Thinking of Starting the Keto Diet? Here are some Common Misconceptions

1. “I couldn’t eat ALL that FAT!”

I only add extra fat in the form of MCT oil (about 1 tsp.) in my coffee every morning. It gives me energy to start the day. I use olive, avocado, coconut oils in my cooking and salad dressing. I use butter, as much as I want for flavor, on my vegetables. In the months that I have been eating keto, I have NEVER eaten a fat bomb! I do enjoy a small bite of dark chocolate and peanut butter pretty often. Some keto authors suggest adding in more fat as you begin to eat keto, with the idea that you are switching your body to fat burning instead of sugar burning. This is helpful at first, but if you continue eating loads of fat, your body will not go for burning the stored fat. Let’s face it, most of us are wanting to burn those extra fat rolls! A typical ketogenic diet contains 70% fat, 25% protein, and 5% carbs. Remember that is 70% of your calories and fat contains a lot of calories. It isn’t 70% of the food on your plate. Big difference!

2. “I couldn’t eat ALL that MEAT!”

A balanced keto diet is not huge steaks and tons of bacon. Most of us have this idea leftover from Atkins fanatics who were eating unbalanced amounts of meat. Most keto diets contain protein at every meal, 25% of your daily calories. That protein should be a serving size, about enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Keep in mind that nuts, dairy, and eggs count as protein too. Getting enough good quality, clean protein, is important for healing. You also need enough protein so that you don’t lose muscle, just extra fat stores. Keto is a moderate protein diet, not a high protein diet.

3. “I don’t want to give up my carbs!”

Yep, that is the real problem. None of us want to give up those comfort foods. Many of them have a great emotional attachment. After all how can it be Christmas without decorated sugar cookies or a Birthday party without the cake? Let me just say that if you decide to do keto as a lifestyle and not just a diet, there are yummy substitutes that work just as well. I made fabulous keto cheesecakes for my husband’s birthday last year. The kids never knew the difference! Plus, after you are fully keto adapted, you can go off the diet once and awhile to enjoy a treat without it totally sabotaging your ketosis. You just can’t eat loads of carbs every day. Another thing to note is that once keto adapted, your cravings for the sugar and junk go away. I am NOT kidding! You really don’t want it and don’t miss it. I find myself looking at carbs and wondering if they are worth it. I feel SO good when I don’t eat them. Is the taste today worth feeling crappy tomorrow?

4. “What about ketoacidosis? Isn’t it life threatening? Is this diet safe?”

This is a common mistake: ketosis is NOT ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life threatening condition seen with unmanaged diabetes. It is characterized by dangerously high levels of blood ketones (15-25mM/L) and high blood sugar (200 mg/dL), as well as very low blood pH. Nutritional ketosis is a safe metabolic state that produces low-level ketones (generally 0.5 to 5.0 mM/L) with blood sugars averaging from 60-120 mg/dL and normal pH levels.

These are just a few of the misconceptions I have heard about the ketogenic diet. I hope I have clarified them for you. Please call me to set up a health coaching appointment if you would like to work one on one with me. I would love to help you find solutions for your health struggles.

If you are tired of doing the same old diet, with the same old results, maybe it is time for a change of lifestyle. Consider KETO – it could change your life!

Mullein: "The Respiratory Herb"

Mullein is one of my favorite herbs to have on hand for winter. I used it often in our home while raising my children and now for my grandchildren. It is soothing for respiratory symptoms, coughing, drainage down the back of the throat, or earaches. Mullein, Verbascus thapsus, grows in fields and along the side of the road in Ohio. You may even find it in the crack of the driveway. It loves poor soil. Mullein is a biennial, which means it only lives for two years. The first year it grows in a simple rosette of soft, fuzzy, oblong leaves. The second year it sends up a tall stalk and blooms with tiny yellow flowers. Leave the stalk to release seeds for the next year.

You can use flowers, leaves, and roots for herbal medicine. I use the leaves the most, as an expectorant and bactericidal, wonderful for the respiratory system. Its long list of traditional herbal uses include: allergies, asthma, bronchitis, broken bones, coughs, croup, diarrhea, earaches, emphysema, swollen glands, lungs, swollen joints, and pain. It also has sedative properties. Mullein flowers can be used as an antiseptic for wounds, to prevent infection, and soothe nerve pain. I love to make earache oil from the flowers. I call it, “liquid gold”, because you have to go out each day to pick just a few flowers and save them up until you have enough to make the oil. Mullein roots have uses too – make into a tincture for bedwetting, symptoms of facial nerve pain, or for bones when something seems “out of joint”.

I have used mullein for swollen glands in the neck. Make a tea of the leaves, add peppermint and sweeten if you like, and drink a quart a day. Also make a strong tea to use externally on a cloth over the swelling. You will quickly see the lymphatic inflammation go down in the gland. You can also dip a whole fresh leave in hot water and use it as a poultice on the swelling.

I have seen mullein do wonders for people just out of the hospital with bronchitis or complications of COPD.Mullein tea makes a very inexpensive, safe, and effective herbal medicine! A favorite combination for use with asthma or other breathing difficulties is to use 3 parts mullein with 1 part lobelia in a tincture form. See Dr. Christopher’s writings to learn more about how to use mullein to help with breathing and opening up the bronchial airways.

Nature’s Sunshine has a terrific formula called ALJ. I use it and keep it as a staple in my herb cupboard. I like to make it into a glycerite tincture for my granddaughter, as she likes the taste of my homemade remedy better. This recipe is tried and true – it works! I use it as a decongestant/expectorant with colds and allergies. Here is how I make it.

Lisa’s Version of ALJ – In a pint jar place one-fourth cup of each herb: Boneset, Fennel Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Horseradish Root, and Mullein Leaves. In a large measuring cup mix together: One and one-third cup hot water with two-thirds cup vegetable glycerine. Pour the liquid over the herbs in the jar, make sure the herbs are covered well. Screw on lid. Let set for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily. Strain and put liquid into a tincture bottle. Dose: 2 dropperfuls every 2 hours for an adult for 3 days, as you feel better reduce the dose to 3 times a day. May use once a day for more chronic allergies, usually in the morning. To figure a child’s dose, go by body size – half an adult size body gets half a dose (1 dropperful), a smaller child maybe one-fourth a dose or half a dropperful.

Directions for Earache Oil – Collect as many mullein flowers as you can, dry them slightly by laying them out for a few days on a plate. Place the wilted and dried flowers in a glass canning jar that is size appropriate to the amount of flowers you have gathered, they should only fill it halfway. Cover the flowers generously with olive oil. Screw on lid. Let set for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and place in a tincture bottle with dropper. To use, warm the oil by setting the bottle in a glass of hot water, test the oil on your wrist. Place 3 drops warm oil in the ear, followed with half a cotton ball to keep it warm. Use as needed for the pain.

Take the time to gather your herbs, dry them, and make your tinctures and oils before you actually need them. Be prepared with these wonderful remedies at home. Save money, use less drugs, have less need for doctor’s appointments, and keep your family healthy! Call ME, your local herbalist, if you need help.

Increase Your Vitality

How do you feel today? Tired, overwhelmed, depressed, sick, stressed, in pain? Or are you “on top of the world”, full of joy, energy, laughter, and just plain healthy. It is easy to let the work of daily living take its toll on your body. All at once you wake up to notice that you look terrible and feel even worse! Been there?

At the beginning of this year, I took a good look in the mirror and wasn’t happy with what I saw or how I felt. It is easy to “let yourself go”, being too busy working or taking care of others. Maybe it is time to take care of yourself for a while. Yes, it really is ok to think about how YOU are doing – you have permission to take some time for yourself. These are some of the changes I have made to take care of myself and increase my vitality.

Vitamins – I began taking DoTerra’s Vitality Pack for multivitamins, omega oils, and antioxidants. Amazing the difference! I have far more energy now. Most of us do not eat everything we should daily, yep – I am talking vegetables! So taking supplements can really make a difference. Call me if you want to save money with a DoTerra membership.

Dance – I always wanted to learn how to dance, you know, like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. So my husband and I have been taking ballroom dance lessons. What FUN! It is great exercise too. Next, I want to learn line dancing – anyone know a good place to learn?

Cleanse – Any time my vitality is lagging, I know the toxins have built up in my body and it is time to do a cleanse. Many people are afraid of cleansing, thinking it will be too uncomfortable. I like to use a simple herbal box cleanse, like the Tiao He Cleanse from Nature’s Sunshine. It helps support the liver and bowels to remove toxins and even addresses parasites. The herbal cleanses I carry in the store are designed to allow you to continue with your daily life and work without being too interruptive. You eat normally, just try to eliminate junk foods. It is just like changing the oil in your car, it keeps you running smoothly.

Ketogenic Diet – My husband and I both committed ourselves to losing weight this year. The keto diet is a challenge to get started, but once you learn how it works, it is easy to maintain. I have lost 24 pounds and hubby has lost 40 pounds in just 3 months! I feel great, have energy, and am not hungry. I always have struggled with low blood sugar and the grumpiness of not feeling good if I didn’t eat in a timely fashion. This new diet is changing that. I no longer feel a slave to needing to eat and find I don’t have to think about food all the time. Stop into the store and buy my favorite book on the subject, Simply Keto, by Suzanne Ryan. She has a simple, easy to understand explanation of the keto diet and great, easy to make recipes!

Reiki and Yoga Practice – I am trying to establish a daily practice of meditation, Reiki, and yoga. Reiki is a light touch healing technique which helps you find balance and maintain the energetic flow in your body, mind, and spirit. This spring I took the Level 2 Reiki class so that I could offer Reiki sessions to others (Call me for an appointment). For myself, I have set up a simple yoga mat in a quiet corner of my home to make it easy for the daily practice of both of these. Keeping a positive energy feels amazing, but it doesn’t just happen, we have to work at it. That is why they call it practice.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils – I have attended several essential oil classes this spring and am learning how amazing they are! Not only physically, but emotionally. I now run a diffuser every night as I sleep, all day here in the store, and I love to wear my diffuser necklace too. I want to know how to use these wonderful herbal oils in my daily life!

Daily Skin Care – Wrinkles, puffy or dark circles under eyes, brown spots, dry skin, these are not healthy looking. Growing older is not fun, but it does inspire us to take better care of ourselves. I was at the shopping mall, when one of those expensive vendors grabbed me and put me in front of a mirror. She started talking about some of these skin problems and how her products could help (for a cost of $250). Yikes! After a good look at the difference I saw in the mirror, I knew it was time to take better care of my skin. Rather than spend a lot of money, I ordered DoTerra’s Essential Skin Care kit and got started with a daily routine. I also found a wonderful Eye Cream on my store shelf that makes a huge difference. My skin feels soft, moist, and smooth – all it takes is a few natural products and a little time to take care of myself.

Grandchildren – I now have 5 beautiful grandchildren. If I need a little positive energy, I just give one of them a hug or a smile, even just seeing a picture of them or hearing them laugh will increase my vitality and mood. Children are a blessing, make sure you have a few in your life.

These are a few changes I have made in my life so far this year! I hope this simple list inspires you to take better care of yourself. Summer is a great time to give a little extra time to YOU. As your vitality goes down, your disease goes up. Prevent disease by increasing your vitality. It is that simple! Call me for a personal consultation, I would love to help you through this process.

Warm Up With Teas That Heal

Have you had a cup of tea today? Herbal teas are fantastic tonics for the body. They are one of the quickest and easiest ways to use herbal medicine, as there are no capsules to digest and the liquid quickly goes into the digestive system. A medicinal tea is made with one teaspoon dried herb, to one cup of boiling hot water, and steeped for 15 minutes. Drink a cup of herbal tea three times a day for a therapeutic dose. These are some of the most popular herbal teas you might want to try.

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale:  so popular that it needs no description…it is in every yard!  Be careful to harvest where is has not been sprayed with herbicides.  Dandelion contains:  Vitamins A, B, C, D, iron, potassium, sodium, calcium, and electrolytes.  The leaves are nutritious and the roots medicinal.  Dandelion’s bitter leaves are diuretic, easing water retention and reducing blood pressure.  It is the great detoxifier, cleansing the liver, kidneys, urinary system, and skin.  Dandelion is useful for chronic conditions such as arthritis, removing the toxins from joints.  It reduces the cell damage done by free radicals.  Parts used:  leaves and roots.

Coneflower, Echinacea angustifolia, purpurea, or pallida:  native to North America, this perennial has large daisy-like flowers with a cone center.  All three varieties stimulate the immune system, although the angustifolia is considered the most medicinal having the antibacterial echinacoside.  Stimulating the production of white, ”killer” cells and regulates red blood cells, echinacea works on a cellular level to fight bacteria, viruses, fungus, and microbes.  Echinacea is a lymph system cleanser, tumor inhibitor, blood cleanser and antiseptic.  It removes toxins and fights infections.  As an immune stimulant it should not be taken continuously, but only for short periods with a break…two weeks on with one week off.  Nutritionally, Echinacea contains B vitamins, iron, calcium, selenium, and silica.  Parts used:  roots.

Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba:  the oldest known tree, it is in the fossil record along with the dinosaurs.  Ginkgo has an amazing ability to withstand toxic environments and was the only living thing to survive the atomic blast at Hiroshima.  It can grow 150 feet tall, or be trained as a bonsai tree.  Ginkgo may be used to combat an allergic reaction.  The tea makes an excellent throat spray for allergies or asthma.  Ginkgo is respected for use in circulation problems, especially increasing circulation to the brain and extremities.  It is high in antioxidants, which works especially to keep the heart free of deposits.  Ginkgo soothes the arteries, steadies an irregular heartbeat, and helps to prevent strokes.  Parts used:  leaves.

Mullein, Verbascum thapus:  native to North America, mullein is a tall biennial with wooly leaves and a spike of yellow flowers.  Mullein is one of the greatest herbs for the respiratory system, helping the body to rid itself of mucus.  The antibacterial flowers are used as an oil to soothe earaches.  It is soothing and anti-inflammatory to the glandular system.  Mullein has narcotic properties without being harmful.  It is a great herbal pain killer, calming irritated nerves.  Parts used:  leaves and flowers.

Red Clover, Trifolium pratense:  perennial, growing wild in North America and cultivated as a hay crop.  Clover grows 1-2 feet tall, its green leaves having three leaflets with a distinctive V-shaped marking, and pink/purple glove-shaped flowers.  It has a long history of use in respiratory infections, coughs, colds, and bronchitis.  Red clover tea is known as a blood cleanser, helping persistent skin problems, eczema or psoriasis.  It also makes an excellent wash for the eyes or skin.  Red Clover has historically been used in cancer prevention formulas. It has phytoestrogens which may help to balance female hormonal issues. Parts used:  flowers.

Red Raspberry, Rubus idaeus:  native to Europe, it grows wild and is cultivated in North America.  Raspberry leaves are very astringent, excellent as a treatment for diarrhea or vomiting.  Raspberry tea is a wonderful herb for women, particularly in pregnancy to prevent miscarriage or uterine hemorrhage, and to tone the pelvic muscles.  Raspberry has vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, calcium, niacin, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and zinc.  It is a great tea for children, helping with canker sores.  Parts used:  leaves and fruit.

Lisa Purdy is not a physician and all recommendations are not to be considered diagnosis or prescription.  Any information is for educational purposes only.  

You are responsible for your own health choices.

What is In Your Medicine Chest?

Drugs with a lot of side effects? 

NSAIDS have been shown to harm the liver, kidneys, and stomach lining. Is that really what you want to take for that headache or PMS cramps? I use a homeopathic remedy called Formula 303. It combines valerian root, passionflower herb, and magnesium into a fantastic little pain reliever. I keep this in my purse and use it as my first go to for headache pain.

Pain and inflammation a little more intense? Maybe a little too much snow shoveling or work in the garden? Then I use Curamin X Strength – pain relief in 20 minutes. Any side effects? Nope!

Feeling nausea, bloating, gas, upset stomach? I keep a jar of crystallized ginger by my desk for any time my tummy feels off. It is great to take on trips for motion sickness too!

Digestion problems more intense? Relying on antacids? Did you know they have a very bad form of calcium that can build up in the body? Think kidney stones, bone spurs, or inside your arteries – whoa, definitely a bad idea! Try digestive enzymes instead – these help to break down the food in your stomach, solving the cause of distress.

Did you know that there are natural alternatives to most of the everyday drugs you rely on? You can improve your health by taking the time to evaluate your drug choices and bring in more natural remedies. Be Your Own Doctor classes start in March if you want to learn more! 

Medicine Chest Makeover Challenge!!!

Go thru each item in your medicine chest. Evaluate side effects and target drugs you want to replace. Check for out of date items and throw them away – yes it is ok to get rid of them! As each drug in your medicine cabinet runs low, find a natural alternative to replace it. One choice at a time – you can live more naturally! Need help? Make an appointment with your herbalist for assistance.

Lavender, Glorious Lavender

This year in my herb garden, I grew the biggest, most beautiful lavender plant that I have ever grown. Ohio is not the best place to grow lavender, as it usually likes a warmer climate. So many times my lavender has not returned after the winter. This plant was 3 years old and gorgeous! I purchased this lavender plant from companionplants.com who brings wonderful herbs to our annual plant sale every year. I think it was called Grosso Lavender. I harvested every flower and filled a laundry basket with them. I then watched a youtube video (my children would be proud to see that I used technology!) and I learned how to make a lavender wreath. Come into the store and see my creation. I confess it was harder to do than it looked in the video, but after three tries I had a wreath I could enjoy. I love to play in my garden, learning to make things that I can use, and share them with others. What fun!

Another way that I enjoy lavender is in tea. I like the Cup of Calm from Traditional Medicinals. This tea blend contains: passionflower, chamomile, lavender, catnip, rosemary, peppermint, spearmint, licorice, and stevia. It has a mild flavor and is deeply relaxing. I always keep it on the shelf at home and frequently share a cup in the store with someone who is a bit stressed and needs a friend. A box of this tea is the perfect addition to any “care package”, it makes a great gift!

Lavender is probably our best selling essential oil. It is well-known and appreciated for its many qualities. If you can afford only one essential oil, buy lavender. It is balancing, calming, relaxing, and helps you to sleep. Lavender oil is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic, analgesic, and stimulating to the immune system. Lavender is great to have in a first aid kit, useful for wounds, rashes, bites, and burns. It is one of the essential oils that you can use “neat” or directly on the skin. It is often used in personal care products and works well in a diffuser for aromatherapy. Lavender is an excellent choice for use with children or the elderly.

Tension Headaches Inhaler – Open the empty inhaler and drop the essential oils directly onto the wick. Use 8 drops lavender, 5 drops marjoram, and 3 drops peppermint essential oil. Close tightly. To use the inhaler: slide off the cover, with one finger press closed the left nostril, inhale from the tube into the right nostril. Repeat on other side. Exhale thru the mouth. Repeat both sides again. Inhale as needed to ease headache, clear the brain, and lessen tension.

We carry the empty inhalers, and would be happy to assist you to make an inhaler at our “Blend Your Own Essential Oils Bar”. Stop in to the store and learn how to create something you can use yourself or give as a gift.

Summer Reading

I have a lot of books lined up to read this summer. How about you? I think it comes from memories of my childhood. We always went to the library and signed up for the summer reading program. I think one summer I read all of the Nancy Drew mystery series, what fun! I enjoyed taking my children to the library weekly, and now it is my granddaughter’s turn. We are never too young or too old to read a good book. I have ordered several new books for you this year, so stop by and see what you can learn this summer. 

My BEST BOOKS of 2017! Body Balance, by Maria Groves: I discovered this book while on vacation last summer and it has become favorite! We are using a lot of information from this book for our classes this year. It shows you how to use herbs to bring balance to the body. This is a great read and then an excellent resource to have on the shelf. The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness, by Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele: another vacation find, this has become my “go to” book to look up anything about essential oils! It has a great alphabetical list of essential oils with up-to-date information on each, including uses and cautions. It also has a section of ailments with recipes to make for specific situations. They WORK too!

My favorite most recent read is Happy Hormones, by Kristy Vermeulen, ND. Finally, a book that makes hormones simple to understand! It covers thyroid, adrenals, male, and female hormones. Believe me, if your hormones are out of balance, you are NOT a “happy camper”. The book includes a questionnaire to help you discover areas on which to focus attention, along with test information, so you know which tests to ask your doctor about. On this subject, I also recommend Thyroid Healthy, by Suzy Cohen, RPh. Suzy really knows about pharmaceuticals and how they affect the body. She gives excellent information on testing too and she writes so it is easy to understand. If you suspect that you have thyroid issues, you want to read this book!

These are a couple of books I have recommended to my daughter and for any pregnant moms out there! The Mama Natural week-by-week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth, by Genevieve Howland, this book covers everything to prepare you for a healthy birth experience. I also love the book, Aromatherapy and Herbal Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth, and Breastfeeding, by Demetria Clark. There are so many herbs and essential oils to avoid in pregnancy, it is great to have a guide to which ones are safe to use. There are lots of recipes too! 

Lastly, books that I intend to read and try some recipes from this summer are: Ketogenic Cooking, by Maria Emmerich and Paleo Lunches on the Go, by Diana Rodgers, RD. What these books have in common is pretty much removing grains from the diet, which can be a cause of inflammation in the body. I have a friend who has lost a lot of weight by using an anti-inflammatory diet, and she feels great with an abundance of energy. Ketogenic diets are becoming more popular as people are discovering how good fat is for the brain! The right kind of fats that is. Most surprising, is that by adding these fats to the diet you can lose weight! I want to learn more about this way of eating. Stop by Healthy Life Solutions today and let me share my love of reading with you!

Women's Herbal Tea Recipe

This herbal tea has traditionally been used worldwide for its toning and nourishing qualities during pregnancy, breastfeeding, PMS and menopause.

To prepare tea: Mix the following herbs together and store in an airtight jar. Use ¼ cup of the herbs in a quart jar, cover with boiling water. Cover the jar and leave overnight. In the morning, strain tea, discarding the used herbs. You may dilute or sweeten tea if you like. Drink the quart of tea throughout the day.

Use 1 cup each: alfalfa, nettles, oatstraw, red raspberry leaves and ½ cup rose hips. My good friend likes to add peppermint leaves and stevia leaves to her tea mix, so you might want to try that variation too.

Alfalfa: one of the richest mineral foods in the world, contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, chlorophyll, biotin, chlorine, inositol, iron, PABA, sodium, sulfur, tryptophan, vitamins A, B complex, C E, and K. Restorative tonic which promotes pituitary gland function. It alkalizes the body, helping with arthritis, gout, and kidney function. It tones the intestines. Alfalfa is high in tryptophan, inducing better sleep. It is also antifungal.

Nettles: rich in chlorophyll, it contains iodine, magnesium, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, vitamins A and C, facilitates absorption of vitamin D from the sun, proteins, iron and copper. Nettles tone and rebuild the adrenals. They help with energy levels, allergies, and kidneys. Nettles also improve muscle tone, reducing post-partum hemorrhage and vaginal tears. It promotes abundant breast milk. Nettles improve liver function, reducing jaundice, stabilizing blood sugar, and strengthening the nervous and immune systems.

Oatstraw: builds a strong resilient body, it contains calcium, high in vitamins A, C, B complex, phosphorus, potassium, and proteins. Oatstraw contains Avenin, an alkaloid which is highly nutritive to cells, improving reproduction. It is a premier food for the brain and nervous system, reducing anxiety, epilepsy, and assists addiction recovery. Oatstraw improves muscle tone, digestion, uterine function, back weakness, reducing leg cramps, and heart palpatations.

Red Raspberry: the most well-known pregnancy herb, it contains citric and malic acid, silicon, vitamins C, B, niacin, carotene, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and improves vitamin D absorption. Red raspberry tones the muscles, especially in the uterus, reducing spasms and improving labor contractions. It tones and nourishes the ovaries and is beneficial to the pituitary gland, helping to reduce nausea and morning sickness. It is also useful for menstrual cramps and hot flashes. Due to its astringent qualities, it is used for mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids and cold sores. Its high mineral content promotes healthy nails, bones, teeth, and skin. Red raspberry is an excellent tea for children with a natural source of vitamin C to help fight off a cold.

Rose Hips: a good all-around tonic, specifically used for the blood, nerves, and heart. Rose hips are excellent for nervous and stressful situations. It contains vitamins A, C, E, rutin and sodium. With high amounts of calcium, iron, selenium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, sulphur, and silicon. Trace amounts of vitamin D and zinc.

Is Your Heart Healthy?

One of the most common things people ask me about is heart health.  What supplement can I take to help lower my blood pressure?  Is there something I can do to lower my cholesterol?  Actually, yes there are several things you can do to strengthen your heart and arteries.  Let’s discuss a few of the most common supplements used for heart health.

Hawthorn Berry – One of my favorite herbs!  Hawthorn berry is first herb which comes to my mind for strengthening the heart muscle.  It is considered a cardiac tonic, increasing oxygen utilization and enzyme metabolism in the heart muscle.  Hawthorn berry helps a damaged heart work more efficiently.  It is useful for arrhythmias and heart valve problems.  It dilates blood vessels, allowing blood to flow freely, thereby lowering blood pressure.

Garlic – Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, discourages platelet aggregation, and contains helpful antioxidants.  Many studies have shown garlics ability to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising protective HDL cholesterol.  One average size clove of garlic contains 4,500 mcg of allicin, the smelly but active component of garlic.

Red Yeast Rice – This traditional Chinese remedy is the fermented product of red yeast cultivated on rice.  Lovastatin is a drug that was synthesized from a substance in red yeast rice.  Like the statin drugs, red yeast rice lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and raises HDL, but in a safer, gentler manner. The recommended dose of red yeast rice is 1,200-2,400 mg per day.  Do not take red yeast rice if you are on a statin drug.

Fish Oil – One of the most potent therapies for heart disease!  Helps with inflammation, blood clotting and platelet aggregation, cholesterol and triglycerides.  Look for high-quality fish oil that is harvested in northern waters and has been tested for mercury contaminants.  The recommended dose for heart health is 2000 mg daily.  Look for softgels which are enteric coated, meaning they open in the intestines instead of the stomach, solving the bad taste, burping, or upset feeling fish oil might otherwise cause. 

CoQ10 – Coenzyme Q10 is the spark plug that gets things going!  Its main role is in the energy production within your cells; because the heart beats more than 100,000 times every day, you need that energy!  CoQ10 stabilizes heart muscle cells and protects them from free radical damage.  It can reduce chest pain, lower blood pressure, help arrhythmias, and improve exercise tolerance.  Studies at the Whitaker Wellness Institute have shown CoQ10 to prolong the life of patients with heart failure and even reverse their condition.

Yes, what you eat and the supplements you take can make a huge difference in heart health!  To further pursue this subject I suggest the book, Reversing Heart Disease by Julian Whitaker MD.  Give your heart the nutrients it needs to keep your body going…and going strong!

What are 5 uses for Silver?

1 - Silver has a long history of use to fight infections and antimicrobials by traditional medicine. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered silver as a biocidal material since 1954, meaning it destroys living organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

2 - Silver has been used by the Russian space Agency to purify drinking water for the Mir space station and the International Space Station. Silver nanoparticles have been shown to be non-toxic, without adverse effects, and to exhibit strong antimicrobial activity.

3 - Silver nanoparticles are currently being used in the treatment of burns and wounds, and in dental procedures to minimize the chance of infection. New technology has enabled silver tobe used in medical devices such as wound dressings, stents, catheters, bone prostheses, cardiac devices and surgical appliances.

4 - Silver nanoparticles have been studied and proven effective against drug resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes. One of the best things about silver nanoparticles is that they demonstrate multiple modes of action against bacterial pathogens, thus there is a minimal chance of bacteria developing a resistance to silver.

5 - Recent studies have shown silver nanoparticles to have antiviral activity against influenza A (H1N1), HIV, hepatitis B, genital herpes, viral respiratory infections or pneumonia (typically in children), and smallpox.

Do you need any more reasons than these to have a bottle of silver in your home? Silver Shield with Aqua Sol Technology represents the latest in nanoparticle solutions, delivering 20 parts-per-million of pure immune support. It is non-toxic and poses no risk of heavy metal contamination, as the silver nanoparticles are eliminated from the body within 48 hours.

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Anxious? Try Rescue Remedy.

RESCUE REMEDY – Perfect for any emergency!

When disaster strikes, what is the first thing you reach for?  Do you have what you need in those first moments, available to you almost without thought?  Every household should be prepared for emergencies.  One of the best things to include in your emergency kit is Rescue Remedy. 

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Created by Dr. Bach in the 1800’s, from the flowers around his England home, Rescue Remedy is a blend of five of the original 38 flower remedies.  It calms, stabilizes, and heals.  It has been recommended in all types of accidents, hysteria, shock, collapse, panic, attack, stroke, burns, injuries, threat of suicide, or tense situations.  I have used it when feeling stressed or anxious and felt almost instant relief.  My daughter uses it before visiting the dentist.  I also give it to my dog, before a visit to the vet.  The Bach flowers are prepared homeopathically, which means that they are very safe!  They have no side effects or interactions with medications.  Bach flowers are safely used with children, the weak and sick, elderly, or animals.

The normal dosage of Rescue Remedy is three drops on the tongue at intervals of about 10 minutes, until improvement occurs, then lengthen the time between doses until no longer needed.  If oral ingestion is not possible, you may place a few drops on a person’s lips or rub into their forehead.  Rescue Remedy also comes in a cream, which may be more easily used in some situations…such as the hospital or at school.

The five flowers included in the Rescue Remedy and their descriptions follow:

Cherry Plum is for losing control and when hysteria is evident and violent, even to the point of doing harm to someone else or one’s self.  When combined with the other flowers in this formula it has the ability to allow a person to maintain control when dealing with pain or when terrified.

Clematis restores consciousness; useful in fainting, coma, or injury.  It has the ability to help a person remain conscious, to be focused, or to take action, even if in pain.

Impatiens is the remedy for PAIN!  Impatiens helps, whether there is mental pain of irritability and extreme stress, or physical pain such as a toothache or even in the intense pain of an accident.

Rock Rose is the remedy for panic or terror, as in accidents or near death experiences.  It is for paralyzing fear.  It gives the ability to have courage, to sacrifice oneself for another, to do what is “right”, it also gives mental freedom from fear.

Star of Bethlehem is the remedy for shock and trauma.  When you have heard bad news, after being in an accident, or subjected to harm.  This remedy defuses trauma, so that it does not become locked into the subconscious memory pattern to haunt a person for life.  Stories of use include:  after being attacked by a dog, so as to not maintain a fear of dogs.  Or perhaps when someone is returning to driving after experiencing a car accident.

Having these five flowers together in one remedy makes it easy to have ready and to use quickly.  You don’t have to give much thought as to which flower remedy would be best, because it is perfectly blended together for you.  If in doubt, if in an emergency, USE RESCUE REMEDY!

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FREE DEMONSTRATIONS at Healthy Life Solutions

 When? 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am

 Where? 232 W. 6th Ave - Lancaster, OH - 740.689.1111

February 11 – BACH Rescue Remedy

Learn how this homeopathic remedy can help you with anxious, stressful thoughts and situations, or even feelings of panic. SAFE and reliable, a remedy you can trust, even for children or pets. Best of all, anxiety relief without side effects!

3 Steps to JOY this Holiday Season

I have had an unusual number of people come into the store with depression this month. Are you one of those who are struggling to find JOY this year? Maybe it is the dreary weather, maybe it is too much stress, maybe it is the demands of family, or financial pressures. We all have things which can weigh us down and make daily life hard to face, much less try to put on the happy face for the holidays! If you are looking for a little natural help this season, I have some suggestions for you.

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1. Simplify, delete, and cleanse! We overload our life with too many commitments, too much stuff in our homes, too many ideas in our heads, and too much sugary junk food. We simply don't have to say "yes" to it all. Give yourself permission right now to just say "NO, thank you". What can you eliminate from the calendar? It really is ok to spend the evening alone with a book! Give yourself spending limits, a simple homemade gift can be just as nice and maybe even mean more to those you love. Do you really need all of the decorations from the past 20 years in your house? Delete. If you don't love it, donate it to someone else and make their holiday brighter. Food, food, and more food, at every party! If you try it all, you will feel sick, you know you will. I suggest you pick one special goody to enjoy, and leave the rest. You won't feel deprived or overloaded or guilty, and you can plan to do a total body cleanse in January.
2. Take care of yourself! Stress can eat you alive. Try drinking a Cup of Calm tea, wonderful for settling down and it will help you sleep better too. Really feeling anxious? We have an herbal formula called Anxiety Free, which helps you to handle it all better, without the side effects of drugs. Make sure you are covering the basics in your diet with a good multivitamin and maybe some added B vitamins to help your nervous system.Extra Magnesium is also needed in times of stress.
3. Concentrate on giving JOY to others! Are you feeling grumpy in that long line at the store register? Give a smile to those around you. Is the family cranky and demanding? Put on some music to lighten the mood and use some essential oils in the diffuser to improve everyone's mood. If you are feeling sorry for yourself, find someone who has a bigger need and fill it. The holidays are all about giving to others. I was in Walmart a couple of weeks ago and I was feeling grumpy. There were 2 ladies ahead of me in line and one of them had more than 20 items. Ugh! The older and a bit confused lady in front of her had forgotten her credit card. So she said she would have to leave everything and come back later. The woman in front of me, the one with too many items, offered to pay for the older woman's purchases. She had to be convincing, because the first lady was a bit embarrassed. By the time it was paid for, I think everyone in line had tears in their eyes. Simple kindness. Sometimes we forget how much that can mean to someone.

I hope these simple, natural suggestions help you to have the best holiday ever! If you are out shopping and finding the stress is too much, stop by Healthy Life Solutions and have a cup of tea with me. Maybe all you need is a different perspective to find your JOY again.