Wellness on Wednesday is all about the natural you!

In the U.S., kudzu is known by most as an overgrown weed. Recorded to grow up to a foot a day during the summer months, it has even been nicknamed “The Vine That Ate the South.” It is commonly viewed as a pest. But in China and Japan, the plant has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. Powder from the kudzu root can be used to treat headaches, indigestion, congestion, stress, insomnia, hyperactive children, and hangovers. It is most famous, however, for its treatment of alcoholism.

Kudzu has many healing properties. Not only does is sooth and relieve muscular tension for everyday ailments, it also reduces the desire for alcohol and stimulates liver tissue regeneration to areas damaged by toxins. Note that kudzu is not a cure for alcoholism. It is, however, very effective in treating and reducing both cravings and inflicted damage.

Here is a delicious recipe to help calm and heal the body:

Kudzu Concoction:
1 c. organic apple juice
1 t. vanilla extract
2 T. kudzu

Combine the apple juice and vanilla.
Add a bit of the mixture to the kudzu until it forms a paste.
Slowly stir in the rest of the juice.
Drink, relax, and enjoy!

Kudzu can be found at Asian markets and health food stores everywhere.

~Kristen

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Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamSpirit, Wellness, Health, GlamNetwork, Alcoholism, Medicinal Herb , Indigestion, Insomnia, Ailments, Kudzu

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Check out this week’s picks for our editorial faves:

A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Beauty for Good Fund-Raiser for 7 yr old Meadow Quinn
Makeup auctions to bid on (includes limited edition MAC) all to help Meadow Quinn get medical treatment

Couture in the City: Enter to Win Frownies Face Lift in a Bag Giveaway
Are you ready to reduce those lines between your eyes? Then enter our Frownies Face Lift in a Bag giveaway!

Chic, Eco-Friendly Bags
Make a Fashion Statement and Help the Environment

Makeup Minute’s Caption Contest
Give the picture the best caption and you could win a free Spinlash!

Stylenotes: Pat Field Creates Another Collection for Payless
Patricia Field, designer and stylist, once again collaborates with Payless to create a footwear and handbag collection.

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In today’s Wellness 101 we bring you art therapy…

Years ago, I began looking for an alternative form of therapy - I just never quite clicked with conventional psychotherapy. So when I heard the phrase “art therapy” tossed around at a party, I was instantly intrigued. Since I have a background in art, I felt that my creativity could be the perfect outlet. The more I discovered, the more convinced I became that art therapy could benefit not only me, but also anyone else out there – and in innumerable and wonderful ways.

Art therapy is a unique form of therapy that uses art to help patients understand and express their thoughts and emotions. The theory behind it holds that the creative process itself (rather than the actual product) can be a life-enhancing and therapeutic experience. Clients often work with paint, colored pencils, markers, three-dimensional objects, or mixed media, as well as through performance art and photography. Art therapists believe that it is not their job to interpret or add meaning to artwork, so the process should feel free and unencumbered. So although they observe, they do not psychoanalyze the art.

Art therapy is often used to help clients cope with a crisis, deal with stress, heal relationships, maintain mental health, and aid in emotional well-being. Through the creation of art, patients are able to gain insight into their problems and discover their own solutions. If you’re in the market for a therapist, consider working with an art therapist. Sessions are not only helpful and insightful, they’re also really fun! Start your search for creative therapy here.

Good luck!

~Jennifer Rosen

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Color Therapy
A Self-Healing Art

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamSpirit, Wellness, Health, GlamNetwork, Therapy, Emotional Well-being , Creative Process, Sand Therapy, Performance Art, Mental Health

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On Mondays we share our ideas to help you kick-start your week!

If only! I’d guess that the majority of us have neither the time nor the $$$ to go to the spa every day. Luckily, you don’t have to go to the spa to feel like you’ve just been to one – you can also bring the spa to you!

Simply adding fragrance to your morning shower instantly turns a daily task into a blissful, indulgent experience. Equip your shower (and/or tub) with beautifully scented shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and body washes (shop carefully if you have sensitive skin). Energizing scents such as citrus, mint, and eucalyptus gently awaken your senses and encourage deep breathing for a relaxing yet invigorating start to your day. Top it all off with a fragrant lotion, essential oil, or perfume and you can carry your little slice of heaven with you throughout the day.

Whether you’re a morning person or not, this simple step will have you looking forward to your new A.M. routine!

~Kristen Kancler

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Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamSpirit, Wellness, Health, GlamNetwork, Spa, Shower, Scents, Essential Oils, Perfume, Aromatherapy

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TGiF! Enjoy one of our top picks in today’s Friday Faves…

In our ever-growing environmentally conscious world, anything reusable or recycled is something to consider. More and more shoppers are carrying reusable canvas totes to the grocery market. And, although those are fine for toting home tomatoes, wouldn’t it be nice to have a stylish and environmentally friendly handbag? Shoppers in-the-know have started sporting chic, eco-friendly bags.

Many independent designers have begun to create handbags, diaper bags, totes, purses, messenger bags, and carry-alls in a variety of “fabrics” that you probably never thought would end-up transforming themselves into a fashion accessory!

In addition to the hot indie designers, many local artisans in disadvantaged communities are crafting these bags as well. Proceeds from these bags are funneled back to the groups, helping to ensure a better economic future. These bags not only utilize recycled materials, they also promote fair trade within non-profit, economic, and community development organizations. Plus, you should see these bags – they’re totally adorable!

Some of the materials used by these purse-makers are items that we would normally toss in the trash: soda can tabs, candy wrappers, reclaimed inner tubes, felt, truck tarps, garbage bags, old sails, seat belts, movie bills, and rice bags (to name a few!). Other materials are environmentally grown, such as hemp or bamboo.

Eco-friendly bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Some sport fun patterns and textures, while others feature stamped-on graphics. The choices are endless and you’ll be surprised to see how many there are!

Whether you go for the designer clutch or the fair trade tote, you’ll be a walking example of how to be hip and eco-friendly. Cutting back on garbage and supporting under-developed communities are both great ways to feel good about your fashion choices. These bags not only have style and character, but they make a great conversation piece as well!

~Jennifer Rosen

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12 Ways To Green Up Your Life
An Eco-Friendly Excuse to Shop

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamSpirit, Wellness, Health, GlamNetwork, Fair Trade, Environmentally Friendly, Stylish, Re-usable, Hemp, Bamboo, Communities

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