|
|
|
|
3430-D
Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA 23139 JULY, 2005 Newsletter
SUMMER SUN & FUN TIPS As the kids say, HOORAY - IT'S SUMMER! For some reason I still believe summers are special. I'm a "summer person." I don't mind the heat as much as I mind the cold and I love seeing the colors, smelling the flowers and picking the vegetables. There are a few summer challenges to overcome, however. First there are the bugs. Most bug repellents contain chemicals that can have the potential to be more toxic than some of the diseases the insects carry. The most common ingredient in commercial insect repellents today is Diethyl-m-Toulamide (DEET). DEET has been around for over 40 years commercially, but its action still isn't known. In the 1980's there were reports of DEET-related seizures in young children. More recently, a Duke University pharma- cist has found that when mixed with other chemicals in a pesticide formula, DEET causes brain cell death that leads to memory loss and loss of motor skills. In fact, the EPA no longer allows products with DEET to claim they are safe for children's use. A better option for repelling insects is a natural blend of essential oils. Lavender and peppermint oils work well when mixed with a carrier oil. Burning citronella candles on your porch or deck will keep insects away from the immediate area. And finally, there are natural insect repellents al- ready blended that are available for sale. And if you do get bitten, using witch hazel mixed with aloe gel and lavender essential oil makes a great anti-itch remedy. Another summer challenge is the sun. Sun on un-protected skin in small amounts (10 - 20 minutes a day) is actually good for most people. It helps the body produce Vitamin D which is critical for not only bone health, but also for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, MS, depression, epilepsy, migraines, PCOS and cancer prevention. If you will be outside for more than 20 minutes, however, sunscreens are recommended to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Some sunscreen products contain toxic chemicals that penetrate the skin and can actually increase the risk of disease. Chemicals you may wish to avoid include: PABA, Dioxybenzone, Oxybenzone, and Titanium Dioxide. According to Medscape, sunscreens only prevent a small part of the damage from sun exposure by screening UVB. UVA is not as well screened by many may products, and is responsible for collagen disruptions that cause prematurely aged skin. Since people get a false sense of security using sunscreens and stay out longer, they will actually worsen the epidemic of sun-aged skin. There are natural sunscreens with safer ingredients. Other ways of preventing too much exposure is to stay out of the sun when it is the most intense, wear protective clothing and wear hats. Eating more fresh vegetables and berries will increase your antioxidant level which helps protect your skin naturally. If you get too much sun and become burned, the best solution is to apply pure aloe vera gel to the skin. It's cooling and soothing and repairs damaged skin cells. Hydration is of the utmost importance during the summer. Being dehydrated can cause serious illnesses. Sometimes we don't feel thirsty, but our bodies need the water anyway. Drink at least six 8-oz. glasses of water daily. Sodas and juice don't count. According to www.momsteam.com, these beverages have sugar and caffeine which deplete the body of needed nutrients. After being outside, applying lotions can keep skin from becoming too dry and leathery. A good lotion will consist of all-natural ingredients. Finally, use natural deodorants instead of antiperspirants. Antiperspirants often contain different forms of aluminum which is a neurotoxin and can lead to Alzheimer's and osteoporosis, among other things. Above all, be safe, have fun and minimize dangers to your health by using natural summer sun products.
FIBROMYALGIA WORKSHOP Please join Debbie Markel, Certified Herbalist, for a workshop all about: "Natural Approaches in Treating Fibromyalgia" As a fibromyalgia sufferer herself, Debbie has first-hand knowledge about dealing with this debilitating disease in a natural way. WHEN: Monday, July 18, 2005 WHAT TIME: 6:30pm - 8:00pm WHERE: Therapeutic Massage & Wellness, 11923 Centre St., Suite B, Chester VA PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Jackee (804) 721-9156 or Susan (804) 586-2601 to reserve space. COST: $5.00 per person
AROMATHERAPY & MASSAGE TIPS FROM SHAWN MARIE, CMT Helichrysum, a.k.a. Everlasting, is a fantastic essential oil to keep on hand during the super sunny months of summer. Helichrysum is famous as a sunscreen. Mix 50 drops of this essential oil with four ounces of sesame seed oil to create a great sun blocker that is extremely beneficial for your skin. This essential oil is great for all skin types. Helichrysum is also used to help treat stress related conditions and exhaustion. Get ready for bathing suit season with massage therapy. A vigorous weekly massage with detoxifying essential oils in the hips, buttocks and thigh area can detoxify muscle tissue, help break apart cellulite and smooth and tone skin. Results can be seen within four to five weeks. Be sure to exercise and drink plenty of water while receiving toning massages in order to achieve the best results. (Visit www.wholeistichealth.com for more about Shawn Marie, massage therapy and aromatherapy.)
POWHATAN'S
FESTIVAL OF THE GRAPE Visit www.powhatanchamberofcommerce.org for details.
SUMMER SUN PRODUCTS IN STOCK
"Stop Buggin'" natural insect repellent
Natural Aloe Gel for after sun relief Lavender, Jasmine and Rose water mists for cooling and soothing Natural skin care lotions Crystal and natural enzyme deodorants.
HAPPY
FOURTH
OF
JULY! To be removed from our mailing list, send an email to herbalist@earthlink.net and type REMOVE in the subject line. We never share your address with anyone for any reason. |
|
|
|