Wellness on Wednesday is all about the natural you!

Are you familiar with the itch and scratch cycle of eczema? The constant itching and scratching, scratching and itching…. As a result, you can end up suffering from red, irritated, and raw skin that can be very uncomfortable. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that causes itching and discomfort. Eczema can be triggered by stress, dust, animal fur, food allergies, and environmental conditions. The unpredictability of this disease can be rather upsetting since many different factors can set it off at any given time.

I have lived with eczema my entire life. I have scars on my legs and suffer constant breakouts on my arms, neck, and hands. As advised by my doctor, I have always used over-the-counter hydrocortisone to relieve the itching and inflammation. It wasn’t until I realized how dependent I was on my cortisone cream that I felt the need to find a more effective and natural solution to address my skin problems.

Here is a natural recipe for a paste that finally allowed me to toss my hydrocortisone. The ingredients include Vitamin E oil, goldenseal (an herb in the powdered form), and honey. Together these components hydrate, relieve itchiness, disinfect, and reduce inflammation—the most aggravating and uncomfortable eczema symptoms.

Vitamin E oil – this oil heals the skin and helps keep it moisturized, therefore reduces the dryness that causes itching.

Goldenseal – along with its many health benefits, this herb treats eczema by disinfecting, and reducing inflammation. Goldenseal is an infection fighting herb and often considered to be a natural antibiotic.

Honey – serves as an antioxidant and has antimicrobial effects which aide in the healing of wounds. Its anti-inflammatory agent helps reduce swelling, pain, and scarring. Honey is also an overall immune booster.

To make this wonder paste, mix vitamin E oil with goldenseal powder, and add a small amount of honey. Apply the paste on the infected areas and live eczema-free the natural way!

-Michele

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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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Wellness on Wednesday is all about the natural you!

After a month or two of pretty poor eating habits (i.e. cake for dinner and a breakfast that didn’t exist) I felt myself feeling lethargic and drained. I also felt stressed and rushed, making it difficult to stop and prepare a nutritious meal. I knew I wasn’t getting the nutrients I needed on a daily basis, but I was stuck in a difficult cycle. I needed a boost, but it had to be simple, easy, and accessible.

By chance, I happened to hear about spirulina. Not that I hadn’t heard of it before, but I had never really given it much thought. It seemed, however that it could potentially be the answer to my problem. I decided to test it out.

Hailed as a “superfood” by health advocates, this blue-green microalgae is often mistaken as a supplement. In fact, it is a food – and a whole food at that! Available in tablets, flakes, or powder, a dose of spirulina is a simple way to increase your protein intake and feed your body essential vitamins and nutrients. Spirulina contains as much iron as beef and is the only vegetable that packs a healthy does of vitamin B12. In addition, this powerhouse of goodness is loaded with calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene, zinc, and is a proven anti-oxidant.

Spirulina has qualities that address overall health. In addition to providing nutrients essential to the body, spirulina can also help reduce cholesterol, increase mineral absorption, keep blood sugar in-check, and boost immunity. It has even been said to have antiviral and anti-cancer attributes.

So, this superfood is superfantastic, right? Yes! But, a word of caution: skip the powder and go straight to the tablets – this stuff ain’t exactly chocolate cake. As for me, I’ve been taking the tablets for about a week and I’m already starting to feel better. I’m getting my nutrients and taking care of myself. The cycle has been broken, and I’m on my way to a happy, healthy body!

Spirulina can be found at any health food store and many stores online. Try it out for yourself!

~Jennifer Rosen

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Wellness on Wednesday is all about the natural you!

I’ve struggled for years with difficulties getting myself to sleep. Once I’m asleep, I’m out like a light; but getting to sleep, well, that’s another story. I know that there are millions of people out there just like me who are: 1) in need of a better night’s sleep and 2) would like to find a natural solution. Well, I’ve got good news – after a bit of research, I’ve found plenty of ways to help put an end to those sleepless nights.

It’s important, first, that we understand the causes of insomnia. Stress, caffeine, alcohol, poor diet, lack of exercise, and a disruptive daily routine can all contribute to poor sleep. A good place to start improving our nightly slumber is to change our current habits by exercising, eating better, avoiding stimulants, and leaning to relax. In addition to an adjustment in our day-to-day lives, we can also look to aromatherapy for help.

Aromatherapy is a form of complementary medicine that uses scents to alter our moods. How do the fragrances of Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, and Jasmine sound? Gentle and calming? Indeed, they are – and the very scent of them can help lull you to sleep. Here is a brief description of each, including healing properties, effects, and scents:

Lavender – helps sooth and calm nerves, reduces tension, insomnia, headaches, and depression
Effects: Calming, Therapeutic
Scent: Floral, Sweet, Woody, Herbal

Sweet Marjoram – helps treat anxiety, headaches, and insomnia
Effects: Soothing, Warming
Scent: Warm, Spicy

Roman Chamomile – promotes relaxation, reduces excessive anxiety, and treats insomnia
Effects: Soothing, Relaxing
Scent: Sweet, Herbal, Fruity

Sandalwood – promotes relaxation, beneficial for depression, stress, nervous tension, and insomnia
Effects: Warming, Relaxing
Scent: Woody, Sweet, Exotic

Clary Sage – helps sooth, relax, and uplift the spirit
Effects: Warming
Scent: Sweet, Spicy, Herbal

Jasmine – helps sooth and relax, very beneficial for depression, insomnia, nervous tension, and stress
Effects: Soothing, Relaxing
Scent: Warm, Floral

All of these fragrances are readily found in the form of essential oils. Choose your scent (or find a good combination), pour 2 drops of the oil on a tissue, place it inside your pillowcase, and let the healing aromas gently waft through. A deep, restful sleep is essential in order for your body to restore and revitalize. Let these glorious scents help keep you healthy, relaxed, and sleeping wonderfully.

~Kristen Kancler

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Wellness on Wednesdays is all about the natural you!

Have you ever had a problem with acne? Silly question, I know – we all have. Well, have you found a good way to treat it? With so many products out there, it’s tough to decide how to tackle acne. But I always find that the best way to approach a problem is to have a good understanding of it. So let’s get to the root of it.

Acne is a term that is used to describe clogged pores. When toxins enter your system, they have the ability to create a bacterial infection in the oil glands of the skin. When this happens, your pores become clogged, infected, and inflamed. Voila! Acne.

Now that you’re equipped with the facts, here are some wonderful and natural ways to help your skin:

1. Treat a blemish with all-natural products
• Apply Tea Tree Oil to blemishes to help kill the bacteria and reduce redness.
• Oatmeal and warm water will make a soothing mask for the skin.
• Mint Juice can be very soothing and calming for irritated skin, your face will feel cool and refreshed.
• Aloe Vera extract can sooth irritated skin, decrease redness and swelling. Facial lotions containing Aloe Vera are also helpful

2. Treat blemishes before they appear
• Drink lots of water every day to help flush out toxins and hydrate your skin
• Get plenty of exercise to sweat out any toxins and decrease your stress levels
• Avoid processed and refined foods
• Eat vitamin-rich, whole foods such as green vegetables and fruit

3. Treat blemishes with positivity
Positivity is underestimated as a remedy for clear skin, but just as negative emotions affect your appearance, so do positive ones. Exuding happiness from the inside literally affects you on the outside. Trust me, when you radiate with positivity, you’re your skin will begin to glow too.

~Melissa Risdon

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