Safer Alternatives in Skin & Beauty Care

Walk into a beauty salon, cosmetic section, or skin care line aisle and it is easy to get enveloped in the wonderful smells and appealing promises of slick packaging and advertising. You may wonder what the big deal is with the ingredients. I mean, you would think if there was something potentially harmful in these products they wouldn't be on the shelves in the first place. But it all comes down to what is most cost effective for the company and to satisfy the customer. Visual appeal, scent and the feel upon application are all factors in consumer choice. Additives are there for a purpose and as long as they are legal within limits they will continue to be in our products.

Our health is our own responsibility, therefore it is up to us to be willing to educate ourselves and search and check the labels on these products. The skin is our body's largest organ, and anything we apply to ourselves enters through the layers of skin into the bloodstream. The cosmetic industry claims the amount of these ingredients are not high enough to pose a threat, but the problem lies in the fact that we use these products day in and day out.  Our kidneys and liver do their best to eliminate toxins but what about those that over time have been stored within the fatty tissues of the skin. The long term effects are a concern. The body reacts by way of allergic and inflammatory reactions, the havoc played on the the endocrine system is not always fully understood and the source of the problems are often hard to pinpoint.

It was very surprising for me to learn how vague the labeling laws are in the perfume and cosmetics industry. Unlike the food industry, there are no legal standards for organic or natural personal care products sold in the United States.
A very eye opening documentary, titled Stink, of the cosmetics industry, reveals just how dangerous chemicals are in our every day products.

The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics has a cartoon video which is a real eye opener.

The ingredients of skin care and cosmetic containers can seem like a foreign language to understand but below is a list of the "ten most wanted" put out by the Organic Consumers Association. 
Try to become familiar with these terms so that you will recognize them when you do check labels.

1.  Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea
Commonly used preservatives after the parabens. Trade names are Germall II and Germal 115. The American Academy of Dermatology have established them as a cause of contact dermatitis.

      Formaldehyde
Used in deodorants, nail polish, shampoo, shaving cream as a disinfectant and preservative.
Health concerns include problems with the immune system, skin toxicant and carcinogen

2.  Methyl and Propyl and Butyl and Ethyl Paraben
Widely used for microbial growth inhibitors to extend the shelf life of products. Are known to be contributors for allergic reactions and skin rashes. Parabens are used extensively as preservatives due to their low cost. They mimic human estrogen and though there isn't conclusive proof to date for its link to breast cancer, it is advisable to avoid them if possible.

3.  Petrolatum
Paraffin or Mineral Oil is a by-product of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. It is used as an inexpensive form if skin softener and barrier that adds shine and doesn't spoil. Petroleum based products have been implicated in cases of eczema and may disrupt hormonal activity.

4.  Propylene Glycol
Used as humectants which are a means of helping the skin retain moisture. If this term sounds familiar it is because it is used in anti-freeze and brake fluid. When used on the skin it may cause irritation as well as kidney and liver problems.

5.  PVP/VA Copolymer
Petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays. Particles may aggravate the lungs of sensitive people.

6.  Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sulphates are foaming agents commonly used in shampoos and soaps. They deplete the natural oils from skin and hair and build up within the heart, liver and brain. Another human estrogen mimic.

7.  Stearalkonium Chloride
A chemical developed as a fabric softener, it is used in hair conditioners and creams. Considered toxic, it is used because it is cheap.

8. Synthetic Colors
Consumers want their products to look pretty therefore companies give their products visual appeal by way of FD&C or D&C additives. These synthetic colors are believed to be cancer-causing agents.

9.  Synthetic Fragrances
There is no way to know what ingredients are used since the label only has to say "fragrance". There are up to 200 possible ingredients for various scents, any of which can cause headaches, dizziness or rash.

10.  Triethanolamine
Used to adjust the pH for cleansers, it can cause allergic reactions and be a problem if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
        Diethanolamine (DEA)
Used to adjust the pH in sunscreens, hair color and moisturizers

What to do as a concerned consumer for yourself and your loved ones?
Do your homework and look for natural ingredients in the products you buy. Any product that can sit on a store shelf for months must utilize synthetic additives and preservatives. An alternative is to find a reputable source and shop for products that are made as needed with the intent of being used within a few months.

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Fluids, Rest, Onions and Garlic

Onions, garlic, chives and leeks are part of the 500 plants belonging to the genius Allium. 

These vegetables have long been regarded as food sources but also highly respected as a form of treatment in health care.
The Egyptians regarded the onion as a symbol of the universe because of its sheaves or layers that encircle the bulb. Garlic is the second oldest medicine (after ephedra)and is even in the world's oldest surviving medical text, the Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical papyrus dating to circa 1550 BC.

People tend to avoid these vegetables due to their pungent smell and after taste, but their use in treating and preventing illness is definitely worth this little aggravation. To get rid of garlic breath, try chewing some parsley.
Allicin, a sulfur compound found in these foods is responsible for the resulting garlic and onion breath. When we chop the onion or garlic cloves, the resulting chemical reactions create a very pungent smell.

Containing more than 100 sulfur-containing compounds, the chemistry of the onion is very complex.
Used as a traditional remedy for respiratory ailments, it has been found that these sulfur compounds can prevent the biochemical chain of events that lead to asthma and inflammatory reactions. Onions may help to prevent the inflammatory response that can lead to allergies and asthma. Being potent antioxidants, onions are valuable for the prevention and treatment for colds, congestions, coughs, and bronchitis.
If you dread working with onions because of tearing eyes try rinsing the onions after you cut off the ends. What happens is that when you cut into an onion, vapor from the sulfur hits your eye creating sulfuric acid, which is what makes you cry.

Before the Age of Antibiotics with the discovery of penicillin in 1928 by Alexander Fleming, garlic was relied heavily upon for the treatment of infection. The source ingredient in this wonder herb was discovered in the 1920's when researchers at Sandoz Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland isolated alliin. When garlic is chopped or chewed, the alliin comes in contact with a garlic enzyme, allinase, which transforms it into another chemical, allicin, a powerful antibiotic.

According to Dian Dincin Buchman in "Herbal Medicine", if garlic wasn't so cheap we would treasure it as if it were gold. While garlic has only 1 percent of the impact of penicillin, it is more effective with gram negative bacteria than is penicillin. It sweeps through the body in a cleansing fashion without destroying the body's good intestinal flora.

Garlic is safe for children and nursing mothers (unless mom is on a garlic and onion free diet to reduce colic). A great way to get your child to benefit from garlic if he or she refuses to eat it is through an oil to apply topically. Steep three minced cloves in four ounces of olive oil 8 - 12 hours. Rub the oil onto the soles of your child's feet before bedtime and cover with socks. Garlic's healing antiviral properties will be absorbed through the skin and circulate throughout the bloodstream. Keep the bottled oil in the refrigerator. Good for about one year.

Coughs and bronchitis can be relieved with the following homemade cough syrup.  This recipe uses honey so check with your child's physician before using with children under 1 year of age.
Slice an onion into thin slices and place in a small amount of honey.  Let stand for about two hours and you'll have a thick throat-coating syrup even kids can tolerate. Onions attack the germs that bring on the cough as well as help with a sore throat. Take one teaspoon four times a day until the cough is gone.

Below are great therapeutic soups which are not only very tasty, but loaded with the recuperative value of the ingredients.

ONION MISO SOUP
(What is Miso? Amazing nutrition is what it is)

1/2 cup garlic oil or other oil of choice
4 large onions, quartered and cut in half
2 quarts water or stock
3 tbsp miso
1 tbsp Spike seasoning
Cayenne pepper to taste
1 tbsp vegetable bouillon
2 slices whole grain bread cut into 2" squares
1/4 cup parmesan cheese or your choice
1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Saute onions in oil until transparent but not brown. Set aside.
Heat water or stock in a four-quart pot. Add one cup of this stock to the miso and mix well to break up any lumps.
Add this back to the rest of the stock along with the bouillon, cayenne and Spike seasoning.
Add the sauteed onions that had been set aside.
In a frying pan, mix oil, garlic powder, and 2 tbsp of the cheese. Toss in the bread squares and fry for a minute till lightly browned.
Top the soup with these croutons and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.

SWEET POTATO KALE SOUP

4 oz. fresh kale, coarsely chop, discarding the thick vein from each leaf
1 large onion, chopped
3 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 tsp. olive oil
3 (14 1/2 oz.) cans vegetable broth or your own version of stock
2 (15 oz) cans white kidney or cannellini beans or soak and cook your own beforehand
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
12 garlic cloves, minced (yes 12, not a mistake!)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Coarsely chop kale and set aside.
In a large saucepan, saute the onion and Italian seasoning in the oil until onion is tender.
Stir in the broth, beans, sweet potatoes and kale. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, salt and pepper. Simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Yields 2 quarts of soup.

CHICKEN BARLEY SOUP

1 broiler-fryer chicken (2-3 pounds) cut up
2 quarts water
1 1/2 cups diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup barley
1/2 cup chopped onion
1-2 cloves garlic (more if you wish)
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 tsp salt
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. dried sage

In a large pot, cook chicken in the water until tender. Cool broth and skim off the fat that will coagulate on the surface.
Bone the chicken and cut into bite-size pieces.
Add the chicken pieces back to the pot of broth along with the rest of the ingredients.
Simmer, covered for at least an hour until vegetables and barley are tender.
Remove the bay leaf before serving
Makes 1 1/2 quarts of soup.

To your good health!

An Apple a Day Beauty Tips

The rose is a rose,

And was always a rose.
But the theory now goes
That the apple's a rose,
And the pear is, and so's
The plum, I suppose.
The dear only knows
What will next prove a rose.
You, of course, are a rose -
But were always a rose.

   Robert Frost

Autumn is apple season and the time to take advantage of the many varieties, best prices and various ways to enjoy these members of the rose family, Rosaceae. Try to buy from orchards local to your area. No need to purchase apples that were shipped across the country during a time of year when they are abundant locally.

There is much symbolism of beauty and long life associated with the apple. In Chinese culture, apples are a symbol of peace and the blossoms are a symbol of feminine beauty. The apple has long been associated with immortality, as the habit of eating an apple a day is said to bring good health and keep the doctor away.

The Mediterranean diet is well known as the model for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Without fail my daughter's Yiayia (grandmother in Greek) insists she eat her milo (apple) a day. 

The Greek women do have a reputation for flawless, wrinkle free skin. Attribute it to a healthy lifestyle which includes healthy fats such as olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables and often the work or walk to obtain them. If you've ever had the privilege of visiting the Mediterranean islands you'll quickly observe that the locals either grow their own food or purchase directly from fresh outdoor food markets.

Apples have been proven to be one of nature's best antioxidants and a plus for healthy hair and skin. Antioxidants prevent cell and tissue damage, help maintain youthful skin and due to a compound called procyanidin B-2, help promote hair growth. Granny Smith and Red Delicious are two varieties especially high in collagen and elastin, needed for great looking skin. Since heat destroys vitamin C, try to eat your apples raw. 

Eat your apples for a beautiful smile as well.  Biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva.  By lowering the levels of bacteria in your mouth, you are reducing the risk of tooth decay.

As part of your beauty routine, a very simple recipe for an apple facial mask uses just two ingredients, applesauce and wheat germ.
Mix 1 tbsp. applesauce with 1 tbsp. wheat germ and apply the smooth paste to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 - 15 minutes and wash off with warm water. The applesauce helps remove fine lines and the wheat germ adds a bit of exfoliation.

Another way to get the benefits from apples is through apple cider vinegar, preferably raw apple cider vinegar. For further information, read this post on the health advantages of adding raw vinegar and raw honey added to a glass of water as part of your daily diet.

Apple cider vinegar can be used to fight blemishes, revive a dull complexion, and help eliminate a funky scalp.

Blemish spot treatment

This herbal vinegar contains the healing and nourishing qualities of apple cider vinegar, soothing witch hazel, and various infused herbs such as lavender, chamomile, yarrow, calendula, roses, lemon balm and sage. Just apply to a cotton ball or cotton square and spot treat those blemishes.

Elderflower n' Rose toner

Roses and elder flowers have long been used by women for gentle, effective home skin and beauty care.  This facial toner consists of an apple cider vinegar floral infusion, diluted in distilled water to be a bit more gentle than the above blemish treatment, and added aloe, witch hazel and glycerin, all bring balance to skin pH.

Herbal vinegar hair rinse for light hair

Herbal vinegar hair rinse for darker hair

Both of these hair rinses utilize apple cider vinegar infused with nourishing herbs such as nettles, chamomile, calendula, sage and rosemary. Great for returning shine by eliminating residues from hair products, and to maintain a healthy scalp.



Enjoy your apple a day!


.

Air Sprays Germs will Die For

No matter where we go or what we do in a day it is inevitable we'll be touching some thing previously touched by other people. It is unrealistic to avoid coming into contact with germs through daily contact and emotionally unhealthy to get neurotic about it. 

Children learn by checking things out so it is counterproductive to continually scold them for the need to touch. A healthy immune system is designed to deal with the bodily invasion of bad bacteria and viruses. Our bodies need to be exposed to a certain extent in order to develop the antibodies necessary for recognition of intruders.

The best we can do to protect ourselves and our children is to maintain good hygiene habits and keep our work or play areas somewhat sanitized without becoming compulsive about it. A wonderful option is to use the power of essential oils in a room/air or surface spray. These disinfectant sprays can be used aromatically to freshen the air, benefit our immune systems by way of our respiration, and act as an antiseptic by killing germs on surfaces.

People who are sensitive to the synthetics and perfumes in commercial air sprays or want to avoid aerosol cans for environmental concerns may find essential oil blends an ideal alternative. Commercial air fresheners may contain such chemicals as the organic pesticide, para dichlorobenzene (PDB), which is what is in mothballs. PDB may irritate the respiratory tract. Phthalates, used to carry fragrances and to make plastic products pliable, are questionable because they are potential carcinogens.

Essential oils are complex natural products of plant metabolism.  Very concentrated, it is the true essence of the plant from which it was derived.  An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Citrus essential oils are derived from pressing the peels of the fruit to extract the oil that is contained within, or by steam distillation.

Unique chemical compositions make certain plants very valuable for wide spectrum action against viruses, bacteria and molds. It has been shown that even with repeated use through inhalation there is no danger of accumulating essential oils in the body.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spec.):  antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, expectorant and   anti-inflammatory
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris):  antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia):  antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):   antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia):    antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative
Lemon (Citrus Limon)  disinfecting, antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral

Below are sources of various combinations of the above broad spectrum antimicrobials.

Use these air or surface sprays as desired for disinfecting the air and surface areas. Being the essential oils will remain suspended rather than actually mix with the water, the bottle needs to be shaken before each use.

Ideal for use on childrens toys, restroom facilities, door knobs, phones, shopping cart handles, steering wheels, restaurant menus, computer keyboards, piano keys, the list goes on.  For electronic equipment it is best to spray on a cloth and the wipe rather than spray directly. 

While using as an air spray, be aware of possible spotting if spray comes into contact with wood furniture.

Avoid contact with the eyes.
If one suffers from ailments such as asthma or epilepsy, please check with your physician before using essential oils.

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Eucalyptus, Thyme, Tea Tree oil Spray

Eucalyptus, Lemon Spray

Rosemary, Lavender, Bergamot Spray

Citrus Blend Spray

Honey, My Sweet

Ask someone knowledgeable in herbal lore what is a favorite, all-around practical gift from mother nature, and he or she just may say the wonders of honey!

Hippocrates' fame is largely due to his use of medicines that are readily produced by the earth and its inhabitants.
As a natural cure, honey, and other substances produced by the honeybee such as pollen and royal jelly is being rediscovered by those interested in effective, natural relief from a wide range of ailments.
Honey is just plain good for you inside and out.

"Eat honey, my child, for it is good."  
   Proverbs 24:13

"The happiness of the bee and the dolphin is to exist. For man it is to know that and to wonder at it."    Jacques Yves Cousteau

1. Honey is an ideal first-aid dressing material.
Great for those wounds that just won't heal.
Unprocessed honey can heal wounds, reduce inflammation, soothe the pain of burns and bee bites, all while keeping a wound sterile. Honey dressings won't stick to wounds, which is great because that means no pain when changing the bandages, and no tearing away of newly formed tissue.

2. Honey is great for our metabolism.
Honey does not have to be digested before it is absorbed because it is already the two simple sugars, fructose and glucose. This means the sugars go directly to the bloodstream and give that much needed energy boost.

3. Honey can help with a hangover.
Honey can speed alcohol metabolism to sober a person up and ease the fatique that goes with it.

4. Honey allergies can be helped with honey.
Eating locally produced honey to where you live can help relieve pollen allergies.

5. Honey can relieve indigestion and heartburn.
Honey enzymes enhance the digestive process to help relieve symptoms of indigestion.
A spoonful can help ease a bout of heartburn.

6. Honey is full of nutrients.
While table sugar has no nutrients at all, honey is an additional source for potassium, B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.

7. Honey can help with sleep problems.
Honey right off the spoon or in a hot cup of tea can help relax and encourage sleep.

8. Honey can help with weight loss.
Folk remedies for good health and metabolism recommend a daily dose of a TBSP of honey and a TBSP of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.

9. Honey can ease coughing and sore throat. 
Honey right off the spoon can get rid of that nagging tickle behind a coughing spell. Homemade honey syrups are very soothing for a sore throat.

10. Honey is the ideal beauty treatment for glowing skin and wrinkles.
Honey softens and moisturizes for an improved complexion. Honey is a natural humectant which means it retains moisture and plumps up skin cells.It helps to rebuild the moisture level in the skin without making it oily. The high sugar, low protein content create an acidic environment with limited availability of water, therefore bacteria cannot thrive. Glucose oxidase is an enzyme that when combined with water produces hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic. By calming down inflammation, honey helps with troubled skin and as a remedy for blackheads and whiteheads.
Apply raw honey as a facial mask or spot treatment. When you wash the honey off your skin, a small amount remains in the pores. As a result, the sugars in the honey attract water from the air, which keeps your skin hydrated.

Be sure to use raw honey, not the pasteurized type found in the grocery store. Raw honey has a different look than pasteurized commercial honey. It has not been heated or filtered therefore it looks a bit cloudy and has flecks of the activities of the hive, such as honeycomb bits and pollen. Having a high anti-oxidant level and being the natural enzymes have not been destroyed by heat, raw honey is a much healthier product.


Check out these products and utilize the wonders of  the perfect skin food and natural remedy:


Orange Blossom Honey Facial Wash
Rose Infused Honey Facial Wash
Lavender Infused Honey Facial Wash
Honey Facial Mask for All Skin Types
Honey Facial Mask for Tired or Oily Skin
Honey Facial Mask for Blemishes

We hear a lot about naturalizing our landscaping.
For honey production you need bees and for bees you need a food source in the form of plants, preferably native plants.

Depending on where you live the idea of leaving an area unmowed may prove difficult due to the rules of your community. Find out about any restrictions, start small and choose your plants according to your region. Wildflower meadows are beautiful and practical but do look a bit messy when the plants go to seed. Mow the area once a year to tidy things up a bit and keep noxious weeds and brambles under control.

 
 Help your local beekeepers by either planting or just limit the mowing of the many natural plants which attract bees! Two of the most commonly gathered types of honey are wildflower honey and clover honey. Wildflowers do include the many so called weeds that grow along roadsides, fields and meadows. When they flower they attract many beneficial pollinating insects. White clover is a wonderful ground cover and is such an attraction to bees that I often try my best not to mow over them when cutting the grass.

It has been said that weeds are just plants for which a person hasn't a use. Do we really have the right to be the judge and treat a species as though its existence has no purpose just because it doesn't appeal to us? Invasive species are plants no longer in their native habitat, therefore may need to be controlled so as not to take over native plants. That is true, but to spread a toxic substance over a lawn just to control lawn weeds such as dandelion, plantain and violets, may be a temporary fix for the perfect carpet lawn, but an environmental threat in the long run. Dandelions, for example, are not only pollinators, but upon going to seed, are a food source for countless birds such as goldfinches and sparrows.



Please avoid herbicide and pesticide on your lawns and gardens. Too often they destroy as many good guys along with the pests. The beneficial insects help keep the pest population in balance, as do the birds. Remember that many of those caterpillars will become the "flying flowers" we so enjoy fluttering around. A healthy balance of prey and predator keeps things in check without us humans feeling the need to interfere and control.

In case you worry about an increased risk for bee stings, from my experience these types of bees mainly mind their own business and usually only sting if they feel threatened. They just do their thing and I do mine. Familiarize yourself with the common weed called plantain. Should you get stung, gather some of this plant and chew it into a poultice and apply to the bite. You'll be amazed how quickly it can neutralize the pain.
   

Here is a small list of ideas for your landscape or garden plans:

Perennials:
 Milkweed, Goldenrod, Coltsfoot, Lavender, Thyme, Mints, Melissa, Tansy, Yarrow, Asters, Veronica, Globe thistle

Annuals: 
 White and Yellow Clover, Borage, Coriander, Sunflowers, Cornflower

Shrubs: 
 Wild Rose (Dog Rose), Elderberry, Barberry, Hawthorn, Willows

Trees: 
 Black Locust, Willows, Oaks

Garden Catalogs are Here, Time to Plan

Many gardeners have been inundated with year 2016 garden catalogs during the holiday season and they've just piled up somewhere. But now that we're in the doldrums of winter, pull them out and give your spirit a boost and think ahead to spring.

Though the last frost date is a few months away, now is the time to start thinking and getting a rough idea of this year's garden plans. Hopefully you've taken notes last season on what worked and what didn't in seed and plant selection, crop rotations, and pest removal ideas.

Though you can buy what seed and plants you'll need at any Agway or farm supply store, if you're into heirloom seeds, new hybrids, or just want a great variety in which to choose, then catalogs are the answer and between now and the end of February is the time to get those orders in.

Below are a few very good gardening catalog companies. They offer a wide choice for gardeners seeking organic and heirloom seeds and plants.

THE COOK'S GARDEN
http://www.cooksgarden.com/

This company specializes in seeds and plants for gourmet gardeners. A true kitchen gardener's inspirational catalog. Not only do they offer a wonderful selection of vegetables, herbs and flower seeds and plants, they give information needed on how to grow for best results. Offered is a nice variety of lettuce types and mesclun blends, very gourmet. Tucked in are some very tasty recipes to encourage you to try new things.

THE FRAGRANT PATH
http://www.fragrantpathseeds.com/

This is a small company specializing only in seed orders. Don't expect a glossy, thick catalog. What they do is send a very personalized newsletter reflecting on their garden experiences with the seed they sell and a suggestion list of what is new. The seed isn't for the vegetable garden. Rather it is for annual, perennial, and biannual flowers, herbs, vines and flowering shrubs and trees. Great for those into fragrance or color themed flower gardens. Very quaint family company.

PINETREE GARDEN SEEDS
https://www.superseeds.com/

Pinetree Garden Seeds is a catalog with a bit of everything. They not only offer a great selection of vegetable and flower seeds, there is a section of vegetables for the cultural gardener. You can try Asian, Continental, French Italian, Latin-American, and Middle Eastern varieties. Listed are your Spring bulbs, tubers and plants such as rhubarb, asparagus and strawberries. Cover crops, sprouting seed, ornamental grasses, and herbs are all here. What is really cool is they offer such fun things such as soap making and body care supplies, gift ideas, unique books, and of course any gardening accessory or tool you may need.

TERRITORIAL SEED COMPANY
http://www.territorialseed.com/

A very well organized supply of organic, heirloom and rare plants and seeds. Each section has detailed educational information on the needs of each plant type, such as culture, disease, insects, harvest and seed specs. Loaded with what you may need in terms of natural fertilizers, irrigation, composting, disease and pest control. For those interested in preserving their harvest, there are plenty of supplies and how-to books offered. Just a wealth of information.

SEEDS OF CHANGE
http://www.seedsofchange.com

100% certified organic, this company is dedicated to help reconnect people with where their food comes from and how it is grown.  By donating organic seeds through a program called Sowing Millions Project, they've inspired many individuals to become passionate about growing their own food. Selection includes rare and heirloom seeds along with traditional, great for those into sustainable organic gardening and farming.

VERMONT BEAN SEED COMPANY
http://www.vermontbean.com

As expected, the Vermont Bean Seed Company has a variety of bean selections, but they certainly don't stop there. Catering to the consumer who seeks healthy food choices, they offer all you need for the environmentally conscious gardener. New this year is The Vermont Bean Garden Planner Software. They even offer a 30 day free trial. Based on your zip code, it becomes a personal tutorial for your own garden success.

BOUNTY BEYOND BELIEF
http://www.bbbseed.com/

BBB Seed is a small, family-owned company located in Boulder, Colorado.  They provide high quality, open-pollinated, Non-GE (genetically engineered) seed. BBB Seed specializes in wildflower seeds, pollinator mixes, native grasses and heirloom vegetable seeds. They strongly encourage heirloom seeds to avoid the common trend of mono crops where only one seed type is used to produce a worldwide crop. We now know this type of growing weakens genetic variations that can withstand emerging pathogens and climate changes.

NATIVE GARDENER'S COMPANION
http://www.nativegardeners.com

Prairie Moon Nursery presents this guide for readers of all experience levels to learn about popular native plants and seeds.  Most of the species offered are plants that had once thrived across the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions of North America. Insects are very plant-specific in their needs.  People have to realize that to attract the birds and butterflies, that includes attracting insects as well.  This catalog is perfect for those who want plants for more than just an ornamental pretty flower.

GARDENER'S SUPPLY COMPANY
http://www.gardeners.com

This is just a very fun catalog! Great for gift ideas for the gardeners on your list. This company shows you how you don't need a lot of space to enjoy a garden. Awesome ideas for container plants, bedding boxes and trellising to utilize small areas. Garden sculptures, gazing balls and bird supplies are all in there. Interested in composting or starting a worm bin, or maybe conserving water with a rain barrel?

GARDENS ALIVE
http://www.gardensalive.com

A catalog for the environmentally responsible gardener. Loaded with information and supplies on how to prepare and take care of your lawn and garden safely and responsibly. A must for the organic gardener or homeowner who desires a beautiful yet nontoxic lawn and flowerbeds.

Herbal Allies

It is better to make little life changes along the way and feel somewhat in control than to wait until the big "change" is upon us and feel helpless.  Menopause is a natural stage of life that women push out of their minds until forced to deal with it.  Rather than living in dread and fear of the inevitable, why not reduce the risk of weakening bones with a few lifestyle changes now.

When people think of osteoporosis they usually just think about bone strength, but what is really important is the flexibility of the bones.  Flexible bones bend, whereas stiff bones snap (a link to more information).  If you cut and burn firewood you can easily visualize the comparison between green limbs and dry wood. Green wood gives when stressed whereas dry wood too easily succumbs to a good whack with its cracking sound.

It is a mistake to think that all we need is extra calcium to give our bones what they need (a link to more information). Bones are rich in many minerals, such as potassium, manganese, magnesium, silica, iron, zinc, selenium, boron, phosphorus, sulphur, chromium and more.  For our bodies to be able to absorb and utilize these minerals there has to be a balance between the supply and demand, and in a form the body can recognize.  For example, we need enough vitamin D present along with enough high-quality fats for proper assimilation.  We cannot just take our 1000 mg. of calcium a day and think that is sufficient.  Calcium all by itself is like a brittle piece of chalk, and if the body cannot break it down it just gets eliminated.  Municipal water treatment facilities can attest to the fact that on a regular basis, countless undigested vitamin and mineral pills  end up being pulled out of their city sewage filters.

According to the Physicians Desk Reference, "supplements in tablet or pill form are only 10% absorbed by the body."  So frustrating to think we're flushing away our money while just complying with our doctor's advice.
Digestion breaks down foods (and supplements) to find the nutrients hidden inside, and it uses whatever nutrients it finds in a useable size/state.  For the body to be able to use a nutrient, the nutrient must be able to enter a cell. Most of the minerals presented to the body through supplements are not recognized by cells as the minerals needed because they are in sizes and forms that are ineffective for cell assimilation. Calcium carbonate (one calcium atom and three carbon atoms) is not calcium (one calcium atom), chromium picolinate is not chromium, copper glutamate is not copper, etc., and none of these kinds of complex compounds are recognized by the cells as welcome nutrients, nor are they able to bond with water to enter the cell membrane. This would help to explain why people can take calcium carbonate supplements religiously, and yet their bodies continue to rob calcium from their bones causing osteoporosis.

So what are we supposed to do?  Farming practices have left our soils deplete in necessary essential nutrients so we are told we have to supplement our diets. Supplement with plants! 

One of the most amazing attributes of the plant kingdom is it's ability to extract metallic compounds (minerals) from simple dirt and rocks and, with the help of the sun, rain, and soil bacteria, transform those metallic minerals into crystalline, water-soluble forms of the same pure minerals, and in doing so, make them usable to the animal life on the planet, including humans!  The minerals in plants are water soluble therefore in a form easily absorbed by our bodies.

Herbal sources of necessary minerals needed for not only strong bones but all of our bodily systems include:  nettles, red clover, red raspberry, dandelion leaf, lamb's quarters, plantain, chickweed, dock, rose petals, rose hips, chicory, lemon balm and horsetail.  Get past the mentality that these plants are just weeds.  These plants have historically been used as a source of food as well as medicine to give the body what it needs. They grow naturally, are not an agricultural crop, therefore their genetic forms have not been altered and our bodies easily recognize their chemical makeup. Get yourself a good book on edible wild plants and you'll be amazed how many there are that we step on or pass by everyday without a second thought as to why mother nature put them here in the first place. A good source you could use is "Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and not so wild) Places.  Written by Steve Brill and Evelyn Dean.

1.  Utilizing plants in the form of tea infusions have been used all over the world for more than 5,000 years.  Tea blends are therapeutic, soothing and nourishing to both the soul and body.  Make tea time a daily ritual and you'll find it a wonderful way to relax and unwind, all while helping your body receive its necessary supplements.

www.mountainroseherbs.com 

http://www.teavana.com/

These sites are wonderful sources for delicious loose-leaf tea blends and various types of teapots.

chickweed

dandelion

2.  Spring greens have historically been eaten to detox and restore a body after a long, sedentary winter eating heavier foods.  Gather dandelion, nettles, chickweed, lamb's quarters and plantain in the spring when they are young and tender.
Add them to your usual salad or serve them as a cooked vegetable sauteed in a little olive oil or butter and seasoned with sea salt and/or vinegar.

pigweed or lamb's quarters

 3.  Herbal vinegars are a wonderful way to put up herbs for later use.  Natural vinegars, preferably raw with the mother (Bragg's vinegar is a good one), are especially effective for extracting the mineral richness of plants.  Gather your plants in late morning (let the sun dry them a bit from the morning dampness and make sure there hasn't been pesticide used on the area), and fill a mason jar with the fresh leaves, flowers or roots (tear or chop them up to expose more surface area).  Cover with your chosen vinegar and cap (don't use a metal lid).  Let sit for about six weeks, occasionally shake the jar, then strain off the herbs.  You now have an ideal salad dressing loaded with goodness from the plants themselves.

 4. A very informative article on how to make a nourishing, mineral rich soup stock boney brew.
The prolonged cooking of bones in water results in a nutritionally rich broth that promotes strength, tonify blood, and helps to prevent bone and connective tissue disorders. Once made, it can be eaten as a soup of just the broth or used as the base for any soup recipe of your choosing. It may also be used as a base for sauces or added in place of water in the cooking of rice or other grains.
Here is an excellent book on how to make boney brews and delicious recipes.

 5. Weight bearing and rhythmetrical exercise helps to strengthen and maintain flexible bones. The body is meant to move, a sedentary lifestyle just isn't natural.  The body is designed to push, pull, lift, bend and stretch. Don't get in the habit of the all or nothing method of visiting the gym once in a while and going overboard. Programs are great, but overdoing it in spurts can cause injury. Choose various activities you enjoy enough to keep it up and that use different muscle groups.  Alternate running or zumba with yoga or swimming.
Though our society has countless appliances and gadgets to save us time and energy, and we all know time is money, for the good of our health let's sometimes try to pass up on those energy savers.  Walk or bike whenever you can, take the stairs rather than the escalator or elevator.  Do your own labor intensive work, just find little ways to put more movement into your everyday life.

Sources for this post came from The Mineral Water Store nutritional supplementation and herbalist Susun Weed.  Her books include "The Menopausal Years" and "Healing Wise"