Licorice: One Sweet Root!

Not everyone likes licorice, but the people who do REALLY like it. I am one of those people.

My devotion got off to a bad start, really, when as a child in Switzerland my parents thought it a good idea to brush in between meals by chewing on the root. Even though it got herbally sweeter and sweeter with each chew - and not in a good way - the experience quickly went from bad to good like the salty-yet-sweet candy version I was allowed to pop right after (totally annihilating the benefits of the chew, I know. But so is giving candy to a child post-dentist visit. I digress.).

An acquired taste, the European licorice drops quickly became a favorite of mine and an adoration of all things licorice began. Fast forward to my college years, when my love affair reached a fever pitch as hot as the flames atop my sambuca shooter - yes, I sheepishly admit it - and I have since enjoyed it in candy, ice cream, gum, root beer and tea. I love it so much, in fact, that if they bottled licorice spice tea I would wear it (and incidentally a recent study places the scent of licorice as the one most arousing to men).

Not to be confused with anise - which is similar in taste and the main ingredient used to flavour the candies and things I enjoy - licorice takes its name from Greek glyks rhiza, meaning sweet root. Some research has placed its sweetness as 150 times sweeter than sucrose! Harvested in the autumn, the root of this legume (related to beans and peas) is the part used medicinally. Licorice has been used since pre-biblical times as an overall body tonic, particularly in ancient Greece, Egypt (King Tut was buried with a supply), China, and India. It is still commonly found in cough drops, syrups, tooth powders, tonics and laxatives, as well as a harmonizing ingredient for traditional Chinese formulations; but I think the most titillating use of licorice has been for increasing sexual vigor: the 6th c. Indian Kama Sutra and 15th c. Ananga Ranga contain numerous recipes to crack the proverbial licorice whip. Ahem!

Most important to contemporary medicine today, licorice contains the anti-viral compound glycyrrhizic acid. It is so effective that it is used in Japan to treat and control viral hepatitis. The compound is also widely used to treat oral herpes and prevent cold sores. Translation: while it may sometimes be called the liver of candy, licorice is one amazingly potent elixir.

So whether you're looking to feel a little lickerish (whoop!) or needing a powerful remedy to boost liver function, look no further than the licorice root. It really is fit for a king.

And me!

Love, Sage

Good Things Come In 90 Day Money Back Guarantees!

This just in: the powers that be at NaturalWellbeing have just introduced a new 90 day, money back, guarantee!

I love a company that trusts its products so much, that they give you ample time to try what you buy. All the more reason for me to trust and love them, too!

That, and maybe the free same day shipping for purchases $75.00 and up. I know, I know, patience is a virtue...

Love, Sage

The Pros of Pro and Prebiotics

Probiotics have been making the news for the last few years. Their efficacy is so convincing that they are found as ingredients not only in yogurt, but baby food, pizza crust, toothpaste - and even skincare (I myself am enamored of at-home yogurt masks). In our house, I up our intake of probiotics as soon as cold and flu season hits, maintaining a healthy army of good bacteria to help fend off the bad.

We all have an amount of healthy bacteria living in our guts, often referred to as "friendly" bacteria, which helps keep bad bacteria and yeast from growing in our intestinal tract. The amount of friendly bacteria can vary from person to person, but we live in a culture that promotes a lack of the healthy stuff . Our poor diets are notoriously high in sugar, caffeine, alcohol and refined grain, stress, and antibiotics (they kill the good with the bad). This all leads to an overgrowth of bad bacteria and yeast.

Lack of good bacteria leads to stomach upsets, poor digestion, allergies, and illness - all symptoms of a compromised immune system. In other words: without our little bacterial friends, we're asking for trouble.

Upping our healthy bacteria is as easy as eating some of our (probably, hopefully) favorite foods (if they're not, read on for an easier-to-stomach solution). Probiotic bacteria - lactobacillus, acidophilus, etc - can be found in foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, which are naturally fermented.

More and more foods found at our local supermarket and health foodstore contain probiotics, so eating them can be as easy as probiotic pie. Even easier is taking a supplement, usually a refrigerated capsule of powder (choose from tens of brands) or the liquid probiotic "shooter" by BIO K (my personal fave). Be forewarned: you who are seriously lacking healthy bacteria need to take it slowly! Recommended doses in the introductory phase can cause gas and stomach upset. Start with half the amount, and work up to full strength. Trust me on this one.

Every friend needs a friend, and prebiotics are the BFF's of the pros. They come from carbohydrate fibers called oligosaccharides which are indigestible by us humans, but feed the probiotics and keep them alive. The source of these oligosaccharides includes fruits, legumes, and whole grains. For those of us lacking enough in our diets, fructo-oligosaccharides can be taken as additional supplements.

In this day and age of over-sanitization, overuse of antibiotics, poor diets and stress, we seem to be ailing more and more. No wonder: these conditions all contribute to an overabundance of bad bacteria in our bodies, creating a stressed out, limited immune system. Boosting our immunity is as simple as replenishing our friendly bacteria - just go pro!

Love, Sage

Hair Loss and Pregnancy - Luscious Locks After Baby

During my pregnancy I had the most fabulous, bouncy, 1970's baby-sitter hair imaginable. It was so amazing, in fact, that I went out of my granola-way to wear it in multiple styles, keep it gorgeously groomed, and generally adore it - all while trying to maintain a very non-attached relationship with it.

I had heard that it was common to experience hair loss post-baby - and truly, right before I brought the new kid home my dog Buster's behavior made me want to rip my hair out (see his version HERE). But I didn't yank it out by the handfuls. I didn't have to: now that the little Jake had arrived it fell out on its own!

So here I was, supposed to be glowing in the goddessliness of being a new mom - and instead, I felt like I was balding. My hair seemed to be falling out in record amounts.

According to the American Pregnancy Association ,http://www.americanpregnancy.org/, hair loss after delivery is totally common. Apparently, an increased number of hairs go into a resting phase during pregnancy - part of the hair loss pattern. The most common period of loss happens about three months after birth, when hormone levels normalize and the resting hairs fall out. Most women see a regrowth of hair within three - four months after baby, but by then my normally cascading river of locks had still evaporated to a mere trickle!

Since I was breastfeeding, I knew to err on the side of caution and not even attempt to promote growth with supplements, no matter how gentle they were. I had planned to nurse until 2 years - the age advised by most major pediatric associations/societies world wide - so I waited. And waited, and waited, and waited. I tried everything recommended, which I knew then (and still know now) to be absolutely important to do:

- Gentle, proper hair care: combing with wide-toothed comb when wet, no metal clips or ties, gentle shampoos and conditioners, avoid styling with heat

- Fill up on fresh fruits and veggies to provide protection for hair follicles and regrowth

- Supplements with Vit B complex, C, E, biotin and zinc

I created a maintenance routine that by all standards seemed a religious rite, including: daily brushings, scalp massages, a deep conditioning treatment each night, a warm shower including a rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar.

A little fringe showed up at the top of my forehead. It looked cute on Katie Holmes, and even glam on J.Lo, but not on me. As the little hairs grew out, did they add volume as they lengthened? No. And to boot, they looked greyer.

A headband took up permanent residence to hold them all back.

Near Jake's 1st birthday he decided to wean himself; the wean saddened me, naturally - ok, I was sad until it hit me: not only did the wean mark the near-return of my boobs (yes, they would come back! Yes!), but I could finally herb my way to fuller hair!

I picked a formulation that incorporated herbs to feed my scalp and follicles with everything they needed for new hair growth, and kick-started the inactive ones (thanks for that, hormones). I did a 90 day regime, and low and behold: I was now in possession of one magnificent mane!

Dear readers, as I sit and write, twirling my locks through my fingers, I am grateful that I have repossessed my crowning glory. I know how hair loss can affect one's sense of self - whether it is from illness, post-pregnancy, or even heredity. Take care of your existing tresses by grooming gently, maintaining a healthy diet, and investing in an effective herbal formula, like Hair Essentials, to bring hair back. You won't have to stress about the tress(es) again!

Love, Sage

Happy Birthday Scorpio!

I prophesize that this is going to be your most focused year, yet! How do I know? Because you're coming into your own self-awareness (which is always a great thing), identifying your passionate strengths and your distracting weaknesses - the ultimate in total self-control. And what Scorpio doesn't want to control EVERYTHING?

Start by recognizing your need to over-do things - and I mean compulsively! You tend to be a little obsessive (good thing you have 8 arms/legs - AND 2 pincers!), which stresses you to the max (read: upsets your tummy, and everything linked to it). Your deep desire to reign supreme makes you want to be everywhere, all at once - you're famously all or nothing!

Want to know what that stinger on the end of your tail is for? You got it - after running yourself ragged, your next step is to isolate yourself from the rest of the world and commit social hari-kari (the metaphorical self-sting). Withdrawn and down, that red hot you turns blue.

This year marks great changes ahead, which will have you wanting to crawl off in a million directions (as per usual). Make it easy to accomplish all your goals, with a birthday present that will help you regain your focus, concentration, and reduce your tension associated with burning the candle at both ends: Concentration Essentials. And it's safe even for those mini-Scorps.

It's your year to rule your world!

Love, Sage

Reiki - Alternative Healing Treatment

Today people lead a very hectic lifestyle - always running around from place to place. It's no wonder that sometimes our health can suffer. But not everyone wants to see an allopathic doctor just to get some chemically laden drug in the hopes that it will make their feel better.

Sometimes it will, but most often than not those chemicals end up making you feel worse. We get sick because we do not take time out of our busy days for ourselves. Our minds and bodies are so stressed out that we end up with a cold, headache or some other health issue. We need to learn to relax and reduce the stress in our lives. For most people this is a huge challenge and to help, they turn to massages, aromatherapy and even Reiki.

Healing

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that is also used for stress reduction and relaxation. Reiki utilizes a practice similar to "laying of hands". It is the use of touch to convey warmth, serenity, love, care and healing, through the channeling of energy to enhance a person’s own life force.

When experiencing pain or hurt, people tend to put their hands on the injured part of the body as the first part of trying to subdue the pain, and heal it. Mothers tend to caress or want to kiss their children's wounds or scrapes as part of the process of comforting and healing. The same with sick people, relatives tend to hold the hands of a sick person in order to convey and transmit a feeling of comfort and care. Animals perform this same process instinctively. They tend, for example, to lick the area of pain, or wounds as a form of comfort and healing.

This "laying on hands" or touching to heal, stems from the principle that every living being or creature has a life force. This life force radiates from all parts of a person, and it is the harnessing and channeling of this life force or energy to heal, using certain Reiki techniques, which is what Reiki is all about. When a person's life force energy is low, it is then that they are more likely to get sick and be depressed; but if their life force energy is high, then they will be healthy and happy.

Energy

The word Reiki can be broken down into two parts: Rei, and Ki. Ki is the life force or energy and is the source of life itself or Prana. In Japan, life energy is termed Ki. Ki is similar to the Chinese Ch'i, and pervades the whole of the earth, planets, stars, and universe, and these life energies affect and connect with our own living body's Ki.

Rei on the other hand refers to the universal transcendental spirit, essence or mysterious power that exists in the universe.

In plain English, Reiki means "universal life energy".

A Reiki Session

During a Reiki session, energy is channeled from the Reiki practitioner to the client through the palms of the practitioner when the palms are placed in certain positions on the client's body. However, these same positions can be taught to the client for practice at home.

The Ki (Life energy force) that creates the healing, flows through the person's chakras, down into the middle of the palms and through to the tips of the fingers. For the energy to be activated, both hands must be on the client's body, or held just above it in the aura. One must also have the intent to heal.

Heat sensations, are often felt by both the practitioner and the client, as well as cold; a sensation of water flowing; trembling, vibrating, tingling, sound, color and even pain moving through the hands.

Reiki hand positions are primarily over the chakras. Chakras are energy transformers and bring in Ki from the Earth and Heavens into the human body.

Alternative Healing Treatment

Because Reiki is a simple, natural way to dispense spiritual healing and self-improvement, it is an effective alternative treatment that can be used for any illness, disease as well as for relaxation.

Reiki can also be used alongside other medical or therapeutic treatments to help relieve any negative side effects and speed recovery.

Even though Reiki is considered to be spiritual in nature, it is not a religion at all! Instead it is comprised of a special set of techniques based on ancient Tibetan healing methodologies that allows one to tap into this infinite and limitless source of life energy to heal.

Finding a Practitioner

These days most upscale massage parlors have a Reiki practitioner on staff. Reiki is considered a different form of massage in many US States and can only be performed by a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Photo Credit: networker

Benefits of Eating Chocolate

In today's world everyone is watching their diet and those who are trying to lose a little extra weight may be disparaged enough to stay away from eating any chocolate.

However, there are many benefits to incorporating chocolate sensibly into your diet, whether you are dieting to lose weight or not.

Components of Chocolate

Everyone has a favorite type of chocolate: milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate. Each of these have varying proportions of cocoa butter and cocoa solids, as well as various fats, carbohydrates, vegetable proteins. Other components include potassium and magnesium in rather large amounts, with calcium and sodium too, along with vitamins A1, B1, B2, D, and E.

However, that's not all that chocolate contains! The following stimulants can also be found in every bite of chocolate:

* Caffeine: This 'get up and go' stimulant increases intellectual activity and alertness. There is approximately 6 mg of caffeine wrapped inside an average size chocolate bar, compared to 100 to150 mg of caffeine found in a cup of regular coffee.

* Anandamide: The effects of marijuana are mimicked by this stimulant by affecting the same brain receptors. This results in a very mild 'high', similar to that felt from marijuana. In addition, there are also two other ingredients contained in chocolate that prevent the natural breakdown of anandamide, thereby prolonging the feeling of happiness.

* Catechins: This is an antioxidant which that has been shown to help protect the body against cardiovascular disease and possibly cancer. Catechins are found in higher amounts in chocolate than in black tea.

* Endorphins: Whenever we bite into a piece of chocolate, endorphins, which are natural opiates, are released by the brain in an increased amount, thereby elevating both our mood and reducing any pain.

* Phenylethylamine: This is the same chemical that is released in our bodies whenever we feel like we are falling in love. Phenylethylamines are chemically similar to amphetamines and therefore work as a psycho-stimulant.

* Theobromine: This stimulant invigorates the central nervous system, assists muscular exertion, and also works as a diuretic and appetite stimulant.

* Phenols: This can also be found in red wine, tea, fruits and vegetables. It decreases the chance of having coronary heart disease.

* Tryptophan: This is considered to be an essential amino acid which boosts the production of serotonin, an anti-depressant and natural stress-reducer. On the opposite side, chocolate cravings are often brought on by a decrease in serotonin levels in the brain.

So basically, eating that piece of chocolate, means that we are taking a proactive step towards improving kidney and digestive functioning, whilst minimizing our risks of cancer, heart disease and stroke. It also improves circulation and makes us feel happy and increases our tolerance for pain.

Other Benefits and Chocolate Facts

* Drinking low fat chocolate milk before exercising actually provides an equal, or possibly superior, muscle recovery period than drinking a high calorie, high carbohydrate recovery sports beverage.

* Women usually crave chocolate before the start of their menstrual cycle because it is rich in magnesium. Being deficient in magnesium actually worsens PMS symptoms. It is also eases menstrual cramps.

* Chocolate has been believed to be an aphrodisiac for centuries. In fact, the Aztec people believed that by eating chocolate, men would become invigorated and women would become less inhibited.

* Eating chocolate in its crudest form of pure cocoa guarantees that you will reap all the healthy benefits of chocolate. However, most people are not able to tolerate pure cocoa and resort to eating dark chocolate instead. It is a mixture of cocoa paste and sugar. This bittersweet chocolate has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and increase HDL (High-density Lipoprotein) levels. HDL works to remove bad cholesterol from atheroma within the arteries and moves it back to the liver.

* Watch what you eat! Although chocolate has many benefits it still can pose a threat to any diet as it also contain sugar and fat. When it comes to chocolate, eating smaller quantities can reap the most benefits.

* Read the label before you eat your next bar of chocolate. It should say that chocolate is the number one ingredient under nutritional facts. Dark chocolate usually contains less sugar gram amount per serving than fat gram amount. If the chocolate you like lists any hydrogenated fats, do not eat it, as those are considered to be 'bad fats'. Instead, opt for chocolate that has no added fat except cocoa butter.

* If you really want to help the environment at the same time as eating a piece of chocolate, then look for chocolate whose label reads Fair Trade. This guarantees that the farmers and workers who harvested the cocoa were paid and treated fairly.

Photo Credit: Darwin Bell