Are You Ready for Pollen?

Are You Ready for Pollen?

Spring is here and with it the wind and pollen in the air. Many suffer with the irritation of stuffy sinuses, runny nose, or itchy eyes. Get ahead of the problem by using this wonderful herbal formula. Ready for Pollencontains:

Stinging Nettle – very nutritious and safe, 1 cup of tea may contain 500mg of calcium! It is also high in magnesium, potassium, silica, and alkalizing chlorophyll. Nettle leaves act as a diuretic, kidney cleanser, and helps eliminate uric acid, relieving gout. Nettles are well-known for their allergy relieving antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties.

Eyebright – has a long history of use as an eyewash. It is astringent, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, expectorant, antimicrobial and demulcent. It will tighten tissues and soothe them. It dries up mucus and relieves irritation.

Goldenrod – has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. It helps thin and drain mucus while toning the mucosal lining. Fabulous for seasonal allergies and sinus congestion, it works quickly to relieve thick mucus buildup. It also works as a diaphoretic to relieve fevers and as a diuretic kidney tonic.

Reishi mushroom – improves the immune system by challenging it. Mushrooms contain complex starches that your body perceives as a threat, so it sends out an immune response. The mushrooms are harmless, but give the immune system practice, improving its function and thus helping with allergies.

Astragalus – warming and nourishing. Astragalus strengthens the immune system and prevents infection. Considered an adaptogen, it also helps cardiovascular, liver, and kidney function.

Ginger – warming to the body, ginger is well-known for improving digestion and relieving nausea. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, particularly for tense muscles. Ginger has antimicrobial benefits and as a diaphoretic will help break a fever.

Do you have a Fatty Liver?

Do you have a Fatty Liver?

One out of three people have Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Many don’t even know that they have it. Before 1970 fatty liver came from overconsumption of alcohol, not anymore. Even children have it now. Fatty liver has 3 stages: NAFLD – you might not even have symptoms, Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis – low grade inflammation and you still might not have symptoms, thirdly Cirrhosis – which results in liver failure, requiring a transplant to survive. The first two stages are reversable, the third is not. Prevention is KEY – I repeat that one of three people have a fatty liver, including children.

What is fatty liver? Have you heard of foie gras? It is a delicious, expensive, delicacy of the fatty liver of a goose. This food goes back to Roman and Egyptian times. Basically, they force feed the goose with figs to achieve a fatty liver. We are doing this to our own bodies.

NAFLD has grown astronomically since 1970. What changed? High fructose corn syrup was introduced into our industrial food supply. We went from consuming very little fructose, in the natural form of fruit, to consuming 60 pounds per person per year! The liver will process a small amount of fructose, but then the liver will turn the excess fructose into alcohol. A byproduct of this action is uric acid, which causes gout. Both ethanol (from alcohol) and fructose are hepatotoxins. They both cause fatty liver and inflammation, and both are addictive. As a culture, we are addicted to fructose…similar to an alcoholic…always wanting more.

There are no pharmacological therapies to prevent or treat this condition. However, doctors are beginning to use imaging to diagnose NAFLD. Prevention is KEY. We must reduce the amount of fructose (and alcohol) that our liver needs to process. One culprit is soda pop – most are 58% fructose, some 65%. Start reading labels and avoid the fructose hidden in everything. Be aware that some drugs can cause inflammation in the liver as well.

The good news is that the liver will heal itself, given the right conditions, and catching it early enough. There are natural supplements to protect, detoxify, and support liver function. Some to mention are berberine, milk thistle, glutathione, and carnitine. I carry a professional supplement called Hepatiben, Fatty Liver Cleanse. This formula has had fantastic results with my clients (and myself as well!) Don’t wait for this silent disease to creep up on you, prevent it now.

Do I Need Probiotics?

Do I Need Probiotics?

What are probiotics? Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health, particularly the intestinal system. Our body is full of bacteria, good and bad. There isn’t one particular probiotic strain that does it all, which is why they are grouped together in supplements. Probiotics are often provided in a delayed release capsule, coated to survive stomach acid. Because it is live bacteria, it is best not to be exposed to heat. Refrigeration might be recommended, although not always required with today’s technology. I carry several different probiotic formulas, so I thought it might be helpful to describe them to you.

Our main probiotic is a professional brand and contains 51 billion with 14 strains of beneficial bacteria. Helpful for symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or candida yeast infection. This probiotic contains enzymes to break down the cell wall of yeast or bacteria, allowing destruction of the pathogen. We also have a formula with 101 billion, which is designed specifically for respiratory, heart, and gut health. This beneficial probiotic is helpful in reducing inflammation in lungs and blood vessels. I love to use this one after a respiratory illness, to strengthen immunity.

We carry SBO probiotics too – soil-based organisms. Many beneficial spores are in the soil, which is why it is good for children to play in the mud and get dirty. Remember the days of pulling a carrot from the ground and eating it fresh? Now, we are afraid of the toxins sprayed on that soil, but even our dirt used to be healthy! Spore probiotics survive stomach acid and heat, so they are much more stable. We have formulas that have herbs or mushrooms added to focus on different things: mental clarity, immune, or vaginal health. We also have one that works as a cleanse, ridding the body of bad bacteria. This one can reset the whole microbiome! Get rid of the bad bacteria and restart your body into a good balance.

Did you know that skinny people have different gut bacteria than fat people? Really? I want some of that! I recently found a probiotic that helps you to lose weight. I will let you know how well it works for those who try it.

Probiotics are good for children and babies too! We carry chewable ones for kids, and recommend them for earaches or tummy issues. Thrush? Have Mom take probiotics. Then open up a capsule, dip your finger in the powder, and place it on the baby’s tongue each time they nurse.

Do I need probiotics? They are especially needed after taking an antibiotic. Many drugs do affect good bacteria in the gut, including antibiotics and birth control pills. Your good bacteria may also be compromised if you have a stomach bug or experience diarrhea. Probiotics help with various symptoms: skin issues, earaches, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or flatulence. Probiotics also help with immunity and mental outlook. Did you know? Much of your serotonin-the feel good hormone- is made in the gut, by you guessed it…bacteria!

Zen Sleep – Are you having trouble sleeping?

Zen Sleep – Are you having trouble sleeping?

One morning a customer came in asking for our new product, Zen Sleep. He bought every bottle that I had on the shelf! He told me that his wife had purchased a bottle the week before and loved it. She experienced great sleep for the first time in years! She has been a regular customer ever since.

Zen sleep contains magnesium, which relaxes muscles and relieves feelings of anxiety. It has B vitamins and amino acids, l-theanine and GABA, to nourish the nervous system. Zen Sleep also has several calming herbs: chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint, valerian, passion flower, holy basil, and skullcap. These herbs support the nervous system and adrenal glands, providing relief from daily stress, allowing a good night’s sleep.

After seeing how much my customer loved this product, I took a bottle home, and also experienced great sleep. This is now a “go-to” product in my home herbal cupboard! If you are having trouble sleeping, give this new product a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Lisa Purdy ND, MH

Healthy Life Solutions LLC

740.689.1111

Lisa’s Story of the Week - Diarrhea

Lisa’s Story of the Week - Diarrhea

A couple of weeks ago my daughter called me while at work. She was concerned about my granddaughter who had flu symptoms, both vomiting and diarrhea. She was giving her electrolytes and my grandchild was drinking – lots! So that was good. The biggest worry with a child is dehydration, so you want to prevent that happening. But at this point, enough was enough, so grandma was called in to help. I grabbed a homeopathic for diarrhea off my store shelf, put a sign on the door that I would be back in 15 minutes, and headed over to drop the natural medicine off. The next day, my daughter texted me that the diarrhea had stopped and my granddaughter was on the road to recovery. Yay!

There have been several customers in with the same bug and it has gone through many members of my family. Oh no, I awoke in the middle of the night with, you guessed it, diarrhea. After several bouts in the bathroom, I also decided enough was enough. It is good to let the body run its course a bit. Diarrhea is one of the ways the body gets rid of pathogens. But after the general cleaning out, I also used the homeopathic medicine. It only took one dose, and the diarrhea stopped. Still felt some slight nausea and rumblings, and I wasn’t hungry. The body just needed rest. I followed up with a special spore probiotic formula, which works to remove pathogens, bacteria or virus, from the gut. I was happy to have caught the infection early and dealt with it quickly, so I wasn’t down as long as it could have been.

I love homeopathy! It works so quickly and it is very safe. If you are interested in being prepared, it is good to have a few basics on hand. A homeopathic for diarrhea is one that I like to keep in the cupboard, ready should the need arise. Stop in and check out the homeopathic remedies that we have available.

Lisa Purdy ND, MH

Healthy Life Solutions

740.689.1111

Give Your Heart Some Love

Give Your Heart Some Love

I confess, I have a favorite, favorite, favorite herb for the heart! Hawthorn berry.

Need more oxygen? Suffer from angina – heart pains? Arrythmia or palpitations? Clogged arteries? Heart valve problems? What about high blood pressure? Low blood pressure? Cholesterol? Circulation problems? Memory? Insomnia?

Hawthorn is traditionally known as the heart herb in Western herbalism. It has so many benefits as a tonic herb. What is a tonic? An herb that tones, builds, and feeds the body. In this case, particularly the heart and arteries. Studies confirm the use of hawthorn berries to strengthen and normalize the heart.

Much of its benefit comes from its high bioflavonoid content. Rutin and quercetin help dilate and relax the arteries, enhancing blood circulation to the heart muscles. Hawthorn is also high in antioxidants, which strengthen blood vessel walls and decrease oxidative damage.

Cautions? Hawthorn may potentiate or make stronger the effects of some heart drugs, so don’t mix it with hypotensives or beta blockers. Hawthorn just works too well!

Historically, Hawthorn was regarded as sacred, probably from the tradition that it provided the “Crown of Thorns” for Christ. It has widely been used as a barrier hedge plant, with its nasty thorns keeping animals in or out. Hawthorn has also been called, Mayflower, and is the plant associated with the Pilgrim’s ship. The Chinese consider hawthorn to be good for digestion, even using it for stomach and ovarian cancer. There has been speculation about a connection between heart and stomach problems, we even call it “heartburn”.

Hawthorn trees, Crataegus spp., grow well in Ohio and may attain a height of 30 feet. The berries should be harvested when ripe and dark red, then dried in low heat. The flowers are considered by some herbalists to be even more active than the fruits. Flowers should be harvested when 30-40% open and dried in shade, away from light. Store in airtight glass jars, in a cool, dark place. May be made into a tincture or syrup, which is quickly absorbed by the body and is my favorite way to use the herb.

FOCUS YOUR DETOX

Did you know there are many types of cleanses or detox? I like to use herbs to assist my body to rid itself of things it doesn’t need. We are exposed to SO many chemicals, that it is easy for the body to be overwhelmed by them. Next comes disease. Regular detox is proactive prevention! I generally recommend a cleanse twice a year. Today, I want to share some of the ways you can focus your detox in specific areas. Stop by the shop and I would be happy to assist you to find the cleanse best for you.

Enviro-Detox is a synergistic formula to cleanse and strengthen the organs which detoxify the body. Synergistic? Is often used to describe herbal formulas, it means that the herbs working together are more powerful than each one working alone. The intestines, kidneys, liver, lungs, and skin are responsible for filtering and eliminating toxin chemicals and protecting the body from chemical exposure. We are exposed to chemicals every day – beauty products, cleaning supplies, paints, pesticides, food additives, impure water, drugs and more. Enviro-Detox can be taken daily to support these vital organs. Enviro-Detox provides beneficial flora along with these herbs: burdock, cascara sagrada, dandelion, echinacea, fenugreek, ginger, marshmallow, milk thistle, red clover, sarsaparilla, and yellow dock.

Cellular Detox is designed to strengthen the eliminative functions of the colon, kidneys, and liver. It contains herbs that promote gastrointestinal function, improve gut health, reduce inflammation, protect the liver, increase antioxidant activity, and support the immune system. Have you ever thought about cleansing and protecting your cells? Cellular Detox contains: gentian root, Irish moss algae, cascara sagrada bark, fenugreek seeds, slippery elm bark, safflower flowers, black walnut hulls, myrrh gum, yellow dock root, dandelion root, Oregon grape root, catnip, chickweed, parthenium root, uva ursi leaf, and goldenseal root.

Para-Cleanse is a 10-day herbal supplement program to support and cleanse the gastrointestinal tract, while providing a special emphasis on destroying parasites, yeast, fungi, and other unhealthy microbes. None of us want to think about these critters being in our body, but the fact is that we all have them. Our immune system does a great job of getting rid of them, but doing a cleanse can reduce the possibility of them making us sick. Para-Cleanse contains: herbal pumpkin, black walnut, artemisia, and paw paw.

Heavy Metal Detox helps to reduce the adverse effects of heavy metals, as well as aid in their elimination from the body, Contamination of the air, soil, water, and food supply has resulted in 1 out of 4 Americans suffering from some degree of heavy metal poisoning. The heavy metals most frequently encountered are aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and nickel. Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity; include fatigue, immune dysfunction, behavior and mood disturbances, musculoskeletal complaints, gastrointestinal and neurological problems, anemia, high blood pressure, kidney and liver dysfunction, and endocrine disorders. Heavy Metal Detox contains: Vitamin B6, cilantro, sodium alginate (brown seaweed), apple pectin, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), Magnesium, l-Methionine, Kelp, and Alpha lipoic acid.

Liver Cleanse Formula focuses on strengthening liver and gallbladder function. The liver is our body’s chemical plant, processing everything we are exposed to, plus hormones and even emotions. Keeping the liver in top shape is a must for well-being. Liver Cleanse Formula contains: angelica, birch, black cohosh, blessed thistle, chamomile, dandelion, gentian, golden rod, horsetail, parsley, red beet, and yellow dock.

10 BACH FLOWER REMEDIES FOR THE NEW YEAR

10 BACH FLOWER REMEDIES FOR THE NEW YEAR

CERATO – trust intuition

CLEMATIS – have focus

CRAB APPLE – accept imperfections

GENTIAN – accept setbacks

GORSE – have hope

HONEYSUCKLE – embrace the new

MIMULUS – face your fears

SCLERANTHUS – be decisive

WALNUT – adapt to change

WILD OAT – decide your path

Flower remedies are a great way to support emotional and mental changes in yourself. They are very safe, with no side effects. Gentle or powerful, depending on what YOU need. Flower remedies are easy to take, just add 4 drops to your water, morning and evening. Do you see something above that you need in your life? These remedies can give you the mental and emotional power to accomplish your goals.

Lisa Purdy ND, MH

Healthy Life Solutions

740.689.1111

Matcha - a beautiful superfood!

Hello Everyone, this is Sarah - Lisa's daughter. You get to hear from me today for the first time. Mom wanted me to talk with you all about my love my Japanese Matcha Tea!

I love Matcha and drink it every day. So, yesterday I decided to check out this new Cafe called "Matcha Me" in Columbus while in town. It was honestly one of the best quality Matcha's I've found around this area. Definitely recommend you check this little place out. They also have coffee drinks if you wanna go with a friend who prefers coffee. 

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a unique form of green tea that originates from the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike traditional green tea leaves, matcha's whole leaves are finely ground into a vibrant green powder, which is then whisked into water.

How is it made: 

What makes matcha different from other green tea types is the fact that it comes from finely ground tea leaves of the highest quality. In the production of matcha, the entire leaf is used, and the youngest and finest tea leaves are chosen (first harvest). 

After being harvested, the leaves are steamed and dried. Then the stems are removed and the remaining part of the leaves are ground into a fine powder using a stone mortar. The authentic tradition of matcha making involves using granite stones to grind down each individual leaf until it resembles fine flour. After being ground into a powder, the leaves are sifted through a fine-mesh strainer to ensure an even finer texture. This step prevents larger pieces, stems, and leaf veins from polluting the matcha powder, but it also ensures that the particles are well separated and aerated. This process is one reason high quality Matcha can get more expensive. 

Flavor: Matcha’s unique umami flavor, or savory taste, is a distinguishing trait that makes it stand out. This distinct taste is largely due to an amino acid known as L-theanine, present abundantly in matcha. This amino acid is renowned for its stress-relieving properties. Some people say it tastes like grass, but that is largely due to a lower grade matcha. The higher the quality, the smoother the texture and more distinct the taste. The lower the quality, the larger grind and a more grassy taste some people don't care for.

Benefits: this powerful Japanese tea powder...

- An excellent source of antioxidants, specifically Catechins and Polyphenols. These natural compounds are abundant in matcha and are said to help your body combat free radicals and help to improve heart health. 

- Is blessed with L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and alertness without the jitters often associated with caffeine. L-theanine is also known to enhance brain function.

- Helps protect your liver. Antioxidants, specifically EGCG, can help shield the liver from the damage. Studies have shown that matcha may help decrease the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. EGCG have been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat burning.

- Helps to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing sugar absorption. Matcha has a low glycemic index. Therefore, it takes longer to digest, slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. The EGCG also helps to improve insulin sensitivity.

- Helps boosts immune health and fight bacteria. 

- Helps with improving dental health. 

- Improves Skin and helps the body detox

- High in Vitamins, minerals and fiber

Matcha is a wonderful thing to add to your diet. They recommend no more than 2 cups a day to keep you from getting too much caffeine. Matcha has twice as much caffeine as regular steeped green tea, but not as much as coffee. 

It's known mostly for drinking, but can also be used to cook or bake with it or add it to smoothies. The higher ceremonial grade matcha is best for drinking, while the lower grade culinary matcha is great for cooking with. 

Matcha isn't for everyone, but I personally love it and think it's delicious. I highly recommend you try it for yourself and see if you like it and want to add it into your diet. Then let me know what you think.

My Cat Loves Catmint

Did you know that catmint has some of the same desirable qualities as catnip? Desirable for cats that is! My cat loves it whenever I have been working in the garden near the catmint. In this case, I had simply stepped in and around the catmint. Pippin immediately was drawn to roll around in my shoes. I do see visiting cats out in my garden, also enjoying the catmint.

 

Catmint can grow to cover a large area. Perhaps 4 feet wide and 2 feet tall. It is wonderful planted along a wall where it can cascade down. In contrast to catnip which grows 4 feet high. Catmint blooms are a beautiful light blue. It is a perennial, returning bigger each year, and can be divided when it gets too big for its space. Catmint is also loved by bees and butterflies.

I wanted to share a simple trick of pruning to help you keep it blooming all summer. Simply trim half the plant at a time. If you look closely at this photo, you will see the front half is blooming, but the back is not. I trimmed the back half about a month before this photo was taken. As the blooms finish, I will trim the front half of this catmint. The back half will then be ready to bloom. I simply alternate trimming them and allowing them to bloom. This way, I will have blooms all season long. This also keeps the plant from taking over the garden. Be aware though, when you cut them, the cats will be quick to visit!

 

Catmint is a wonderful addition to your garden!

Lisa Purdy ND, MH

Healthy Life Solutions

740-689-1111

This Girl is Showing Some Leg

This Girl is Showing Some Leg

It has been crazy HOT weather this past week! Some of your plants may look like this girl and are showing some leg! The heat causes them to “bolt” or go to seed as a survival mechanism. This is a cilantro plant, which seemed to get leggy from the moment I planted it. At this stage, you might as well compost it.

Once a plant moves to flowering and making seeds, it stops growing leaves. That means for the herbs that you want leaves like cilantro or basil, you must trim off the flowers to keep the leaves growing. This will make the plant bushy and not leggy.

 

You can see that this African Blue Basil is just a bit leggy. I hate to trim the lovely flowers off! But it is a must, if I want the plant to look pretty all summer. The nice thing about this basil is that it will continue to bloom again and again, so I always leave a few flowers to look pretty.

Sometimes you have to choose between leaves or seeds. This is dill. I can let it flower and make seeds, which are beautiful in a jar of pickles. I like to place a whole seed head in the jar. Or I can cut off these flowers and allow the leaves to grow. The dill leaves are wonderful on chicken or baked potatoes.

It is a fine dance between trimming off the flowers to grow more leaves or enjoying the flowers, seeds, and fruit of the plant. Remember that strong heat will encourage plants to bolt early. Enjoy your garden!

Lisa Purdy ND, MH

Healthy Life Solutions

740-689-1111

Women's Herbs in my Garden

Hello Friends,

I hope you are enjoying your summer garden. I know that I am. So many things are blooming and harvesting has begun. I thought I would share some photos of my herb garden with you. Enjoy and plan what you want to plant next year.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosea) – is well-known for hormone balance and has been traditionally used for the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. It isn’t known exactly how black cohosh works to balance the body. It seems to support estrogen levels without actually adding estrogen. Black cohosh, a perennial, is native to America and grows deep in the shade of the woods. The root is the part used for medicine. The leaves are fern-like growing about 18 inches high. The flower shoots upwards at 3-4 feet with lovely bottlebrush white flowers. It usually blooms near the 4th of July and reminds me of fireworks.

Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) – an herb known for toning the tissues of the female reproductive system. It is often combined with red raspberry and used as a tasty tea. The leaf and flower are used for medicine. Lady’s mantle is a perennial and grows low to the ground, with delicate yellow flowers about 1 foot high. The leaf has a distinctive shape and is lovely in early morning as it catches the dew. Lady’s Mantle will tolerate shade, but loves sunshine and can be planted as part of a rock garden.

Yarrow (Achillea filipendula) – traditionally a women’s herb, it is well-known for its ability to stop bleeding. It was often taken into battle for its clotting and healing ability. It is antiseptic, antimicrobial, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation. Yarrow leaves make a useful poultice for first aid and it is found growing wild in fields and woods. This variety has beautiful yellow flowers used often for dried arrangements. Yarrow is a perennial, loves sunshine, with the flowers reaching 1-3 feet in height.

Happy gardening!

Lisa Purdy ND, MH

Healthy Life Solutions

740-689-1111