacks or they will be eaten.

24 November, 2008

Health Tip of the Day

Hydration is important. Drink 16 ounces of water each day when you first get up. For extra punch, squeeze the juice of one lemon in the water. During the night, your body has used water to flush toxins from your body, eliminating them in your morning's first urine. You must replenish the fluids lost during the eight to ten hours (or more) since you last had anything to drink.

Throughout the day, drink a cup of water every two hours. You will be surprised at how much more energy your have -- without caffeine -- when you are properly hydrated. Incidentally, caffeine is a diuretic. Drink an extra glass of water for each eight ounces of caffeinated beverage you consume.

To see how much water you need, check this nifty calculator.

18 November, 2008

Nanoparticles, Asbestos of Our Time? (revised)

Researchers in Finland and the US studied how certain nanoparticles interact with cells. Results indicated that nanoparticles may alter cell structure, causing the cells to die. Currently, nanoparticles are widely used in cosmetics, electronics, optical devices, medicine, and in food packaging materials. Nanoparticles may well be the asbestos of the twenty first century: a considerable threat to people`s health.

Nanotubes were discovered accidentally in 2000 at Heidelberg University, in Germany. By nature they seem to be a means of cell to cell communication. They exist for very short periods of time, then vanish as the cells no longer need them.

Nanoparticles (also known as nanopowders, nanoclusters, nanotubes, or nanocrystals) are microscopic. They measure less than 100 nanometers in at least one dimension. A nanometer equals one billionth of a meter – one millionth of a millimeter.

Although we are used to substances having particular properties, those properties often change as the particle size approaches the nano level. Theories suggest that the change in properties is related to the percentage of atoms at the surface of the substance. These different properties are fascinating to scientists.

Not all changes are beneficial. For instance, iron, at the nano level, switches its polarity using energy gained from room temperature heat, thus they are not useful for data storage, as had been hoped. Some nanoparticles’ crystalline structure changes when they get wet. So numerous questions have been raised about their safety and suitability, especially for products destined for human contact

Scientists found ways to manufacture stable nano-sized particles in various forms. Given the transient nature of the body’s own nanotubes, the very stability of the synthetic particles may pose a threat.

A great deal of research looks into finding useful purposes for man made nanoparticles. However, very little is known of their health effects, especially their down side. Only a tiny allotment of research into nanoparticles focuses on their risks to health and safety. While the use of nanoparticles in consumer products increases, follow-up procedures and legislation lag behind. The European Union chemicals directive REACH does not even touch upon nanomaterials.

Research, presented in the nano journal `Small`, showed that cell cultures (colonies of a particular type of cell growing in a dish) are unaltered when exposed to fullerenes. The same cells do not react when exposed to gallic acid, an astringent component of tannins found in almost all plants. When present in the cell culture at the same time, however, fullerenes and gallic acid interact to form structures which bind to the cell’s surface causing cell death. The study did not focus on cancer cells.

Fullerenes are spherical, ellipsoid, or cylindrical nano-sized molecules of carbon atoms. They were named after Buckminster Fuller, creator of the geodesic dome. Fullerenes are produced by producing an eletrical arc through a vessel containing helium gas between two graphite rods. Ten percent of the resulting soot are these nanoparticles. The fullerene tubes and balls are extracted from the carbon soot by using an organic solvent called toluene. The U.S. Department of Energy is looking into using these fullerenes in the future. This study is one of the few cataloging the effects of these particles in the human body.

Researchers generated excitement in 2006, when the destructive nature of certain nanoparticles were found to destroy the cell membranes of cancer cells. In the culture used in the early experiments, healthy cells were effected, but less so than cancer cells. The researchers, in their excitement, suggested that these nanoparticles be used to enclose chemotherapy agents, thus target the cancer cells more directly.

The early study, however, only surveyed the nanoparticles in isolation, without the toxic chemicals enclosed in them. The current study casts a shadow on such use of nanoparticles. This study stands out in its investigation into nanoparticles’ unforseen interactions with other substances. Combining these particles which do not behave as we expect with the already dismal failure of chemotherapy seems like a recipe for disaster. The interaction of the man made nanoparticles with enclosed dangerous chemicals, not to mention with substances in the body’s environment, may present unexpected and fatal results.

The current research demonstrates how difficult it is to map out the health effects of nanoparticles. Since the number of possible combinations of nanoparticles and various biomolecules is immense, it is practically impossible to research them systematically. Even if a certain nanoparticle does not appear toxic, the interaction between this nanoparticle and other compounds in the human body may cause serious problems to cell functions. Further, combining nanoparticles with toxic substances poses even more serious questions. Be wary of products which tout the use of nanoparticles. This is yet another reason why consumers need to demand natural, organically grown ingredients in products.


References

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-11/tuot-n111308.php

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026821.400-tunnelling-nanotubes-lifes-secret-network.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/n/nanoparticle.htm

http://www.ch.ic.ac.uk/local/projects/unwin/Fullerenes.html

http://www.nanopharmaceuticals.org/files/Death_by_Nanoparticles_nanopharmaceuticals2.org_OCT_2006.pdf

http://nano.cancer.gov/news_center/nanotech_news_2006-10-16c.asp

E. Salonen, S. Lin, M. L. Reid, M. Allegood, X. Wang, A. M. Rao, I. Vattulainen, P.-C. Ke. Real-time translocation of fullerene reveals cell contraction. Small 4, 1986-1992 (2008)

17 November, 2008

Nanoparticles the Asbestos of Our Time?

Researchers in Finland and the US studied how carbon-based nanoparticles interact with cells. Results indicated that nanoparticles may alter cell structure, causing critical damage to cell functions. Nanoparticles may be the asbestos of the twenty first century: a considerable threat to people's health.

The research showed that healthy cell cultures are unaltered when exposed to fullerenes. The same cells are not impacted by exposure to gallic acid, an astringent component of tannins found in almost all plants.

When present in the cell culture at the same time, fullerenes and gallic acid interact to form structures which bind to the cell’s surface causing cell death. This property may be useful in cancer treatment, if such cells could be targeted to the exclusion of healthy cells. Some early studies indicated the hope of targeted delivery of chemotherapy drugs through nanoparticles. The study, however, only surveyed the nanoparticles without the chemical enclosed in it.

Research generated excitement in 2006, when the destructive nature of certain nanoparticles were fused, then found to destroy the cell membranes of cancer cells. In the culture, healthy cells were less effected by the destruction. The study suggested that these nanoparticles be used to enclose chemotherapy agents, thus target the cancer cells more directly.

The current research, however, demonstrates how difficult it is to map out the health effects of nanoparticles. Even if a certain nanoparticle does not appear toxic, the interaction between this nanoparticle and other compounds in the human body may cause serious problems to cell functions.

Nanoparticles (also known as nanopowders, nanoclusters, nanotubes, or nanocrystals) are microscopic. They measure less than 100 nanometers in at least one dimension. A nanometer equals one billionth of a meter or one millionth of a millimeter.

Fullerenes are spherical, ellipsoid, or cylindrical nano-sized molecules of carbon atoms. They were named after Buckminster Fuller, creator of the geodesic dome. Fullerenes are produced by causing an arc between two graphite rods to burn in a helium atmosphere. Ten percent of the resulting soot are these nanoparticles. The fullerene tubes and balls are extracted from the carbon soot by using an organic solvent called toluene. The U.S. Department of Energy is looking into using these fullerenes in the future. Currently, all sorts of nanoparticles are widely used in cosmetics, electronics, optical devices, medicine, and in food packaging materials. There are also significant amounts of nanoparticles in exhaust emissions.

Although we are used to substances having particular properties, their properties often change as the particle size approaches the nano level. The different properties are fascinating to scientists. Theories suggest that the change in properties is related to the percentage of atoms at the surface of the substance.

Not all changes are beneficial. For instance, iron, at the nano level, switches its polarity using energy derived from room temperature heat, thus are not useful for data storage, as had been hoped. Their crystalline structure change when they get wet. So numerous questions have been raised about their safety and suitability, especially for products destined for human contact. This current study casts an even bigger shadow on the use of nanoparticles. This study stands out in its investigation into nanoparticles’ interactions with other substances.

A great deal of research looks into finding useful purposes for these nanoparticles. However, very little is known of their health effects. Only a tiny allotment of research into nanoparticles focuses on their health and safety risks. While the use of nanoparticles in consumer products increases, follow-up procedures and legislation lag behind. The European Union chemicals directive REACH does not even touch upon nanomaterials.

Since the number of possible combinations of nanoparticles and various biomolecules is immense, it is practically impossible to research them systematically.


References

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-11/tuot-n111308.php
http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/n/nanoparticle.htm
http://www.ch.ic.ac.uk/local/projects/unwin/Fullerenes.html
http://www.nanopharmaceuticals.org/files/Death_by_Nanoparticles_nanopharmaceuticals2.org_OCT_2006.pdf
http://nano.cancer.gov/news_center/nanotech_news_2006-10-16c.asp
E. Salonen, S. Lin, M. L. Reid, M. Allegood, X. Wang, A. M. Rao, I. Vattulainen, P.-C. Ke. Real-time translocation of fullerene reveals cell contraction. Small 4, 1986-1992 (2008)

15 November, 2008

Scents, Herbs, and Spices of the Season

What are your favorite uses of herbs during the holidays?
★ Which smells bring you memories of special times?
★ What sorts of teas or beverages are related to this time of year?
★ How are spices do you use during the holidays?


Scents

The sense of smell is less appreciated than other senses. Yet, it is powerful. The nerves from the nose go directly to the amygdala which performs a primary role in the processing and memory of emotional reactions. Scents can instantly bring to mind memories and feelings that you have not thought about for a long time.

Some scents familiar during the holiday season:

Evergreens – empowering, yet grounding fragrances, relieving anxiety and revitalizing mind, body, and spirit. Deep and long lasting emotional influence, dispelling depression and melancholy.
★ pine – antiseptic; hormone-like action; anti-diabetic; lymphatic stimulant; cortisone-like action; respiratory conditions (throat, lung, sinus); stressed muscles and joints; urinary tract infection; skin parasites; repels lice and fleas; revitalizes those suffering from mental and emotional fatigue; reduces stress; energizing to mind and body
★ cedar – calming; purifying; antibacterial, lymphatic stimulant; stimulates limbic system (emotional center), pineal gland (melatonin)
★ fir – antioxidant; stimulating; anti-fungal; pain relieving (muscular, rheumatic); anti-tumor; anticoagulant; respiratory infections; relieves fatigue; urinary tract infection; feelings of grounding, anchoring, and empowerment
★ spruce – antispasmodic; anti-parasite; antiseptic; anti-inflammatory; hormone like action; cortisone like action; immune stimulant; good for meditation; feeling of balance and grounding; opens and releases emotional blocks; associated with attracting prosperity

Citrus – air purifying, leaving a clean fresh scent; stimulating to right brain to increase creativity; relieves anxiety; improves concentration and mental accuracy
★ lemon – powerful antibacterial; anti-tumor; immune stimulant (increases white blood cells); improves microcirculation; hypertension; varicose veins; arteriosclerosis; urinary tract infection; digestive problems; obesity; anti-parasite; used to cleanse skin, combat acne, and reduce wrinkles ; invigorating; warming; relaxing; antidepressant; anti-anxiety; improves clarity of thought and purpose (memory, concentration, and mental accuracy)
★ orange – anti-tumor; relaxing; boosts immunity; anticoagulant; circulatory stimulant (used for arteriosclerosis and hypertension); insomnia; clears dull and oily complexion; fluid retention; soothes wrinkles; uplifting; antidepressant;
★ tangerine – antispasmodic; anti-tumor; digestive aid; boosts immunity; relaxing; obesity; relieves anxiety; irritability; insomnia; liver problems; fluid retention; anti-parasite; helps with anxiety and nervousness; promotes happiness, reducing depression; calming;

Cooking scents
★ bread – a comforting, homey smell. When showing a house for sale, we are advised to bake bread before the prospective buyers arrive.
★ cinnamon – used in pies, cookies, and cider; anti-inflammatory (COX 2 inhibitor); powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral; anticoagulant, circulatory stimulant; stomach protectant (ulcers); anti-parasitic; warts
★ fruits – apples, pears, and pumpkin are all used in pies and other confections. Many people find the smells bring back memories of carefree youth filled with the anticipation of holiday festivities.


Herbs


This time of year, we find much comfort in a cup of hot tea or cider. They warm and comfort us. They can also help to ward off the many ailments that seem to lurk around every corner as we spend so much more time indoors, with crowds of people. Good choices to mix and match:

★ Peppermint – aromatic stimulant herb; carminative; antispasmodic; diaphoretic; expels gas; relieves nausea; disguises the taste and corrects the nauseating or griping effects of other medicines; eases colic;
★ Lemon balm – aromatic herb; cooling; sedative; lowers fever; improves digestion; nervous stomach disorders; relaxes spasms; nervous disorders; depression; sleeplessness; anxiety; palpitations; tension headaches; improves peripheral blood vessels; diaphoretic; emmenagogue; sedative; tonic; hyperthyroidism; anti-viral; anti-biotic; insect-repellent; externally, herpes simplex (cold sores), herpes zoster (shingles), sores and insect bites; relief from gout.
★ Echinacea – bitter herb; some aromatic properties; boosts immune system; anti-bacterial; anti-viral; stimulates spleen to produce white blood cells; clear up chronic infections; gargle for sore throats; skin diseases; fungal infections; septicemia ;slow-healing wounds; chronic fatigue syndrome; venereal diseases; early stages of coughs and colds; most effective for infection of the respiratory and urinary system; externally to treat herpes, acne, psoriasis and infected injuries; wounds, ulcers and other skin inflammations.
★ Dandelion root – bitter-sweet, cooling herb; diuretic; gall bladder and urinary disorders; laxative; stimulates liver function; hepatitis; jaundice; cirrhosis of the liver; improves digestion; dyspepsia; reduces swelling and inflammation; lung and breast tumors; abscesses; edema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness; in facial steam, as well as face packs: chronic joint and skin complaints including acne, eczema, psoriasis; high content of inulin makes it useful for people with diabetes.
★ Lemongrass – aromatic herb; antimicrobial; analgesic; antipyretic; antioxidant; anti-fungal; problems with digestive system in children; muscle spasms; nervous conditions; gentle boost when exhausted; externally to treat ringworm, lice, athletes foot, arthritis and scabies; normalize and balance overactive oil glands, dandruff and similar skin problems; oil invigorates the glandular system and boosts the digestive system for recovery after illness; jet lag; eases muscle pain and cramps; removes lactic acid and increases circulation; antidepressant; stimulant; deodorant; galactagogue; diuretic; antiseptic; fungicide; insecticide.
★ Basil – restorative, energizing, warming herb; nervine; migraine; aromatic; mildly sedative; analgesic; relieves insomnia; lowers fever; antispasmodic (relaxes spasms); eases nausea; improves digestion; abdominal cramps; effective against internal parasites; antiseptic; anti-viral; colds and influenza; expectorant; emmenagogue; used in skin ointments for stress-induced skin complaints; relieves exhaustion and anxiety; anti-depressant; insecticide; tonic.
★ cranberry – acidic, anti-bacterial herb; acidifies and deodorize the urine; protects against urinary infections and the formation of stones; incontinence; for cystitis; beneficial for respiratory ailments.
★ Many spices also make good teas.

Spices

We consider herbs that are generally used in cooking as spices. They add flavor, nutrition, and health giving benefits to foods.

Spices associated with holiday foods:

Poultry seasoning
★ Sage – astringent, antiseptic, tonic herb; relaxes spasms; suppresses profuse perspiration; reduces excessive salivation; reduces excessive lactation; night sweats (especially in menopause); improves liver function and digestion; increases appetite; indigestion; flatulence; has anti-inflammatory; anti-depressant; anxiety; female sterility; regulates the menstrual cycle; menopausal problems; reduces night sweats during menopause; estrogenic effect; externally for insect bites, throat, mouth, gum and skin infections, and vaginal discharge; antioxidant; antimicrobial; antiviral; used in hair care to combat greasy and oily hair by regulating the sebum production of the scalp; skin problems; acne; small amounts of oil lightens a tired mind and fights depression and grief; on the skin, refines the texture; wound healing; clears up sores, ulcers and dermatitis; anti-inflammatory; antibacterial; antiseptic; antispasmodic; astringent; digestive; diuretic; emmenagogue; febrifuge; hypertensive; laxative; stomachic; tonic.
★ Thyme – warming herb; astringent; aromatic; antiseptic; anti-fungal; improves digestion; indigestion; gastritis; diarrhea; relaxes spasms; respiratory problems; controls coughing (including dry and whooping cough); bronchitis; excess bronchial mucus; asthma; laryngitis; externally for tonsillitis, gum disease, rheumatism, arthritis and fungal infections; invigorates and stimulates hair growth; dandruff; hair loss; oil bolsters the nerves; helps with concentration; boosts immune system; colds; flu; coughs; sore throat; laryngitis; bronchitis; tonsillitis; asthma; removes uric acid; gout; arthritis; rheumatism; stimulates digestion and urinary tract; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; antispasmodic; bactericide; cardiac; carminative; diuretic; emmenagogue; expectorant; hypertensive; insecticide; stimulant; tonic; vermifuge.
★ Onion – pungent herb; protects against infection; relaxes spasms; reduces blood pressure; reduces blood clotting; lowers blood sugar levels; expectorant; diuretic; minor digestive disturbances; bronchial and gastric infections; prevents age-related changes in blood vessels (arteriosclerosis); loss of appetite; externally, poultices of raw onion for acne, boils, wounds, and scars.
★ Marjoram – relaxing, calming, warming, expectorant and restorative herb; relieves spasms; stimulates circulation and the uterus; painful menstruation; bronchial and chest complaints; tension headaches; anxiety; and minor digestive upset; externally for bronchial congestion, muscular pain and strains, stiff joints and arthritis; oil bolsters the mind and spirit, banishes the feeling of grief and loneliness; easing sore achy muscles and swollen joints; stimulates peristaltic movements of the digestive system; menstrual cramps; on the skin for bruising and chilblains; analgesic; antiseptic; anti-spasmodic; carminative; digestive; emmenagogue; expectorant; laxative; nervine; restorative; sedative; tonic; vulnerary.
★ Black pepper – aromatic, pungent, warming herb; lowers fever; improves digestion; diuretic; laxative; relieves gas; lack of appetite; nausea; food poisoning; stomach chills; cholera; dysentery; vomiting caused by hypothermia; central nervous system depressant; anticonvulsant; analgesic; anti-spasmodic; cardiac; antiseptic; antimicrobial; stimulates digestive and circulatory systems; tonic; insecticidal.
★ Celery seed – bitter aromatic herb; tones; reduces blood pressure; stimulates the uterus; relieve indigestion; diuretic; anti-inflammatory; aphrodisiac; sedative; improves digestion; osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; gout; inflamed urinary tract; asthma; bronchitis; nerve tonic; externally to combat fungal infections and to battle tumors.
★ Cayenne – tonic, antiseptic herb; stimulates circulatory system; increases perspiration; used during the cold stage of fevers; varicose veins; asthma; digestive problems (detoxifying, dyspepsia, colic. and flatulence); used for laryngitis as a gargle; used as a food preservative in the tropics; used externally for sprains, itching, arthritis, unbroken chilblains, neuralgia, and pleurisy.


Pumpkin pie spices
★ Cinnamon (actually cassia) – pungent, sweet, warming herb; stimulates circulation; relieves spasms; lowers fever and blood pressure; controls bleeding and infections; relieves indigestion; diarrhea; flatulent dyspepsia; colds; poor appetite; low vitality; under performing kidneys; colds; angina; palpitations; fevers; rheumatic and arthritic complaints
★ Ginger – sweet, pungent, warming, and aromatic herb; expectorant; increases perspiration; improves digestion and liver function; abdominal unease and feeling of fullness; motion sickness; nausea; morning sickness; indigestion; colic; abdominal chills; beneficial effect on ulcers; increases peristalsis and the secretion of bile and gastric juices; hypoglycaemic; cholesterol lowering; immune stimulant; anti-inflammatory; colds; influenza; coughing; nasal discharge; blood in the urine; chronic bronchitis; stimulates peripheral circulation; relaxes spasms; relieves pain; frigidity and impotence; externally for spasmodic pain, rheumatism, lumbago, menstrual cramps and sprains; oil sharpens the senses and memory; grounding; warm the body and the mind; removes excess moisture in the body (catarrh and phlegm).
★ Cloves – spicy, warming herb; relieve pain; placed on the gum near toothache; control nausea and vomiting; improve digestion; impotence; hiccups; protect against internal parasites; insect bites; antimicrobial against fungi, virus, and bacteria; cause uterine contractions; anti-inflammatory; antispasmodic; carminative; helps the smooth muscle lining the digestive tract to relax; insect repellant; antihistamine; stimulating effect on the mind.
★ Nutmeg – spicy bitter, astringent, and warming herb; digestive tonic; controls vomiting; abdominal distension and bloating; indigestion; colic; diarrhea; dysentery; gastroenteritis; relaxes spasms; respiratory catarrh; urinary incontinence; premature ejaculation; externally anti-inflammatory; toothache; eczema; rheumatic or abdominal pain; oil has a psychotropic effect on the body (use sparingly); stimulates the mind; all-over tonic; analgesic; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; antispasmodic; carminative; digestive; emmenagogue; stimulant.

Mulling spices for cider
★ Cinnamon (actually cassia) – pungent, sweet, warming herb; stimulates circulation; relieves spasms; lowers fever and blood pressure; controls bleeding and infections; relieves indigestion; diarrhea; flatulent dyspepsia; colds; poor appetite; low vitality; under performing kidneys; colds; angina; palpitations; fevers; rheumatic and arthritic complaints
★ Allspice – fragrant, spicy, and warming herb; antiseptic; anesthetic; encourages digestion; flatulence; remedies diarrhea; stimulates the nervous system; eases nervous exhaustion; used in a liniment to treat chest infections and muscular aches and pains.
★ Orange and lemon peel – sour to bitter, aromatic, cooling herb; decongests the kidneys and liver; tones the immune system; diuretic; anti-inflammatory; improve peripheral circulation; stomachic; antacid; antiscorbutic; anti-neuralgic; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; astringent; bactericide; carminative; depurative; emollient; febrifuge; haemostatic; insecticide; laxative; tonic; vermifuge; oil is refreshing; boosts circulation; varicose veins; cellulite; clears up greasy congested complexions; increases concentration; counteracts acidity in the body; arthritis; rheumatism; gout; cuts; minor wounds; softening scar tissue; smoothing out broken capillaries.
★ Nutmeg – spicy bitter, astringent, and warming herb; digestive tonic; controls vomiting; abdominal distension and bloating; indigestion; colic; diarrhea; dysentery; gastroenteritis; relaxes spasms; respiratory catarrh; urinary incontinence; premature ejaculation; externally anti-inflammatory; toothache; eczema; rheumatic or abdominal pain; oil has a psychotropic effect on the body (use sparingly); stimulates the mind; all-over tonic; analgesic; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; antispasmodic; carminative; digestive; emmenagogue; stimulant.
★ Star anise – bitter sweet aromatic herb; aids digestion; stimulant; diuretic; colic; rheumatism (original source of chemical used in tamiflu); do not confuse with Japanese star anise, which is poisonous.
★ Cloves – spicy, warming herb; relieve pain; placed on the gum near toothache; control nausea and vomiting; improve digestion; impotence; hiccups; protect against internal parasites; insect bites; antimicrobial against fungi, virus, and bacteria; cause uterine contractions; anti-inflammatory; antispasmodic; carminative; helps the smooth muscle lining the digestive tract to relax; insect repellant; antihistamine; stimulating effect on the mind.
★ Fenugreek – bitter herb; increases milk-flow; painful menstruation; labor pains; stimulates the uterus; soothes irritated tissues; lowers fever; reduces blood sugar; improves digestion; weight loss; anorexia; poor appetite; gastric inflammation; promotes healing; laxative; expectorant; bronchial complaints; tuberculosis; diuretic; edema of the legs; kidney related pain; gout; arthritis; anti-parasitic; anti-tumor; hernia; rejuvenation; aphrodisiac; loss of libido; painful testicles; premature ejaculation; sprouts are also used to promote hair growth, especially in men; used externally for skin inflammations, ulcers, boils, eczema and cellulite.
★ Ginger – sweet, pungent, warming, and aromatic herb; expectorant; increases perspiration; improves digestion and liver function; abdominal unease and feeling of fullness; motion sickness; nausea; morning sickness; indigestion; colic; abdominal chills; beneficial effect on ulcers; increases peristalsis and the secretion of bile and gastric juices; hypoglycaemic; cholesterol lowering; immune stimulant; anti-inflammatory; colds; influenza; coughing; nasal discharge; blood in the urine; chronic bronchitis; stimulates peripheral circulation; relaxes spasms; relieves pain; frigidity and impotence; externally for spasmodic pain, rheumatism, lumbago, menstrual cramps and sprains; oil sharpens the senses and memory; grounding; warm the body and the mind; removes excess moisture in the body (catarrh and phlegm).


Project
Carpet Deodorizer

1 cup baking soda
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly. Keep in an air tight container. It will keep indefintely if sealed.

Sprinkle powder over carpet. Let sit twenty minutes to an hour. Vacuum.

This recipe can be multiplied as needed. Mix up a bunch and keep on hand. You are more likely to use it if it is handy. Lavender and Cedar Herbal Sachet

1 part lavender buds
1 part cedar wood chips

Combine ingredients. Place a couple tablespoons of mixture in small muslin bags. Tie bags with ribbon to close. Tuck the bags away in corners of your house, in closets, or in drawers.

Cedar wood chips can be found in pet supply stores, as they are usually used for bedding.


Scented Drawer Liners

Use a heavy paper, like card stock, water color paper, or home made paper. Cut to the desired size and shape. Apply the oils to the paper. Seal in a plastic air tight container with a lid for several days. The oil will absorb completely in the paper, leaving no oily trace. The scent will fade in a few months. Just repeat the process. For gift giving, roll the paper into a tube and tie with a ribbon.

Citrus Sunshine

4 drops tangerine essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops grapefruit essential oil

Lavender Woods

5 drops atlas cedarwood essential oil
3drops lavender essential oil

Soft and Sweet

5 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops rosewood essential oil
1 drop ylang ylang essential oil


Woodsy Musk

4 drops patchouli essential oil
4 drops cedarwood essential oil

03 November, 2008

A Review of the Moxxor Company, Product, and Business

If you currently take fish oil for it's anti-inflammatory properties you may want to check out a new product (MOXXOR) which contains greenlip mussel oil which has an anti-inflammatory value 158 times more effective than Fish Oil EPA. Along with this astonishing level of anti-inflammatory power the product also contains Sauvignon blanc grape seed extract which has an antioxidant ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) higher than many of the most highly talked about super fruits today such as the acai berry, mangosteen, and goji berry.There are no fillers in Moxxor and the only two ingredients in the product, greenlip mussel oil and Sauvignon blanc grape seed extract are both harvested in New Zealand.

MOXXOR is created under high quality standards and the company Moxxor also has not for profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid. In fact, the company states that it has committed “...10% of our net profits to assist in providing hope and respite for those in extreme poverty and desperate need.” It is awesome to see a company not only providing a quality dietary supplement but also giving back to the world.

What makes MOXXOR an even more unique and interesting dietary supplement is the fact that it's distribution is done through network marketing. Not only do customers of Moxxor have the opportunity to increase their level of health and wellness by using MOXXOR but also to increase their level of financial independence by becoming a distributor of the product.

There have been several other dietary supplement network marketing organizations in recent years and MOXXOR should be placed alongside the elite few of these companies that offer a top notch high quality product with no fillers and true dedication to improving the world around us.

Moxxor is one of the latest network marketing companies to break open its doors. It sells a natural health supplement that according to the company is "...the most powerful all-natural omega-3 and antioxidant on the planet..." Moxxor uses a binary tree system and touts that there are nine ways to make money by becoming a distributor; however, a very important note is that in order to actually be paid most commissions you must be active (buy at least 2 bottles every four weeks to use or resell) and qualified (which means you have personally enrolled two other distributors who are currently active). In order to become a distributor you must also pay a $50 yearly membership fee.

The nine ways to make money:

Retail Profits - earning commission by selling products to customers

Preferred Profits - earning commission by selling products to customers via auto-ship

Fast Start Bonuses - earning by personally enrolling new distributors with a Business Builder Pak (which costs $295-$850)

Team Commissions - earning commission based upon your downline's sales

Executive Check Matching Bonuses - bonus payouts for higher level distributors

Leadership Check Matching Bonuses - bonus payouts for higher level distributors

Global Performance Pool - commission based on the global group commissions

Global Executive Pool - commission based on the global group commissions

Global Leadership Pool - commission based on the global group commissions

Without going into extreme depth the above are the nine ways to make money with Moxxor. There are some stipulations and requirements to earn money in each of the ways, and after becoming a Moxxor distributor you may have to read and reread the commission payment information several times before you completely understand all the opportunities you have to make money.

So once again, if you are looking to become a Moxxor distributor be prepared to pay a $50 yearly membership fee, enroll yourself on auto-ship to receive at least 2 bottles of product a month ($100 plus shipping), and enroll at least two people who are also signed up on auto-ship to receive at least 2 bottles a month.

After examination, what it all comes down to is that Moxxor is not a scam but a legitimate network marketing business using very common practices regarding the requirements of distributors to actively buy the product, commission payment requirements, and recruitment strategies. It is however a superb product with no fillers, which places it among the top network marketing supplement companies.

Visit this site for more information about MOXXOR.