NaturalWellbeing Blog

Hey Obama: I'm Reforming My Own Health Care Bill, Naturally!

2009-11-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

Dear President Obama,

I'm reforming my own healthcare bill. After careful review, I have decided that paying into private insurance companies and potentially spending a fortune on medical bills as I age, makes me feel scarily out of control. I am convinced that the best insurance policy I can invest in is my own body: keeping it healthy, strong and beautiful will keep me out of the doctor's office better than anything else. I will save money, and have the glorious health to enjoy doing fabulous things with it!

From this day forward, I am going to wake up every morning (after my 9.5 hours of sleep) and detoxify my body with a glass of citrus-infused pure water. This will help restore my body to it's neutral PH state, reducing the acidic environment where illness loves to thrive.

It's time I got to know myself a little better. I will engage in a deep-breathing exercise and gentle meditation, to start my day stress-free and in positive mindset.

For breakfast I will feast on meuseli (raw oats, nuts and seeds) with soy milk and fruits, to give my body fiber, protein and energy. I will drink green tea to increase my antioxidant intake (after my coffee though, sir. Protocol!).

I will attempt (I'll do my best here, late nights/weather pending) cardiovascular exercise, working my heart and lungs to significantly lower my risk of developing heart disease and all other illnesses.

I will dry brush my skin in circular motions, ridding myself of dead skin cells to reveal fresh, new skin.

In the shower I will perform a breast self-exam, familiarizing myself with my best parts and managing any changes. If I'm in the mood, I may enagage in a partner exam (they say love is the best preventative medicine, right?).

After, I will massage an organic, naturally based body lotion into my body, which will help increase my blood circulation to deliver oxygen to every part of my body. Using non-toxic personal care products will also limit my exposure to potentially cancer-causing chemicals, which I absorb through my skin (up to 80%!).

I will undertake my daily work, organizing my schedule so that I am able to accomplish goals and deadlines. This will satisfy my desire for success, and contribute to my positive piece of mind. If I am unable to manage my deadlines, I will not stress myself out. I will have meditated this morning, and reminding myself of this will return me to my calm, centered state. A dose of Concentration Essentials will help me, too.

I will fuel myself with 5 small meals throughout the day, to keep my blood-sugar at consistent levels. This will help keep my hormones balanced, too.

Every day, I will try to do something I have never done before. After all sir, variety is the spice of life (and everyone knows that spices are potent sources of anti-oxidants, which scavenge free-radicals that cause premature aging).

Every day I will laugh my perky (yes it is, thanks to my fitness partner Buster) butt off. Laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect me against a heart attack, according to a recent study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

And everyday I will find a way to love myself, since without doing this I can't imagine having the capacity to love others (and as we all know, love is all we need!).

So thank you, President Obama, for giving me the opportunity to reform my own health care bill. Taking it into my own hands - and body - is the best bill I've passed so far!

Love, Sage

Photo Credit: deed.en_CA

Yammy! Food of the Month - The Yam

2009-11-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

I am a total foodie. I love food, I love to read about it, I love to look at it. I especially love to eat it. Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite holidays, pretty much due to the incredible menu. Most of all, the amazing yam. I love yams so much that on a near weekly basis to date I have fried, baked, mashed, pied, and even juiced (yes, raw!) them.

In keeping with this month's rather fallish theme, I have chosen the yam for this installment of the Food of the Month Club.

It may surprise you, but contrary to popular belief yams are not the orange mash you're probably enjoying this Thanksgiving. Those possibly marshmallow or almond crusted yumminess are really orange colored sweet potatoes, named to distinguish them from their yellow-fleshed sisters. True yams have flesh in colors varying from white to ivory to purple, and skin from white pink or brownish-black. They are long and cylindrical, often having little "toes" and a rough and scaly texture - and they can grow beyond 3 feet! To taste they are super starchy - earthy, hardy and hardly sweet at all.

The yam is one of the oldest plant foods known. As one story goes, while Portuguese slave traders were watching natives in Guinea dig up the tubers, they asked what they were; the reply, "nyami", meaning something to eat. A few centuries worth of the game telephone, and we have yam.

The yam has been cultivated as far back as 10,000 BC in Africa and Asia, as well as tropical and subtropical regions of N and S America. The edible versions of the yam play a staple role in those regional diets, with the rest of the approx. 600 species being poisonous to humans. In fact, the alkaloids have been used to kill fish and to poison darts and arrows for hunting! Oh my yam, you are so yin and yang.

Speaking of yin and yang, the yam has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to affect organ function, particularly the kidney. It is also used to support the female endocrine system. Nutritionally, one cup of yam supplies us with almost 30% of our recommended daily intake of vitamin C and potassium, as well as manganese and dietary fiber. The levels of B6 found in yam have been shown in some research to help combat depression associated with PMS; it can also help reduce the risk of heart disease. The presence of manganese helps metabolise the carbohydrates, and is a cofactor in energy production and antioxidant defence. This helps to make yam a complex carb - the kind I like to eat!

During the months of October to December I stock up on this tuber. I make sure they are organic though, especially since this year the EWG Shoppers Guide to Pesticides reported conventionally grown yams to be one of the 12 foods most frequently containing pesticide residues.

Finally, here's how I love to enjoy my yummy yams this month. Try my recipe out, and enjoy!

Sage`s Yams

4 medium yams

3 (2-inch) strips orange zest

2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons peeled and finely chopped ginger root

1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Peel and halve the yams crosswise. Cut each half lengthwise into 4 wedges. Place the yams in a baking dish that will hold them in a single layer. Tuck the orange zest and cinnamon sticks among the yams.

In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, maple syrup, lemon juice, ginger, and salt. Pour the mixture over the yams. Bake for 1 1/4 hours, basting every 15 minutes, until the yams are tender and glazed and the pan juices are syrupy (use a spatula to turn the potatoes now and then.) Remove the orange zest and cinnamon sticks before serving.

Yield: 4 servings

Adapted from: The Modern Vegetarian Kitchen

Yammily, Sage

* You're all in my Food of the Month Club, so email me your pics and recipes! Prizes for the pics I post!

Photo Credit: coyotejack

The Winter Of My Skin's Discontent

2009-11-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

I was painting my nails with my eco-fabulous Zoya polish this morning, when I noticed that my hands were very dry. My gaze drifted up my arm, where I was mildly annoyed to find a slightly scaly elbow; a trip to the bathroom to fetch my lotion meant visiting the mirror: grrr, yes, my cheeks and lips had become wintered! What does that mean? With our colder, darker weather comes dryer skin. I call this period winter of my skin's discontent.

Baby, it's cold outside. So what do we do? Turn up the heat, natch. But that only exacerbates our dry skin problems. Internal heating systems are incredibly drying (they suck up any humidity), as are upping intake of warm caffeine-fueled drinks, and encountering extreme temperature shifts (car to shop to car to shop). Add to that our obsessive hand washing (it's flu season, yo!), and our skin pays the price.

But hey, no skin off my (or your) back! There are plenty of things we can all do to stay hydrated inside and out:

- Water down: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. This will hydrate every single cell in our bodies, including what's outside!

- Oil up: Top up your essential fatty acids. I love Udo's Oil in everything from smoothies to garlic mashed potatoes to salad dressings.

- Dish it out: Place shallow dishes of water around your home or office, or turn on a humidifier.

- Cool it: Take it easy on the hot baths and showers. Overheating can add to dryness!

- Dry brush: To remove dead skin flakes, try sloughing them off with a loofah mitt or body brush. Move the mitt or brush in small circles across your skin, along arms and up legs towards the heart. When you're done, enjoy a warm (not hot!) bath or shower, then lock in moisturizer.

- Moisturize: Skin on face, hands and body all need help protecting its moisture barrier. For winter months, switch to a heavier formula. Try leaving skin slightly damp after washing, and massaging in moisturizer on top. It will help seal in the extra moisture!

- Get raw: Raw fruits and veggies have a higher water content than their cooked cousins. Eat up!

With this info now in rough, dry hands, I hope that you all find relief like I did! Oh, and by the way all that the dry brushing, massaging and lubing is rather spa like, too. Bonus: it's the perfect way to unwind at the end of your day, and helps you get to bed (see yesterday's post!). Enjoy!

Love, Sage

Solving The World, One Z At A Time

2009-11-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

Zzz... Oh! Hi, sorry, geezzz... I must have dozed off. I shouldn't be surprised, since today I'm writing to you from my very newly decorated bedroom. I'm underneath my new 300-thread count organic cotton sheets, with my vegan-friendly pillows and duvet tucked in all around me. I've painted my walls a calm, robins-egg blue, and I have anointed my pillow cases with lavender oil. Soft music is playing in the background. I am peaceful... serene... zzz...

Hell-ooo! Sorry about that, again. Boy do I feel sheepish. And I don't even have to count them! That's right, I have created the perfect environment conducive to sleeping. It was necessary, since, like at least 40 million Americans, I had one of a noted 70 sleep disorders.

According to the National Sleep Foundation - yes, it's enough of a problem to have this kind of a foundation - millions of us are not sleeping enough. Lack of sleep can cause all kinds of problems, from issues related to the brain, nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems. For me, that means I can't remember much, can't hold onto my personal belongings without dropping them, get tired a lot, and feel sick. Actually, I feel like a truck has hit me. And I recently noticed my fine-lines are more pronounced without enough sleep. That was my final call to action.

For many people, lack of sleep can cause insomnia (me, again), accidents (road rage!), hypertension and elevated cardiovascular risks (stroke), emotional problems (depression, bipolar disorder), and obesity. In some crazy cases, lack of sleep can even lead to alcohol and drug abuse.

Ok, it's pretty clear that most of us need way more sleep. I recently read that most humans are built to stay awake for 16 hours, which leaves 8 hours for sleeping. I need more like 9.5, and so does my mom. It's genetic (yeah folks, look that one up!), and I for sure don't get that much.

So how to get more sleep? Well for most of us, sleeplessness has nothing to do with not having enough time to sleep. It has to do with what's keeping us up: stimulation from television, computers, music, food, and of course work. Anything that stresses our nervous system will keep us alert, and we need to seriously chillout.

- First, decide on a consistent time to call it a night. Establishing a regular bedtime hour will help signal the body into gearing down.

- Next, shut the books early. Unless you're on a close deadline, working into the night will only burn you out in the long-run. That goes for physical and mental work, too. And turn off that computer! Flickering screen = googly-eyes. Yow!

- Keep stimulating activities out of the bedroom. We spend more time sleeping in bed than almost anywhere else - and that's all it should be used for! Well almost, of course. Excepting activities involving a certain bedside manner. Ahem.

- Create a sacred, silent space with your bedroom. Invest a little in the room most used in your house: paint the walls in light, gentle colors (skip the reds and blacks), choose soft materials for the bed (preferably organic), and use easy lighting. Get that tv outta there! And keep your space clean, and clutter-free. Think of your space as a reflection of your inner world: clutter on the outside contributes to a cluttered mind - and sleeplessness.

- Try some relaxation techniques: meditating, warm bathing and gentle exercise like yoga will all coax baby to bed.

- A gentle supplement can help: try Natural Sleep Essentials with jubjube and fleece flower.

- Finally, go to the spa! Crack open the essential oils (lavender and chamomile are super relaxing) and add a few drops to a bath or shower. Sip a soothing drink like tea of chamomile, which will help you to unwind. Now I did say sip to unwind - I didn't say reach for the whiskey! While some may try alcohol to relax and get drowsy, alcohol actually works to stimulate. It will wake you up mid-night, guaranteed! Skip it.

I wonder now if getting enough sleep could actually solve many of our societal issues? If so many millions of Americans are suffering from sleep depravation, maybe that's why our culture seems to be so aggressive and quick to anger. Sounds like an epidemic to me!

Hmmm... I think I'll put that one to bed and take it back out tomorrow. Good night...

Zzz, Sage

Photo Credit: pedrosimoes7

It Burns! It Burns! - Treating UTI's

2009-11-12T20:27:00.000-08:00

As I have stated before, I am one uber-healthy lady. It is so rare for me to find myself sniffling or sneezing, rashing or otherwise. The one burning exception that rocks my status, however, is my propensity for UTI's - the dreaded urinary tract infection. For me, there is nothing worse. And in my case, it is both excruciating and debilitating - it feels like I'm under-garmented with a lit match. Yes, down there!

A UTI is a bacterial infection of the bladder and urethra. Common among women, research shows that approx. 50% of all women (vs. 12% of men - you're not immune either!) will have at least 1 in their lifetime. I think that female statistic is a little low: I have had maybe one hundred during mine so far. I digress, but only to assure you that I am an experienced sufferer. I know what I'm talking about!

Women have shorter urinary tracts than men, which make us more susceptible to bacteria that can invade and multiply. Most of these infections are not serious, though totally ridiculously uncomfortable. Common symptoms can be the need to pee a lot, pain or discomfort upon urination, bloating and cramping. In general, these are more annoying than dangerous.

Conventional medical treatments commonly use the ubiquitous antibiotics (surprised? I didn't think so). They work, yes, but of course as we've learned, antibiotics wipe out our good bacteria with the bad, making us vulnerable and defenceless to a new attack (read my article on probiotics when you're done with this one HERE).

Many UTI's can be treated naturally, and are most effective when used at the first sign of symptoms. Most important is dramatically increasing fluid intake: a flushing of the urinary system helps eliminate the bacteria.

Recently during my last bout I came across a treatment called D-Mannose. A natural occurring simple sugar, it has been found to be the active ingredient present in cranberries, apples, peaches, berries and some plants. While it is a sugar, it is absorbed by the body at a much slower rate than normal sugars, and isn't converted to glycogen or stored in the liver. What this means is that it does not alter our blood sugar levels. It is filtered quickly through our kidneys and bladder, and passes through our bodies without disrupting our natural health bacteria. Within a few hours of taking it, my typically troublesome symptoms were gone!

Naturally treating UTI's is effective, but prevention is even better. When it comes to UTI's, a few simple rules can mean the difference between a burning hell and a day in the park:

- Pee after sex!

- Wipe from front to back. This one is a no brainer for most (girls, that is), since our back-ends are the site for eliminating waste, and therefore home to many bacterium.

- Reduce or eliminate refined sugars, flours, caffeine and alcohol. These foods cause an overly-acidic state in the urine, the perfect setting for bacterial growth.

- Go! When you gotta, you gotta. With holding when you need to use the lady's (or men's) can keep bacteria trapped, and multiplying.

Please note: a UTI should never be taken lightly. Bloody urine, fever and rashes are all signs that your infection has gone deep, beyond the bladder and into the kidneys. While I always advocate a natural approach to treatment first, in this case seek medical attention immediately!

Love, Sage

Photo Credit: respres

Today, lest we forget...

2009-11-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place: and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields.

- John McCrae

Love, Sage and the NaturalWellbeing Family

Photo Credit: jono2k5

Post-Thanksgiving Digestion - Acid Reflux Essentials

2009-11-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays - I love the sentiment, and I love the food even more! Roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls and butter... Not to forget my mom's celebrated pecan pie. But last season I gobbled a bit too much gobble-gobble - and I suffered a huge case of acid reflux. If your Grandma's famous stuffing has you feeling beyond famously stuffed - bloated, crampy, burpy and possibly even experiencing chest pains - then you too may be experiencing gastroesophageal reflux.

Acid reflux takes its name from the Medieval Latin "refluxus", meaning "to flow back". The acid part comes from, you guessed it, stomach acid. Therefore if you are experiencing acid reflux, your stomach acids are literally flowing back - or rather, up - into your esophagus, causing sensations that are often referred to collectively as heartburn.

Acid reflux is common, and can have a variety of causes: stress, pregnancy, excess weight, diet, smoking, and getting all ancient Roman - eating too quickly and reclining right after. No matter what the cause, almost nothing is worth the experience.

The short term effects of acid reflux are mostly in the range of discomfort, which can vary from person to person. But for those with a chronic condition, long term inflammation of the esophagus can damage lining and cause bleeding, ulcers, and scarring: over time, the cells in the esophagus can change shape and color - sometimes even leading to cancer of the esophagus. In other words: this is a condition that should be treated and prevented, faster than you can say "can I have some more, please?"!

Acid reflux is so common (read: millions of Americans) that many conventional manufacturers have a short term solution: medicines that reduce stomach acid like Zanprol and Protium. While they may help in the short term, common side effects include: gas, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and headaches - the very conditions they are meant to treat! Not only that, this summer Fox News reported that even short term use of "popular acid-reducing heartburn drugs may raise the risk of hip fractures," . This information could be hard to stomach, if there weren't a natural solution! Which of course, there is.

For many sufferers, a few lifestyle changes effectively help to treat and prevent future occurrences. Avoid chocolate (I know, I cried too), peppermint, coffee (again, more tears), tea, refined flours and sugars, and nuts. Incorporate an herbal formula designed to help rebalance the digestive system, like Acid Reflux Essentials. And give yourself some breathing space: research has shown that people with acid reflux who practice deep breathing each day significantly reduce the uncomfortable sensation.

I can't imagine a holiday season without my mom's fabulous pie, and this year I'll be better prepared!

Love, Sage

*A note for about-to-be-moms: while you may temporarily experience heartburn during pregnancy, herbal supplements are a no-no. Heartburn is totally - annoyingly - present during pregnancy, so invest a small fortune in probiotic yogurt and reap the rewards! Translation: the fermented, healthy bacteria-laden food will help the sensation tremendously. Consider this the sagest of all my advice, past and present.

Congratulations, Scooter! You've Won Testimonial of the Month!

2009-11-09T19:38:00.001-08:00

Every month we receive so many amazing letters here at NaturalWellbeing! We are thrilled that you take the time to share your exciting stories with us, about how our products have changed your life.

Each month, your testimonials are entered into a random draw and a prize winner is hand-drawn. The winning testimonial is posted here, by me, and the writer receives via email an online Gift Certificate for use on NaturalWellbeing's site!

A big thank-you to this month's winner, Scooter from Birmingham, AL!

Scooter writes:

"I was concerned this would be just another useless purchase, but it wasn't. My hair loss was so extreme I had to wear extentions. I was on a blood pressure medicine that had a side effect of hair loss. I switched medicines and went on Hair Essentials. I then took a leap of faith and cut my hair very sort to start over. Well I love the short cut and my hair is now much thicker and there is new growth all over. My stylist can't believe the difference! I have to get my hair cut every month becasue it grows so fast. I have been on the Hair Essentials for only 2 months and it has made such a perfound impact in my appearence. Thank you for a great product!"

Congratulations, Scooter! And happy shopping!

Love, Sage

Would you like a chance to win a NaturalWellbeing Gift Certificate? Send your testimonial to , and I'll enter you! Monthly winner will be posted here by me, and contacted by email.

Give Acne Bacteria The Boot - Naturally!

2009-11-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

My mother and grandmother have beautiful skin. Glowing, smooth, and barely a hint of fine-lines. Sigh. Yeah, they're those types.

As the youngest female in our clan, one would think that I would have inherited such skintastic gorgeousness. I have been gifted, I think, with youthful good looks, but in the skin clarity department I've been blessed with less. I've been breaking out since I could drive. Like any teenage stage, I thought the pimples would become a memory like my senior prom. I had forgotten almost all of prom the morning after it, but my skin troubles have yet to become a thing of the past.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 80 % of adults from 20 - 30 suffer from mild to moderate acne, including: pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and nodules on the face, chest, back, and buttocks. It is the most common skin disorder in the US, and greater in women than men; although, men tend to have more severe cases due to larger levels of the hormone testosterone. Rrrrrr!

Acne is an overgrowth of bad bacteria, which happens when our hair follicles get plugged with natural oils. Adult acne can have many causes:

- Cosmetics with oil base - look for non-comedogenic (meaning won't block pores)

- Medications like steroids, birth control, hormone therapies and other treatments

- Heredity

- Oily skin types, which produce more oil that is potentially trapped within the skin

As with any bacterial infection, acne is conventionally treated with antibiotics - topically and internally. As we know, antibiotics don't discriminate between our good and bad bacteria. The problem? Our natural friendly bacteria, hard at work to fight the bad, are wiped out. This leaves our immune system defenceless, making us dependant on conventional treatments, even as the bacteria become stronger against it. Acne returns with a vengeance, giving meaning to the term acne vulgaris. As if hearing you have acne on its own weren't vulgar enough!

We can definitely treat and prevent acne naturally - in fact, many conventional drugs are synthesized lab-made versions of the natural original!

- Pick the right daily anti-acne regimen. Obviously I am an absolute sucker for all-natural beauty products (call me a junkie, if you will) and I love Biolee products

- Look for spot-treatment products with and anti-inflammatory like salicylic acid (white willow bark)

- Exfoliate with lactic (milk), malic (apple), citric (citrus) and glycolic (sugar cane) acids

- A balanced diet will help keep your immune system functioning (staving off illness). It will feed your skin and body with the powerful ingredients necessary for glowing skin (and hair!), and keep hormones from swinging like a pendulum.

Most acne sufferers can and will find relief naturally. For some of us though, acne may need more than at-home help. Top 5 reasons to see doc about acne:

- Sudden breakouts in large areas
- You have never been diagnosed with acne before, could be rosacea or folliculitis, which look similar to acne

- Acne worsening despite home care

- Nodules and cystic breakouts: severe, can cause scarring

- Acne could be caused by medication

- Your skin is causing depression and insecurity

After diligently looking after myself both inside and out, my skin has repaired and resurfaced. I feel great inside, I look great outside, and I positively glow. I know you can too! If you are a fellow acne sufferer, go natural and give acne bacteria the boot.

And remember to smile - nothing boosts your beauty like a radiant outlook on life!

Love, Sage

Licorice: One Sweet Root!

2009-11-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

Plus Size Nightclubs

2009-10-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Nightclubs are very popular places for many adults to visit after work and on the weekends. But not many of them cater to a specific clientele. However, a new type of nightclub is quickly gaining popularity across the USA: Plus Size Nightclubs!

The clientele consists of rather large, big-boned, voluptuous women and men who are simply wanting a night out dancing without the rude stares and remarks usually made by club goers at other nightclubs.

From Florida to California, these 'fat nightclubs' are a warm welcome for many plus size dancers, especially with those people who jokingly admit that they are part of a new movement in America called the "Fat is Phat movement".

One such nightclub is Club Bounce in California. Here people of larger shapes and sizes than your average size 0 model, are welcome to hit the dance floor without having an ounce of insecurity about their weight.

"Self-conscious? No! Not at all," exclaims Monique Lopez, a shapely 23 year old woman, who chooses to dress in a tight, black dress with heels. "I was like,
'I'm going to Club Bounce tonight. I'm going to wear my shortest skirt.'"

Equal Rights

The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance has been a strong supporter of equal rights for plus sized people in America since it was founded over 40 years ago. With chapters around the country, this nonprofit group believes that all Americans be treated equally regardless of their shape or size.

Whilst such associations have been around for a while, places like Club Bounce where overweight night-clubbers can go to party in a comfortable and accepting atmosphere are still catching on.

"When you're not what they consider ideal, you know, and you're out there trying to get your dance on at those other places, you get the looks, the stares, but not here. Everything's accepted here," says 30 year old, Vanessa Gray of Long Beach, California.

Parties

It seems that the whole plus sized nightclub idea originally stemmed from parties organized amongst plus sized friends on the internet. Owner of the Butterfly Lounge in Southern California, Kathleen Divine, explains:

"The whole thing really started on the Internet, with clubhouse parties organized online. Now you see a lot more large people out in public, not hiding behind their keyboards anymore."

Even so, Lynn McAfe, of the Council On Size and Weight Discrimination, would prefer to see such nightclubs in every major city.

"It's nice to have a place to go where you can do a little flirting and maybe bring your thin sister or somebody from work who isn't fat, and they'll be in your world for awhile," says McAfe. "That's an amazing experience for a lot of people who aren't fat, to spend a day or night in a world of fat people."

Fat or Phat

Owner of Club Bounce, 40 year old Lisa Marie Garbo, who opened the club over 5 years ago, says that she opened the nightclub because she was tired of being "the only fat girl at the local nightclub."

Whilst Club Bounce attracts a relatively equal number of women and men, Garbo states that more than half of all the women are plus sized whilst only a quarter of the men are.

Garbo, herself has seen her weight go up and down since opening the nightclub and dancing on the dance floor, much like a lot of other people as well.

However, venues such as Club Bounce and the Butterfly Lounge, have caused some people to rethink their value, believing that they actually encourage people to remain overweight in a society where one-third of all adults are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"I'm not a gain-weight advocate or anything like that," says Garbo, who has been struggling with her weight since she was child. "My message to people is live your life no matter what size you are."

On the other side of things, sociologist Karen Sternheimer believes that these plus sized nightclubs are creating places where overweight people can feel safe and free from any ridicule. This leads to better self-esteem, which Sternheimer believes, will encourage plus sized people to try to lose their extra weight, which, if not lost, could lead to heart disease and diabetes.

"As the country gets heavier and ultimately unhealthier, in many instances the problem is people feeling bad about themselves, and feeling bad about themselves doesn't motivate people to lose weight," says Sternheimer, author of "Connecting Social Problems and Popular Culture."

Sternheimer says the best motivation comes from within; when obese people carry a positive attitude about themselves and their weight and then decide to lose the extra weight.

"Anything that helps people feel better about themselves," she said, "there's something positive to that."

Photo Credit: fibroblast

7 Tips On Making Your Halloween Green

2009-10-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner and everyone is busy stocking up on candy and decorations. However, before you get too busy, take a minute to consider how un-eco-friendly Halloween really is.

Here are 7 great tips on making your Halloween green:

1. Ditch the Candy

It is estimated that trick-or-treaters collect about 5 to 10lbs of candy on Halloween. Instead of giving them sugar filled candy covered in wrappers that quickly fill up landfills, opt instead for healthy alternatives made with organic ingredients. Look for goodies that have been locally grown as well!

Whether you decide on candy or on something more nutritious, make sure that the wrapping is made of biodegradable or recyclable paper. If you are planning on making your own Halloween treats, you can use wax paper to cover them with.

Another option is to hand out treats that are non-edible but made from eco-friendly materials, such as crayons and coloring books made with recycled paper.

2. Wear an Eco-Friendly Costume

Instead of splurging all your money on fancy new costumes, you can visit a second hand shop to find pre-worn Halloween costumes. Remember that most of these costumes have only been worn once before! Don't forget to donate your costumes back to thrift store after Halloween so someone else can use it next year.

Make your own costumes using eco-fabrics such as organic cotton, silk, hemp or bamboo. Recycle old prom dresses and suits.

Old boxes, plastic bags, and bottles found in your recycling bin can all be used one more time in the creation of Halloween costumes.

3. Save Gas

Each year nearly 36 million children in the USA go out trick or treating on Halloween, with the parents following behind them in their slowly moving car! All those emission fumes can do a great deal of damage to the quality of air, not to mention the money wasted on gas: for every 2 minutes that your car sits idling, it consumes the same amount of gas that is needed to drive 1 mile.

You could dress up alongside your child and walk with them from house to house to gather their treats. Not only does this give you some great quality bonding time with your child, but it also gives you an opportunity to meet your neighbors.

4. Reusable Halloween Bags

Give your children Halloween bags that are reusable that you have either made or bought from the store. You and your child can make a reusable Halloween bag by using a pillow case, old clothes, used paper bags and other eco-friendly items that you can find around your house.

You can get creative an add glitter and sticks to add charm to the Halloween bag.

5. Make A Haunted Eco-House

Nearly $5 billion is spent every year by Americans for their Halloween decorations. Save some money, and save the planet, by creating your own frightening decor by using recycled materials that you have lying around your home.

A few great ideas are to use soy or beeswax candles or LED lights, place them inside a paper bag that has a Halloween design cut out of the front and use them as lanterns. Old cereal boxes that have been painted can make great gravestones!

You can also use pumpkins, gourds and apples to decorate your home with. These are great because you will be able to eat them after Halloween is over.

6. Chose An Organic Pumpkin

This Halloween outdo yourself by choosing a locally grown organic pumpkin rather than a store bought one. Approximately 90% of pumpkins in the US, that are sold in stores, come from a 90 mile radius near Peoria, Illinois; which means that the pumpkins so readily available in your local grocery store actually travelled a very long distance to get there, burning fuel along the way.

In 2007, approximately 43,000 acres of land were used for pumpkin production in the US. However, these pumpkins were grown using chemical pesticides and fertilizers that hurt the earth and our health.

The sales of organic pumpkins have grown by 60% over the past three years. Support your local farmer this Halloween by buying one of his organically grown
pumpkins.

7. Compost Your Pumpkin

No matter where you obtain your Halloween pumpkin from, compost it after it has served its Jack-O-Lantern purpose. If you already have a compost pile in your garden then you can just throw your pumpkin into the pile and forget about it. If not, then start by cutting the pumpkin into smaller pieces and place them in an unnoticeable area of your garden. Add fallen leaves, egg shells, coffee grounds and vegetable peels on top of the pumpkin pieces. When a dark, crumbly soil appears, your compost will be ready.

Photo Credit: Joe Shlabotnik

The Benefits Of Color Therapy

2009-10-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Not many people know or understand what color therapy, also called chromotherapy, is all about. Simply put, it is a holistic healing modality that incorporates different colors in an attempt to positively alter our emotions, moods and overall wellbeing.

Color, which is a type of visible light, also contains electromagnetic energy. Every color seen in the rainbow contains its own special healing property.
Even the Sun and Moon have healing qualities to them. There are many people throughout the world who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and find solace through the use of a sun lamp or other such device that mimics the healing properties of the Sun.

Every single cell in our bodies need light energy in order to grow and survive. Color energies therefore affect our whole body.

A color therapist uses certain tools and/or visualization techniques and suggestions to apply color to our bodies in an attempt to heal those parts of our bodies suffering under physical, emotional, or spiritual strain.

The History of Color Therapy

The use of color therapy has been around for a very long time, with the earliest recording dated 2500 years ago, when, color halls were established for healing purposes all over ancient Egypt and China.

Although Sir Isaac Newton created the world's first known color wheel, it was Johann Wolfgang Goethe who began studying the healing effects of color almost 100 years later. He divided colors into two different groups: one that caused sadness and another that caused happiness.

However, in 1877, Neils Finsen of Denmark discovered the bactericidal action of energy from solar ultra-violet rays. He also discovered that flesh wounds actually healed faster when they were placed under direct light.

The founder of color therapy principles was Edward Babbitt, who treated various ailments with the use of water that had been 'infiltrated' with the sun's rays.

Daily Color Healing

It was later deduced that certain days of the week relate to certain colors of the color wheel, as well as to different energies, vibrations, and herbs.

Sunday - Is ruled by the Sun and is its color is therefore yellow. Cinnamon and Clove are the herbs associated with Sunday, which is also a good day to work on the Solar Plexus chakra.

Monday - Is ruled by the Moon and corresponds with Blues and Violets. Eucalyptus and Jasmine can be used on this day to help work on the Throat Chakra.

Tuesday - Is ruled by Mars and Scorpio, with Red being its dominant color. This is the best day to work on the Root Chakra, as well as to use Ginger and Peppermint.

Wednesday - Is ruled by Mercury and Virgo and is Orange. Lemon Oil and Lavender can be used to help with the Sacral Chakra.

Thursday - Is ruled by Jupiter and Sagittarius and is Purple in color. The Crown, Brow, and Throat chakras should be healed on Thursdays with the use of Nutmeg, Sandalwood, and Lime.

Friday - Is ruled by Venus and Taurus and is Green. Thyme, Sage, and Strawberry should be utilized to heal the Heart chakra.

Saturday - Is ruled by Saturn and Capricorn, with Brown being its primary color. Patchouli can be used to help heal all the different chakras.

Get More Color In Your Life

Including more color into your life can benefit you in so many different ways. Remember that each of our chakras has a corresponding color to it.
Incorporating more color can help you heal a specific chakra. Therefore you can achieve proper wellbeing, whilst also balancing your chakra’s, by simply integrating a specific color into your life. Color has also been known to improve creativity and ease tension.

A few ways to bring more color into your life are to:

Paint your walls vibrant colors

Eat brightly skinned organic fruits and vegetables

Decorate your home with items in complementing color contrasts

Colored light bulbs are great alternative to boring yellow light

Dress in shades of color that rule the day

Be vigilant about the colors around you, such as green grass and the blue sky.

Color and Diseases

The principles of color therapy dictate that keeping the right balance of colors within ourselves can help us lead happy, healthy lives whilst keeping ailments at bay. However, illness does occur and when it does, color therapist advise their clients to focus their minds and lives on those colors that have been proven to help heal their particular illness by soaking up each color until you have had enough before moving on to the next one.

A few common diseases and their corresponding colors are:

Headaches: Blue

Allergies: Indigo

Excessive Appetite: Indigo

Decreased Appetite: Yellow

Arthritis: Violet

Asthma: Red

Back Pain: Blue

Cancer: Green

Colds: Red

Coughs: Blue

Diabetes: Indigo

Nausea: Blue

Photo Credit: josef.steufer

Backyard Sharing

2009-10-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Nutrition experts are forever going on about the benefits of eating natural and organic fruits and vegetables. However, half of all Americans are still malnourished, mostly because they lack fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet.

Food Insecure

The government has come up with a fancy new term to refer to hungry Americans - Food Insecure.

Before the current recession hit America, approximately 36 million people were receiving food assistance. These days that number has almost tripled!

Most US families are able to visit a locally run food pantry in order to obtain free food items. These food pantries are usually a tiny room inside a church or community center and receive the donated food from regional food banks, or local grocery stores. They also heavily depend on the generosity of the people in the neighborhood.

Inside these food pantries are shelves containing mostly non-perishable food items such as packaged or canned foods, juice boxes or juice mixes, dry milk powder and other household necessities. Some larger food pantries will even have a fridge that is stocked with dairy products and other such perishables.

The only drawback is that the food pantries do not contain any fresh produce, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Today, nearly 1 out of every 8 Americans require food assistance, but their local food pantry does not stock fresh produce, only pre-packaged, additive-stuffed non-perishable food products.

Backyard Growers

Long before the recession hit, lots of Americans were growing fruits and vegetables out of their own backyards. These backyard growers were enjoying working outside in their own gardens whilst at the same enjoying the fruits of their labors, literally!

However, the recession has caused many people to take a second look at growing vegetables in their backyards. Even those who do not have a backyard!

Although it will take some time for these gardens to sprout, one they start, they are soon overgrown with an abundant amount of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Once harvested, these backyard growers will try to eat as much of the food as possible and will either can, preserve or pickle their rest. They may even offer a few to their neighbors, friends and family members.

However, a person can only eat so much, and so the remainder of the harvest either gets left to rot in the garden, placed on a compost pile or gets thrown away.

But what if these extra produce was taken to the local food pantry instead? Better yet, what if everyone had the opportunity to grow their own food?

City Farming

In today's world, land is a very valuable asset - but only if it is utilized to its fullest potential. Most people living in the city do not use their gardens to grow vegetables and let the land just sit only with the occasional mowing of the grass. There are thousands of backyards that are not being used and have plenty of room in them to set aside for a vegetable garden.

In North America alone, nearly 40% of the inhabitants don't live in single detached housing where the yard space is undeniably theirs to use as they please.
The remaining 60%, who do have access to fertile land within city limits, do not do anything with it.

Sharing Backyard Space

A great solution to these problems is for people who have large enough backyards to share growing space with other people.

In response to these problems organizations have sprung up all along North America in an attempt to help connect people who wish to grow their own food, with those people who have ample land to share.

This type of community gardening is highly personalized, almost as if you are sharing your garden with extended family members. The goal is to help make sure that everyone in America has the opportunity to grow their own food, regardless of where they live.

Considerations

Whilst sharing your backyard with someone else in an effort to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, might sound like a wonderful idea, there are few things that you should take into consideration first.

Before deciding on anyone in particular, make sure that you meet them first in a public place. Discuss the days and times that you will make your garden space available to them.

Also figure out whether the other person has any gardening tools or if they will want to use yours. Where will the tools be kept when not in use?

Something else to consider is whether or not you will be supplying the seeds to be planted.

You will definitely need to agree on what types of fruits and vegetables you would like to grow in your garden.

Finally, you will also need to discuss who will harvest the food and how it will be distributed.

Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks

Link Established Between A Woman's Spirituality and Her Libido

2009-10-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

New research reveals that spirituality has a greater impact on a woman's sex life than religion, alcohol or impulsivity; and that her overall wellbeing is directly related to her libido.

Latest Research

The research was conducted at the University of Kentucky, using a specific research measure called the Spiritual Transcendence Scale.

Researcher, Jessica Burris, stated:

"I think people have been well aware of the role that religious and spiritual matters play in everyday life for a very long time. But in the research literature, the unique qualities of spirituality, apart from religiousness, are not usually considered."

These specific qualities are connectedness, universality, and prayer fulfillment. Of these, connectedness was believed to be the reason why women had multiple sexual encounters with multiple partners, and most often without using condoms.

Burris goes on to explain this phenomenon:

"Believing one is intimately tied to other human beings and that interconnectedness and harmony are indispensible may lead one to believe sexual intimacy possesses a divine or transcendent quality in itself. In fact, ascribing sacred qualities to sex has been positively associated with positive affective reactions to sex, frequency of sex, and number of sexual partners among university students."

The 353 university student participants, of whom 61% were women, were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding their spiritual and religious views, sexual practices, impulsivity and alcohol use.

In regards to spirituality, the participants were asked to choose statements that reflected their own spiritual views, such as "In the quiet of my prayers and/or meditations, I find a sense of wholeness," and "Although individual people may be difficult, I feel an emotional bond with all of humanity."

One of the most interesting discoveries from the study was that men, who proclaimed themselves to be spiritual, were not affected sexually, and that they had a decrease in sexual encounters.

The researchers believe that men do not consider spirituality in a sexual connotation, because they biologically don’t view sex as a "gateway to emotional
intimacy."

However, for women, spirituality was the greatest predictor in regards to their frequency of sex, multiple partners and failure to use condoms.

"It is possible female young adults yearn for greater connectedness with other humans. Spirituality, at least for women, could be considered a risk factor," believes Burris.

Conversely, this raises another question: Are women more sexually active because of their spirituality; or does spirituality itself create an open-minded attitude that manifests itself through sex?

"Research suggests that spirituality provides predictive utility over and above personality traits such as conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness," explains Burris. "So while it may be the case that spirituality is correlated with other variables that show similar relationships with human sexuality and sexual practices (such as openness to experiences), the relationship we observed, in my opinion, cannot simply be explained away by other variables."

Similar Study

The October issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study, conducted at the Women's Health Program at Monash University in Australia, in which an association was made between a woman's happiness and her libido.

Approximately 300 women aged between 20 and 65, with half of whom being either pre-menopausal or post-menopausal were surveyed over the course of 28 days.

The participants were instructed to record their daily sexual events, and to also answer a questionnaire focusing on their wellbeing and sexual satisfaction.

The results indicated that more than 140 participants (split equally between the pre- and post-menopausal participants) felt sexually dissatisfied. Those participants that were post-menopausal demonstrated the most differences in overall wellbeing: women who were sexually satisfied scored 84 out of 110 on the questionnaire, whilst dissatisfied women scored only 76.
Women who were pre-menopausal provided similar results, with those women who were sexually dissatisfied scoring lower on vitality and cheerfulness. However the researchers found it difficult to conclude the results:

"The problem with interpreting this finding is that it is impossible to determine if dissatisfied women had lower well-being because they were sexually dissatisfied, or if the reverse is true, such that women who started with lower well-being tended to secondarily have sexual dissatisfaction," said lead researcher Sonia Davison.

Beyond The Studies

The studies revealed a direct correlation between a woman's wellbeing and her sexual libido. Davis suggested that this may be due to a variety of
circumstances such as low self-esteem or poor relationships.

However, there are herbal remedies that a woman can take to help naturally increase her libido. One such product is Female Essence. This all-natural supplement has been specifically formulated with a well-known aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant to gently increase a woman's libido, as well as her self-confidence, by increasing sexual stamina and boosting energy levels. The herbs contained in Female Essence have also been proved to help lower inhibitions and reduce anxiety.

Photo Credit: alicepopkorn

Tonight: The Orionid Meteor Shower!

2009-10-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

Stargazers throughout the world will be able to watch the Orionid meteor shower tonight; weather permitting of course.

The Orionids

Every year two meteor showers occur as a direct result of the Earth passing through the dust that is released by Halley's Comet: The Eta Aquarids and the Orionids, aptly named for the point inside the constellation Orion from whence the meteors appear to radiate.

Beginning around 15 October and ending around 29 October, the Orionid meteor shower is usually at its maximum during the early morning hours of 20 - 22 October.

Many thousands of years ago, Halley's Comet left a trail of dust behind as it traveled through space. The Orionid meteor shower occurs when Earth travels right through that path of dust and debris. What appears to be shooting stars are merely tiny grains of dust vaporizing in Earth's upper atmosphere.

Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office says that:

"Flakes of comet dust hitting the atmosphere should give us dozens of meteors per hour."

The Best Viewing

During the beginning of the Orionid meteor shower and again at the end, the Orionids themselves are hardly noticeable in the night sky. However, during its maximum, viewers in the Southern Hemisphere could possibly see up to 40 meteors per hour, whilst Northern Hemisphere viewers will see around 20 meteors per hour

The Orionid meteor shower will starts its maximum tonight and therefore the best time to watch, regardless of where you live, will be between 1am and dawn local time on Wednesday morning.

According to Space.com, this is possible because:

"That's when the patch of Earth you are standing on is barreling headlong into space on Earth's orbital track, and meteors get scooped up like bugs on a windshield."

When the Earth enters the deepest part of Halley's Comet's dust, it will mark the beginning of the peak activity period of the Orionid meteor shower. This will probably occur at approximately 6am or 3am PT.

A few stray meteors could also be visible earlier tonight as well, although those people living in cities will see less meteors overall than those people living in rural areas. This is because light pollution in the cities will obscure the meteor's brightness.

The Best Shower

According to Cooke, the Orionid meteor shower is one of the best showers to view:

"Since 2006, the Orionids have been one of the best showers of the year, with counts of 60 or more meteors per hour."

However, actually predicting meteor showers is hard as the debris can stem from multiple streams. For instance, every time that Halley's Comet travels around the sun on its elongated orbit, which is usually every 76 years, it actually leaves behind a new path of debris for the Earth to move through in the years to come. This pathway eventually starts to spread out over time and the Earth then passes through it every October during the Earth's 365 day trek around the sun.

The past few years has seen more meteors during the Orionid meteor shower than ever before. Mikiya Sato and Jun-ichi Watanabe, researchers from Japan, believe that this is due to debris stemming from 1266 BC to 911 BC. NASA believes that this will be another good year to view the Oroinid meteor shower.

For many years prior to 2006, the Orionids reliably produced 15 to 20 meteors per hour at their peak which were easily visible for viewers under dark skies.

As luck would have it, there will also be about 5 to 10 meteors per hour during this peak period that are not related to the Orionids at all! These meteors will be much weaker and more sporadic than the Orionids.

The Orionids will move relatively fast. But the easiest way to distinguish an Orionid meteor is to trace it backwards. If it leads you back to the Orion
constellation, then you know that it was an Orionid meteor.

History

The discovery of the Orionid meteor shower has been credited to E. C. Herrick of Connecticut who, in 1839, was the first person to state that there was meteor activity around 8 - 15 October each year. In 1840 he made the observation that the "precise date of the greatest meteoric frequency in October is
still less definitely known, but it will in all probability be found to occur between the 8th and 25th of the month."

However, on 18 October 1864, A. S. Herschel made the first accurate observation of the meteor shower, when it was seen that 14 meteors radiated out from the Orion constellation. A few days later on 20 October 1865, Herschel confirmed the sighting of a meteor shower originating from Orion.

Since then, the Orionids have become one of the most observed annual meteors showers.

Photo Credit: makelessnoise

NaturalWellbeing Coupons, Discounts, and Promotions

2009-10-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

From time to time we offer special promotional coupons codes to our customers. You can find the currently active coupons on this page. Once you have chosen the coupon you would like to use simply begin your checkout process and you will be prompted to enter your coupon code before completing your order.

Please Note: At this time the coupon codes found on the NaturalWellbeing site are the only legitimate coupons available. We do not post coupons on other promotional websites. Normally we only offer coupons to return customers via email.

Currently available coupons:
Save 5% on any purchase - "save5"

Safety Tips for Fall

2009-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the best way to prevent injuries whilst raking leaves, cleaning gutters and performing other outdoor chores is to take proper health and safety precautions.

Dr. Dr. Laurence Laudicina, a spokesperson for the AAOS stated in a new release from the academy that:

"Many people work vigorously in the yard during the autumn season, and it often takes a toll on your body. Raking leaves and cleaning out the gutters are popular seasonal chores that can lead to falls or strain to your back and upper body."

Last year 617,000 people in America suffered injuries that were sustained as a direct result from incorrectly using rakes, ladders and other outdoor garden supplies, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has stated.

In an effort to help prevent injuries, the AAOS, along with the Centers for Disease Control, have issued a few tips to help keep you safe whilst performing your Fall chores.

Wait a While

Although this might be frustrating for some, waiting for the full fall to rake leaves is better than doing quick rake jobs here and there. Planning on doing one big rake job, will prevent you from taking any safety shortcuts, that could result in slips, falls, and sore muscles, that you might take when doing small clean ups.

Choosing the Right Rake

Before attempting any outside chore, you should first carefully choose your tools. Although tempting, avoid borrowing a rake from your neighbor, as it may not be the right height or strength for you. When purchasing a rake, make sure to buy a rake that has a padded handle to avoid blisters (or wear gloves instead). Avoid cheap lightweight rakes that made from plastic as the lighter the rake is, the more of your own energy you will use to rake up the leaves. A few garden stores even carry ergonomically designed rakes that are intended to improve on ease of use and comfort and therefore prevent injuries.

Dress Warmly

It may sound too obvious, but most people do not dress warmly enough before working outside in the cool autumn weather. However, dressing warmly does not mean that you need to wear thick wooly clothes! Rather dress in lightweight layers that will keep you warm without trapping sweat to your body. Make sure that you wear a pair of sturdy gloves that have some grip to them. Also remember to wear a hat and scarf - just make sure that they don't block your vision. You don't want to trip over tree stumps or walk into low tree branches. Shoes or boots that are supportive, comfortable and have non-slip soles are the perfect accompaniment! Remember, that if you are allergic to mould or mildew, it is probably a good idea to wear a mask over your nose and mouth.

Warm Up

Doing a pre-rake workout for at least 10 minutes is a great way to avoid straining any muscles. In one hour of raking, you can easily burn at least 300 calories. Therefore, doing a few stretches, side bends and knee lifts will help prevent straining your back, neck and shoulder muscles. The stretches will also help get your blood flowing and mentally prepare yourself for the bending, lifting and raking that you are about to do.

Watch Your Posture

Keep an eye on your posture whilst you are raking up the leaves. Always stand up straight and try to rake the leaves to one side of your body, allowing your hands to alternate. Remember to always bend from your knees whenever you attempt to pick up piles of raked leaves, and never throw the leaves over your shoulders as this twisting motion can cause back injuries. Rather simply step to the side so that your entire body moves and not only your back and shoulders. Another tip is to not overfill the leaf bags, especially if the leaves are slightly damp. The bags should always be light enough for you to carry comfortably.

Take A Break

Take a 10 to 15 minute break from raking at regular intervals. The repetitive motions of raking the leaves up can become laborious after a bit. During your break you should do a few stretches to release any tension in your back and shoulders. Don't forget to keep yourself hydrated by sipping on water.

Ladders

Before using a ladder you will need to inspect it very carefully for any loose hinges, rungs or screws and to make sure that it is clean, especially if you have not used it for a while. Always place the ladder on firm level ground and check to see that it is fully open and locked before climbing and never sit or stand on the very top rung or pail shelf.

Photo Credit: Dan4th

5 Ways That Technology Is Ruining Our Food

2009-10-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

These days everyone is trying to eat right by eating presumably healthier foods. In an attempt to get the most nutrients out of our food, we have allowed technology to dictate how we should be preparing and saving our food. But is the way in which our food is prepared really that much healthier for us?

1. Irradiation

This technology has been around since the beginning of the 20th century, when scientists were awarded a patent to use radiation to kill bacteria hiding in food. Now it is a widely used preservation process and currently the FDA has approved it for use on iceberg lettuce and spinach in an effort to prevent E. coli.

Using irradiation to preserve food is a cheap way to prevent spoilage whilst also allowing the produce to travel longer distances. It uses electron radiation, similar to that created by X-ray machines, just at a more powerful strength. However, when our food is exposed to this radiation, any insects, viruses, microbes and other pathogens are immediately destroyed, whilst the actual food itself remains non-radioactive.

Although most food companies are claiming that the irradiation is safe, the Center for Food Safety, has conducted research that indicates otherwise: Irradiation decreases the nutritional content of foods, such as 80% of Vitamin A found in Eggs and 95% of Lutein found in Green Beans.

The Organic Consumers Association has found that new compounds, such as carcinogens like benzene and toluene, are being created in foods that have been preserved via irradiation. These destroy healthy cells and have been known to cause gene mutations.

Currently, only whole, unprocessed foods are labeled that they have been processed via irradiation. However, proposed regulations are in the works to demand that all "materially changed" foods be labeled; and labels should state "cold pasteurized" or "electronically pasteurized" rather than the use of the word irradiation.

2. Microwave

Every household in the USA has a microwave because it is a simple and quick way to heat up leftovers or to cook food in as well. Microwaves work by using fast moving particles to radiate the water contained inside the food to boiling point. However, microwaving food is not that great!

A study, conducted by Spanish researchers and published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, discovered that microwaving food actually destroys the nutrients in vegetables. For example, when microwaved, Broccoli lost 97% of its flavonoids, 74% of its sinapics and 87% of its caffeoyl-quinic derivatives - all three are antioxidants that protect us from cancer. Steamed Broccoli, on the other hand, only lost 11%, 0% and 8% of these antioxidants respectively.

When microwaving, opt for the lowest setting to heat up foods or use a toaster oven instead.

3. Freezing Food

The main element in fresh food is water, which makes up about 50 to 90% of the food's total weight. In order to maintain this water level, and temporarily halt the grown of potentially harmful bacteria and microorganisms, the food is frozen.

Whilst the actual process of freezing is not harmful to the food, it is best done right after harvesting. Fruits and vegetables start to lose their nutritional value soon after being picked, especially when they are kept at room temperature or above.

Another negative side effect of freezing is that food that has been frozen and is stored for long periods of time will eventually start to lose its vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins B and C. When storing frozen food, always write the date of storage on the label and through it out if it is too old.

4. Dried Food

Drying food entails removing the water content and dehydrating it. When drying fruits there are certain vitamins and that are easily destroyed, such as Vitamin C. Therefore it is best to eat fresh fruit than dried fruit.

Even though eating dried food still has its nutritional benefit, you will actually eat more dried food than you would if you were eating its fresh counterpart, e.g. instead of eating a whole apple, you may eat 7 to 8 pieces of the dried fruit instead.

5. Organic

Whilst organic foods may seem expensive now, think about how much nutritional content you are losing by purchasing and eating cheaper, commercially produced foods, as organically grown foods have a higher percentage of antioxidants. Commercially grown foods have pesticides sprayed on them that have been linked to certain cancers.

Apples, bell peppers, carrots, celery, cherries, imported grapes, kale, lettuce, nectarines, peaches, pears, and strawberries have all tested the worst for pesticides, so purchase organic instead.

Those produce items that have the least amount of pesticides are avocados, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, kiwi, mangos, onions, papaya, pineapples, sweet corn, sweet peas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Photo Credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapitol.com