Cold, Flu, Strep, Candida NO MORE...Essential Oils & Herbs to the Rescue!!!

          In the city that never sleeps and goes from hot to cold in a matter of hours- nothing is worse than waking up to a debilitating bout of the flu, cold, yeast infection, sore throat, etc.  Let's face it- with the lack of sleep and stress that overtakes us city dwellers even the best of us get worn out.  This past year was definitely a challenging one.  I remember a few days after a romantic rendevous waking up with a sore throat (appeared to be strep) that later took on the nature of the flu since I could no longer eat any food including green juice and then my sinuses got infected.  It was absolutely miserable...I couldnt work for a good part of the month and I dropped like 15 lbs fast.  Luckily with a little help from my colonic therapist and Young Living Oils guru, Cynthia- I was able to push through without resorting to prescription drugs or multiple doctor visits.  I personally would not use any essential oil line but Young Living Oils.  Virtually every holistic practitioner out there I know use Young Living Oils.  Reason why is because they are the only organic unadulterated and food grade line of essential oils out there.  That in part is due to their technologically advanced distillery process.  Additionally, Gary Young, the founder created the raindrop technique which is popularized for the energetic effect applying the oils has on body and emotions.   Below are just a few of my recommendations for specific conditions.

                                        

Depression and Trauma: Young Living oil blends- Gathering, Trauma Life, Forgiveness, Release (apply over the liver area to deal with unresolved anger), and white Angelica.  Put a few drops on the palms of your hand and inhale, diffuse, and/or apply to vita flex points. Apply joy essential oil over the heart.  Bach flower remedies are another alternative.

Swollen Lymph nodes: Young living Oil's Raven, Lavender, citrus fresh, grapefruit, lemongrass, digize.  Apply a few drops every 15-30 min on swollen area.

Cold/Flu: Young Living Oil Blends: Thieves, Immunopower, Ningxia Red, and Inner Defense capsules.  You can take one or more blends at the same time.  For Thieves and/or Immunopower- insert 10-15 drops of your choice in veggie capsule.  Take 1-3 capsules throughout the day at the first onset of cold or flu.   Topically, apply a few drops of thieves to the soles of the feet and massage in.   You can also take 1 capsule of inner defense on an empty stomach morning or night.   Ningxa Red is YL blend of the chinese wolfberry (otherwise known as a goji berry) and select low sugar fruits.   Goji Berries are high in antioxidants, vitamin A, etc.  

Other natural remedies for cold/flu include: Food grade Vitamin C (camu camu berry) added to smoothies or blended with water,  Allicidin (natures natural antibiotic equivalent to 40 cloves of heirloom garlic without garlic breath) capsules from Premier Research Labs, Wild Oregano Oil (powerful antifungal), Echinacea/Goldenseal Tinctures/tea (best taken at the onset of symptoms), half a lemon juiced mixed with purified water first thing in the morning, and fasting from dairy/alcohol/flour products during the duration of your sickness.   I would encourage you to focus on easy to digest whole raw foods and green juices as much as possible.

Sinuses: Young Living Oil Blends of RC, Raven, Melrose, Breath Again.  Apply topically every hour on chest and nostrils and also diffuse into the air while sleeping.  Additionally, a few sessions of Acupuncture goes a long way to healing sinus infections. The key to acupuncture is repetition.  You might need to initially go once a week for acute infections. 

Bruises: Arnica cream/gel applied directly to bruise.  Also Copaila Oil from Young Living applied topically.

Candida: Young Living Oil's Purification blend, YL Inner Defense capsules, eliminate gluten/processed foods/sugar in all forms as much as possible, non-dairy probiotics or coconut kefir/raw saurkraut taken regularly.   Periodic gravity method colonics and green juice fasting also aid a lot.  Substitute green leaf stevia for sweetener.  I like organic traditions green powder stevia best. 

Strep: Gargle with Young Living Oil Thieves mixed with a little water if necessary as much as possible.  Additionally mix 1 tbsp honey, 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 3 cloves of garlic.  Chew and swallow 1/2 tsp of this every half hour to kill the strep bacteria.

Balancing Hormones: Young Living Oils Clary Sage and Dragon time massaged on the abdomen to reduce cramps and bloated feeling during menses.   For balancing progesterone levels- apply progesterone cream from wild yam on wrists, ovaries, under the bust once or twice daily from days 16-28 of your cycle.   To reduce cramping drink Red Raspberry Tea.  Also periodic liver cleansing goes a long way in reducing PMS symptoms and hormone imbalances.  A great and simple liver cleansing regime I have used is from Andres moritz book The Amazing Liver Gallbladder Flush.  

Protecting from Negative Energy: Wild Angelica Essential oil applied topically to shoulder blades.  Black tourmaline stone worn as jewelry.  

Clearing the energy: Young Living Sage or Palo Santo Oils diffused throughout apartment space with windows opened.

Perfume: Young Living Oil blends - Passion, joy, lady scherol. Or single oils of rose, ylang ylang or jasmine applied topically.  For men sandalwood or balsam fir essential oils. 

Hypothyroid: Nascent iodine (1-3 drops a few times per day in water), holy basil taken as supplement or tea.  Reduce and/or avoid gogentric foods like: raw kale, Swiss chard, rutabaga, etc.   Exercise on rebound trampoline daily.  

Relaxation/Sleep: Young Living Oils Lavender, peace & calming, rutavala, roman chamomile applied to feet or temples. Also diffused.  Drink a glass of chamolile tea.  

Skin issues: Young Living oils of tea tree, lavender, frankincense, sandlewood, copoila, heliochrysthym are all great oils to  apply topically.  Experiment with one at a time a few drops to see which agree with your skin.  Food allergies, hormone imbalances, constipation, and parasite infections are the root to most skin problems.  If you tend to breakout around the jawline and chin on or around your period work on balances your hormones with The herb Vitex and wild yam to balance progesterone levels.  Cheeks are linked to lungs but also can result from parasite infections.  Comprehensive digestive stool analysis by holistic practitioner can be helpful to determine if that is an issue.  Dairy, sugar, and gluten are often the main food culprits behind breakouts particularly on the t-zone.  Experiment with eliminating those foods for a few weeks and see if breakouts are reduced.   Periodic gravity method colonics/enemas also can assist with breakouts resulting from constipation.  

Constipation: Avoid over the counter laxatives and excessive use of herbs such as cascara sagrada/senna.  Those herbs should only be taken on rare occasional because if taken regularly they will cause dependency and result in colon problems.  The safer alternatives are pure aloe Vera juice (100%), oxy mag (magnesium oxide), castor oil, Young Living peppermint/digize/purification oils applied topically to stomach, chia and flax seeds for extra fiber and bulk, avoiding acidifying foods like meat/dairy/grains/alcohol.   Home enemas and gravity colonics are great adjuncts as well that will also get ride of intestinal gas that has built up inside.  Also consider supplements whole food source HCL (hydrochloric acid) to build up stomach acid and protect lining of gut and help with digestion.  

Adrenals: Adrenal fatigue is an epidemic due to the long strung out workdays and lack of sleep. Nutmeg and energee essential oils applied topically over adrenal glands daily.  Ashwanganda, gota kola, shilijit, and holy basil are also great adaptogenic herbs to add to smoothies or take as supplements.  

Headaches: Juice 1 fennel bulb and 2 apples and drink.  Rub Young living Oils peppermint on forehead and the back of neck at the onset of one.  

Parasites: Whether you realize it or not parasites are all too common pathogens invading you as a result of unwashed fruits and veggies, poor hygiene, imbalanced gut terrain etc.  however there are various herbs that can aid in ridding pathogens but I would highly recommend getting a comprehensive digestive stool analysis and parasitology from a reputable holistic doctor before going at it so u know what you have.  Also keep in mind that most parasites have a 90 day life cycle so it's imperative to continue your regime awhile.  The Hilda Clark parasite zapper and other similar devices also I have found great benefit implementing where the herbs might fall short.  Particularly with travel.  Wormwood, diatomaceous earth powder, black walnut hulls, pumpkin seeds, thyme, oregano, and garlic are a few herbs that synergistically work well to eradicate parasites.  Global Research Center has a great alcohol free tincture and cleansing regime.  

If your interested in trying out Young Living oils and want to be able to get wholesale pricing and perks rather then paying retail pricing feel free to reach out to me with your contact information so I can assist you.  

Do you have any experience with essential oils you would like to share? Feel free to post your regime below. 

The TOXIC INGREDIENTS lurking in your favorite Skin, Hair, and Makeup Products...

 Its been awhile since I did my last blog entry and this topic is something I'm passionate about spreading the word about because its one of the most misunderstood topics in the health movement.  Primarily because many of the so-called "organic" and/or "natural" lines you often see at Whole Foods Market, Trader Joes, or small organic chain supermarkets although might contain some organic ingredients, they also contain very inorganic ingredients.  These inorganic ingredients which in reality are chemicals compromise the integrity and safety of such products.   But unless you the consumer take the time to educate yourself on  what ingredients to look for and what ingredients to absolutely avoid you might not realize the so-called "natural" toothpaste is pretty much no different then the crest brand toothpaste you used growing up plus some cool organic herbs added.   

To add insult to injury the government actually doesn't require organic or natural skincare/haircare/makeup lines to list all chemicals they add to their products if it makes up less than 5% of the total ingredient list even with  the organic seal.  Just as long as they are not comprised of fragrances or petrochemicals.  However, to complicate things further the trade secret law outsmarts that if the creator of the product thinks it would reveal their secret formula.  The skincare lines I recommend in my previous blog you can be assured to the best of my knowledge and research do not cover up or have any hidden ingredients.    In effort to help you understand the risk factors and dangers of traditional products ingredients, below I am highlighting the top ingredients you need to watch out for.   Now onto the TOXIC INGREDIENTS...and this by no means is an extensive list so bear that in mind when reading.


1.  SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS)/SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)/AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE(ALS)- The most commonly used names for this chemical that is in nearly every conventional shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face product in order to make your products lather.   According to the Environmental Working Group Cosmetic Safety Database and PubMed's Science Reports there is over 16, 000 studies that have shown the dangers to using this chemical including:

• Irritation of the skin and eyes
• Organ toxicity
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity
• Neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicology, and biochemical or cellular changes
• Possible mutations and cancer

Furthermore, SLS, SLES, and ALS are often contaminated with three known carcinogenic chemicals: Ethylene oxide, 1,4 dioxane, and Nitrosamines.  In other words, cancer causing ingredients!  Its no wonder, cancer is becoming so widespread when we are using products every day.   Be sure to watch out for other names for this chemical like: Sodium dodecyl sulfate, A13-00356,Sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, sodium salt, Akyposal SDS,Sodium salt sulfuric acid, Aquarex ME, Monododecyl ester sodium salt sulfuric acid,Aquarex methyl.  

2. PRESERVATIVES AND FORMALDEHYDE- Including METHYL, BUTYL, ETHYL, PROPYL Parabens have been shown to not only be irritating to the skin but have also been linked to the development of breast cancer (Journal of Applied toxicology Jan/Feb 2004).   Also, steer clear of GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) as its contaminated with one of these ingredients as I explained in my previous blog entry.  Furthermore the following preservatives release small amounts of a probable carcinogen Formaldehyde according to the EPA including: diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantion, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium 15, bronopol (2-brono-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol).  According to The Green Guide and Natural Healthy Concepts, exposure to the Formaldehyde over long periods of time can result in: 

• asthma attacks,
• involuntary sweating,
• breathing difficulty, 
• nausea
• headaches
• insomnia
• ear infections
• chronic fatigue
• cancer
• chest pains
• allergies

*Safer preservatives are rosemary extract, Gold, ascorbic acid (if from non gmo source),  and pycnogenol to name a few. *

3. GLYCOLS (propylene glycol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, carbitol, diethylene glycol, EGPE, EGME, EGEE, DEGBE, PGME, DPGME, or Methyl-):  Commonly used as a humectant in moisturizers despite the FDA warning the dangers of using this ingredient in concentrations greater than 5% even on small parts of the body.  

•  According to the Green Guide, "some glycols can affect the reproductive system or cause birth defects and overexposure can result in kidney damage and liver abnormalities."  

4. FRAGRANCES/PHYTHALATES: (Methylene Chloride, toluene, Methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl alcohol, and benzyl chloride) So be weary if you see "natural fragrance" or something similiar at the end of the ingredient list because thats usually a cover up for some nasty chemical.  *The best natural alternative to fragrances are to use pure unadulterated Essential Oils such as Young Living Oils. *

• According to The Green Guide, "Phythalates are responsible for causing liver cancer and birth defects to the animals that have been tested for its dangers. Pthalates can penetrate deep into the skin, making the internal body parts susceptible to its dangers."  
• Not only that, because of the government's trade secret law, companies are actually not required to list fragrances on the ingredient list.  Therefore, just because a product states that its fragrance-free does not in fact actually mean it is fragrance free because of the trade secret law.  

5. LEAD/MERCURY:  Everyone should know by now the dangers of heavy metals on the body but very few people are probably aware just where they could be getting exposed to these things and what the side affects are. 

• According to The Green Guide, "Lead is known as the brain and hormone toxin as it alters natural hormone processes, causing disruptions to the body’s natural flow...Mercury is known for its drastic effects to ones nervous system when a person is exposed to it for a long time." Both are commonly found in various cosmetic lines particularly lines that are created to be longer lasting for the wearer.  If you get chapped or swollen lips after using a lipstick its likely you're allergic to it and it has lead present in it.  

6. ANTIBACTERIALS: You ever wonder why despite all the soap we use and the numerous times we wash our hands that we still manage to not be able to protect ourselves against diseases like E Coli and Salmolnella? Well thats partially a result of the excessive use of antibacterial agents.  Triclosan is one example that is a synthetic antibacterial agent that the EPA registers as a pesticide and is classified as a Chlorophenol (chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans).  ABC News recently published an article online stating that "recent research suggests these products may encourage the growth of “superbugs” resistant to antimicrobial agents, a problem when these bacteria run rampant, turning into a dangerous infection that cannot be treated with available medication...Triclosan creates an environment where the resistant, mutated bacteria are more likely to survive." 


7. SUNSCREENS: As cited in The Green Guide, "Benzophenone, benzophenone-3, homosalate, Octy-methoxycinnamate have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests.  While Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 are chemicals that have the potential to damage DNA when illuminated with sunlight. On the skin's surface, the chemicals do protect from UV damage, but once absorbed, these chemicals can prove destructive." A safer alternative is to use a sunscreen with non nano particle sized Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide which only rest on the surface of the skin and don't penetrate deep inside like traditional sunscreens.  *


8. ARTIFICIAL COLORS:  According to The Green Guide, "FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3 are carcinogenic, and D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5, and FC&C Yellow 6 have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.  Some artificial coal-tar colors contain heavy metal impurities, including arsenic & lead, which are carcinogenic." And Mind Body Green also states "Absorption can cause depletion of oxygen and even death."


9. DIOXIN: Although you won't commonly see this ingredient listed on skincare labels since its often contained in other toxic ingredients such as SLS, triclosan, emulsifiers, sanitary napkins, etc.  Another reason to steer clear of those other ingredients.   Dioxin has shown to cause cancer, birth deformaties, miscarriages, nervous system disorders, and reduced immunity.  


10. BENZOYL PEROXIDE: Commonly seen in anti- Acne products.  A possible tumor promoter. A known skin, eye, and respiratory irritant.  Produces DNA damage and may act as a mutagen. 


11.DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (Triethanolamine): Commonly found in most shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.  A skin/eye irritant that has been known to cause contact dermatitis.  Since its easily absorbed through the skin its resulted in various organ cancers.  

This is by no means a comprehensive list but it is a starting point for you.   I also encourage you to use sites like Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) or that has taken the time to assess unbiased thousands of skincare products and create a rating based on the toxicity of each so you can see for yourself the potential dangers of such products. Download their app so you can check out the safety of your favorite products before you buy them.  According to EWG, 89% of 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety by the FDA.  So keep that in mind if an ingredient doesn't show up on the database because it doesn't mean its necessarily any safer.  Rather it just means there isn't enough studies on that particular ingredient to know for certain the toxicities and long term cumulative affects of using that ingredient. 

One thing you should always ask yourself when it comes to label reading of skincare is:  Could you eat the all of the ingredients without getting seriously ill? If the answer is no, then its best to stay away from such products because even though you may think your just applying these products topically, the fact of the matter is they're still being absorbed into your skin and eventually hitting the bloodstream.  Why add to your toxic load just in the name of vanity when you could still maintain beatiful skin, hair, and nails without resorting to such products.   If you can't live without a few at least reduce your toxic load.   Start by aiming to replace the  stuff you use everyday (face wash, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, etc) with safe, organic (look for USDA certified Organic seal), and chemical free alternatives such as the products I mentioned on my previous blog entry.  

References:

The Green Guide Product Report (Moisturizers, Body Lotions, and Hand Creams)

http://www.thegreenguide.com/the-dirty-dozen-ingredients-in-personal-care-products

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5971/12-Toxic-Ingredients-to-AVOID-in-Cosmetics-Skin-Care-Products-Infographic.html

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/style/12-toxic-beauty-ingredients.htm
www.ewg.org

Sustainable and Stylish Fashion...

   So you're now eating healthier, recycling, and using chemical free skincare products but what about clothing and accessories? Well, have no fear eco friendly fashion has come a long way in the last several years.  You don't have to dress in a potato sack anymore.  In fact, you'll be impressed with some of the fashion forward clothing and accessories.  Below I listed a few of my favorites.  

Clothing:

Vaute Couture (Petal)

Vaute Couture: (www.vautecouture.com) I have had the pleasure of being a part of history modeling for Leanne's all vegan winter coats and clothing line.  Her line not only is sustainable and vegan but also super stylish.  Now there is no need to succumb to wool filled and fur coats during the winter months.  And why not snuggle in one of her super cozy sweatshirts complete with animal prints to remind you to be kind to the animal kingdom.   You can find her designs online or check out her flagship store in Brooklyn, NY.

Midori Styles (www.midoristyles.com) Another eco friendly line made from 95% certified organic bamboo and 5% spandex to make for a super soft and stretchy fabric.  The long tunic makes for a good breathable night gown in colder months.

Vaute Couture tank

Kaight Shop (www.kaightshop.com) Another fashion forward and eco conscious store carrying a variety of sustainable and vegan friendly clothing and accessories.  Kaight seeks out clothing that is made either from organic cotton, sustainable silk and/or wool, or upcycled.   If your in the new york city area you can find their flagship store in brooklyn.

Brave Gentlemen (www.bravegentlemen.com) Created by Joshua Katcher, this completely vegan and sustainable designed line of menswear clothing and accessories is assured to please any fashion forward man in town.

Amour Vert (www.amourvert.com) All clothing comes from organic and sustainable fabrics and is made in San Francisco, CA.

Shoes:

Kuna Prints Mola Shoes: (www.kunaprints.com) Not only are these shoes and accessories completely vegan but they also are made from 100% recycled fabric.  They're truly one of kind! I spotted them a few years back at a christmas fair in Bryant Park and immediately fell in love with a pair of stiletto sneaker pumps.   I kid you not- men and women alike stop me all the time raving about how cool these shoes are.   And they're super comfy and colorful!

Love is Mighty (Heera)

Love is Mighty: (www.loveismighty.com) Another amazing sustainable, cruelty free, vegan line.  Hand crafted by indigenous tribes and Artisans in India using recycled plastics to create a colorful and stylish shoes.

MooShoes (www.mooshoes.com) With their retail store located in New York City, you don't have to travel far to find a variety of sustainable and animal friendly shoes and accessories.  They carry the Love is Mighty brand.

Accessories:  

Dynomighty Design: (www.dynomighty.com) If your looking for a one of a kind wallet that is stylish and sustainable look no further than Dynomighty.  Completely recyclable and made of Tyvek are 25% post -consumer.  They are water resistant and durable.  Not to mention can store a lot of cards and cash.     When your wallet finally had its time you can mail it off for recycling.

Ollin Arm Candy: (www.ollinarmcandy.com) You will never look at candy quite the same way.  These stylish handbags and purses are made from recycled candy wrappers, gum wrappers, and soda bottle labels.   At least diabesity and junk food are making for cool accessories once disposed of.  They are weathered for tear-free long term durability.   If your vacationing in Mexico definitely snag one of these cool purses before returning home since they will cost far less than buying one in the states.


Stores and Retailers:

ABC Home: (www.abchome.com) This store located not far from Union Square in New York City boasts a large collection of the most upscale eco friendly fashion you can find.  From clothing to jewelry to skincare to home accessories and sustainable designed furniture.

Sustainable NYC

Sustainable NYC: (www.sustainable-nyc.com) Also located in New York City,  this cute boutique carries everything from household goods, eco-friendly shoes, organic clothing, handbags, jewelry, and organic makeup.

Uncommon Goods: (www.uncommongoods.com) Carrying a wide variety of unique one of a kind gifts.  You will definitely find a gift for someone special like no other.  Everything they carry is ecologically made and friendly to animals.

Gaiam (www.gaiam.com) As stated on their website, "The word Gaiam represents planetary awareness, preservation and support of the interconnectivity of all living things. By nurturing, protecting and respecting our planet, its natural resources and its inhabitants, we enrich our own lives and those of future generations." Gaiam sells a variety of products and eco friendly fashion.  From sustainable organic yoga wear to organic towels they got you covered.


Do you have a favorite eco-friendly fashion line you love that I did not list?