I can sure attest to this wellness advice, as tough as it is to follow sometimes when life gets crazy busy.

If you are unable to see the message below, click here to view.

July 11, 2009 EXPERIENCE WELLNESS Visit TriVita.com Good Sleep=Good Health The process of sleep places a very high demand on our energy reserves. So much work must be accomplished while we sleep: innumerable cells must be replaced or repaired, the immune system must be balanced, hormones must be balanced and emotional distress must be resolved and integrated. To accomplish all of this work we must have several ingredients that dictate our ability to achieve and maintain peaceful sleep. We need sleep rituals to trigger the cascade of events that initiate sleep. We must have the nutrients we need to sustain the sleeping process. We need an appropriate environment for sleep. With these elements in place we have a good chance of sleeping peacefully! Sleep rituals More than 100 years ago a Russian physician named Ivan Pavlov discovered that our nervous system changes our entire metabolism in response to our habits. Specifically, Pavlov measured the increase in stomach acids when dogs heard the footsteps of their feeder! Your nervous system will recognize sleep rituals and begin preparing for sleep. A sleep ritual is something you do every night to send a message to your body and brain that you plan on sleeping soon. Your body responds to these triggers by preparing for sleep. It is exactly like your stomach getting ready to digest a meal when we begin preparing it. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the food trigger digestive juices. Sleep rituals trigger your brain in the same way and you begin the process of sleep. A key ritual leading to successful sleep is light control. Remember, we were designed to abide by seasonal changes in light. When the sun goes down we need to accept that the day is ending rather than artificially extending it with lights. This especially includes the artificial light of television and the computer monitor. Try a warm bath and a light snack at bedtime. Brush your teeth and take your evening nutrients – nothing stimulating; nutrients should be specifically nourishing to the sleep process. Deep breathing exercises are especially helpful to foster deep sleep. Nutrients for sleep All nutrients support sleep in one way or another. However, two nutrients shine when it comes to achieving and maintaining sleep: the mineral magnesium and the vitamin biotin. Magnesium relaxes our muscles and naturally turns down the adrenaline that goes hand in hand with stressful days. Biotin stabilizes blood sugar and mobilizes protein, carbohydrate and fats for the restoring element of sleep. Antioxidants such as CoEnzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10), Vitamin C and Vitamin E can be helpful at bedtime to support proper oxygen delivery to your brain, heart and other tissues. Anti-stress botanical preparations called adaptogens can also be useful at bedtime to dial down the influence of stress on your sleep cycle. Peaceful environment The most important set of rituals for peaceful sleep involves the sleeping environment: our bedroom. We simply must make our bedroom a sanctuary for sleep. If we customarily do stressful things in our bedroom such as watch TV, balance our checkbook, argue with our spouse or even read the newspaper, our nervous system will come to associate the bedroom as the place where we don’t sleep! Make sure your sleeping environment is cool, quiet and dark for the best quality of sleep. Many sleep experts recommend a temperature of 68°F, a “white noise” generator to block out sound, and less than eight total watts of light for the best sleep. Conclusion Sleep Peacefully is the third of the 10 Essentials for Health and Wellness. Yet, the majority of us in North America do not get the 7 ½ to 9 hours of sleep recommended by health experts. Most people who sleep substantially less than this experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms. The most common are: Headaches Mental confusion Irritability Malaise Immune deficiencies Depression Fatigue Complete sleep deprivation can lead to hallucinations and mental collapse. The best way to improve sleep involves making lifestyle changes: establish sleep rituals so your nervous system knows when to trigger the sleeping process; take the appropriate nutrients; eliminate caffeine and sugar from your diet; and create a sanctuary for sleeping in your bedroom, avoiding stimulating activities before bed. Take Control of Your Health Accept sleep as essential to wellness Prepare for sleep with appropriate rituals Take nutrients that nourish sleep: Magnesium and biotin Antioxidants such as CoQ-10, Vitamin C and Vitamin E Adaptogens as appropriate Create a sleeping sanctuary A “stress-free” zone Cool, quiet and dark Learn More... Tips for a good night’s sleep Are you getting enough sleep? Upcoming Weekly Wellness Reports... Ways to Reduce Blood Pressure Energy Send us your topic suggestions! If you have specific health topics you'd like Brazos Minshew to discuss in upcoming reports, click here to submit your suggestions. Please note that Weekly Wellness Report topics will be chosen at the discretion of Brazos Minshew and based on general relevance. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. © 2009 TriVita, Inc.

From TriVita - Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases

If you are unable to see the message below, click here to view.

June 20, 2009 EXPERIENCE WELLNESS Visit TriVita.com Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases We are a people on fire! Less than a hundred years ago the common health challenges we faced were infections. With the discovery of pathogenic bacteria and the advent of proper hygiene, death from these problems became less common. Inflammation has become the new epicenter of disease, disability and death. Inflammation and the immune system Our immune system uses heat to destroy invading bacteria. A specialized cell called a macrophage douses the invader with inflammatory enzymes (like acids) and the heat generated in this battle destroys the invading bacteria. Sometimes our own healthy cells become the focus for disease. This often happens because of toxic exposure. When we eat, drink or breathe a toxin, or if it is absorbed through our skin, our detoxification system works to remove it before the poison can compromise our health. Unfortunately, many of today’s poisons are simply too strong and they overwhelm our detoxification system and enter healthy cells. These cells now become the target of disease, infection and inflammation. Our immune system must treat them as hostile and use heat to destroy them. Autoimmune diseases arise when our immune system becomes so overworked that it can no longer tell the difference between healthy cells and sick cells. It attacks all cells of a particular type equally. This body system is never able to heal and chronic inflammation sets in. The weakest link A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. You are only as healthy as your weakest body system. How robust you are depends mostly on lifestyle choices, somewhat on your environment and a little on your genetics. When a toxin overwhelms your detoxification process it will likely settle in your weakest system. The immune system melts these polluted cells in an effort to save healthy cells. This is acute inflammation. With chronic toxicity comes the opportunity for chronic inflammation. In the case of chronic inflammation, the immune system attacks any sick cell as well as any healthy cell that looks like the sick one. If the immune system attacks connective tissue we say a person has lupus. If it attacks the beta cells of the pancreas we say they have type 1 diabetes. If it attacks the joints we say they have rheumatoid arthritis. These are only a few of the more than 200 autoimmune diseases. Yet they all share one common attribute: inflammation. Putting the fire out Inflammation arises because of: Toxins Injuries Emotional distress Nutrient deficiency We simply must reduce our toxic exposure to reduce the chances of developing an autoimmune disorder. And we must also develop emotional coping strategies and have all of the nutrients we need in our body in the right quantity – every moment of every day. These are the first steps to reducing inflammation. We can directly douse the fire with anti-inflammatory Betalains such as those found in TriVita's Nopalea. A Betalain is a protein-antioxidant complex found in certain plants grown in hot climates. The hotter the climate, the more Betalains the plant needs to survive and the more we can benefit. Nutrient strategies According to most authorities, everyone needs to be taking a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement every day. This is even more important for people trying to tame their immune system in an autoimmune flare-up. We also need to eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and take Omega EFA supplements. These fats not only reduce inflammation but they also make your immune system work smarter, not harder. Antioxidants are critical to putting out the fire of inflammation. Betalain “protein-antioxidants” are extremely powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients. Finally, Vitamin B-12 and adaptogens form a bulwark against the blues and physical stress. We are a nation on fire. This is at the heart of the near epidemic of autoimmune disorders we are facing. Strategies of nutrients and nurturing will help us fight inflammation and help us with what we do best: heal! Take Control of Your Health Remove household cleaners from your living space Keep clear of chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides Select certified organic foods when possible Take a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement Eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids Salmon, tuna, herring and other fatty fish Walnuts (especially English walnuts) Take an Omega EFA supplement Help your body reduce inflammation with Betalains found in Nopalea Protect yourself from emotional distress with B-12 and adaptogens Upcoming Weekly Wellness Reports... Allergies, Asthma and Your Environment Weight Loss Through Strength Training Send us your topic suggestions! If you have specific health topics you'd like Brazos Minshew to discuss in upcoming reports, click here to submit your suggestions. Please note that Weekly Wellness Report topics will be chosen at the discretion of Brazos Minshew and based on general relevance. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. © 2009 TriVita, Inc.

TriVita Inc. | 1-800-991-7116 | 16100 N. Greenway Hayden Loop, Suite 950 | Scottsdale, AZ 85260

What's Different about TriVita?

I've been involved with a few MLMs over the years, a couple of which have closed their doors and a couple which weren't exactly what they claimed to be and a couple in which I was allergic to the product that I actually loved and still wish I could use and market (candles). So, while I'm not an expert on comp plans and all that jargon, I do know about stability, ethics and managerial experience and TriVita has all those, as do many other companies. It is not the only good one, but it is different than all the rest.

TriVita was founded by a media company with a very specific health agenda, so from the very beginning it has been marketed differently than other companies. They utilize the mass market reach of TV infomercials to gather customers and enable we, the affiliates, to purchase the lifetime commission right to these customers, so that any time they re-order, we make a commission.

To facilitate these re-orders, TriVita sends out 18 mailings (snail, not electronic) a year, with full color catalogs focused on seasonal articles and specials. They even have a "win-back" program for those customers who haven't ordered in over 7 months I think it is, in which they offer them special incentives to return. It works! I know because that's how I came back.

With this kind of back-end marketing to assist the affiliate member, success is much easier to attain.

Twitter Realized

Blogs I get, even Squidoo is understandable, but I have to embarrassingly admit that it has taken me months to figure out Twitter. I just didn't see the point until I watched this training video from Renegade Pro.

I was thinking that it was just building a list of followers to pitch to, you know...she with the biggest list wins, or updating people on what you are doing throughout your day and quite frankly, who cares? That turned me off. I don't like to pitch and I detest, like most of us, being pitched to and what you are doing at any given moment is your business. In words my husband loves to hear me say, "I was wrong" LOL. It is so much more than that.

It is providing value in the community and to your followers and taking part in conversations. For one who works from home, in a new place, has a child who attends school away from home, so the child-school networking is no longer applicable, I can always use some interesting convos.

I don't get close to using all my words up each day, even after blogging. Of course, there are forums, but they tend to attract a more focused sub-group, whereas Twitter provides a different, quick, spontaneous burst of commentary between random people all over the web. Like so many others, I could become addicted.

If you are as confused as I was, here's the link to that Renegade training again. It isn't an affiliate link or trying to sell you anything, just free info that clarified the purpose of Twitter for me. maybe it will for you too?

Super B12 Free gift with purchase:
http://www.trivita.com/superb/getsuperb.net/default.aspx?tref=11541810

Online B12 specials:
http://www.visittrivita.com/11541810

June 13, 2009 EXPERIENCE WELLNESS Visit TriVita.com Which B-12 supplement is right for you? Question: TriVita has several Sublingual B-12 supplements. Which one should I take? Answer: It depends on your needs. Need for Vitamin B-12 Vitamin B-12 is an essential nutrient: You cannot thrive without it. You need Vitamin B-12 to make healthy blood, healthy nerves and a healthy brain. Vitamin B-12 insufficiency is implicated in a number of common conditions: from allergies and ADHD to bipolar disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. Along with iron and Vitamin C, Vitamin B-12 is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies among seniors. You may actually be protected from a shrinking brain with healthy levels of Vitamin B-12. There are three ways of looking at “need” in Vitamin B-12: Disease. If your blood levels are low in B-12 you may be diagnosed with a medical condition called pernicious anemia. This is a serious health condition that is often caused by the inability to properly absorb B-12. Complete B-12 metabolism. Is the B-12 you are taking doing what it is supposed to do? If so, your homocysteine levels will be low. If not, your homocysteine levels will be high – even though your blood levels of B-12 are also high. B-12 along with folate, Vitamin B-6 and biotin are still needed as long as homocysteine levels are too high. How you feel. Are you mentally sluggish? Do you feel better when you take B-12? If so, you can continue to take B-12 simply to feel better because there is no toxicity associated with taking B-12. Types of B-12 Vitamin B-12 is made from the mineral cobalt by beneficial bacterial in the soil and inside living organisms. When scientists make Vitamin B-12 for use in supplements, it is done in the same way. The “parent” form of B-12 is cyanocobalamine (cyan- means blue: the color of cobalt). Cyanocobalamine nourishes your entire body, and your liver uses cyanocobalamine to make other forms of Vitamin B-12. One of the major “children” of cyanocobalamine is methylcobalamine. Methyl-B12 is used in detoxification, especially homocysteine detoxification. There are many other types of B-12. However, as long as you have cyanocobalamine, your body will make the other types as it needs them. The exception to this rule occurs when a person has been poisoned with toxins such as mercury and lead or when a genetic imbalance prevents them from completely converting B-12. The type of B-12 for you Most people over 30 need to take a B-12 supplement. The only certain way to get B-12 into your system quickly (besides injecting it) is to absorb it sublingually, under your tongue. Even people under 30 may take B-12 if they feel stressed, suffer from allergies or asthma, are sad, blue or tired. Vitamin B-12 is also helpful in people with ADHD and other nervous disorders – not as a medical treatment, but as a support for healthy blood, nerves and brain. TriVita’s Sublingual B-12 is awesome in these circumstances. Or you may want to step up to TriVita’s Super Sublingual B-12 which is faster-acting and longer-lasting – with three times the Vitamin B-12. If your homocysteine levels are high, or if you have a family history of heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis, or Alzheimer’s disease, HCY Guard may be best for you. This should help you see the need for Vitamin B-12 as well as give you the tools you need to decide which one(s) you need! Take Control of Your Health Use Sublingual B-12 or Super Sublingual B-12 if: You are over 30 You have any type of digestion issue You have low energy You have poor moods You need to improve your memory Use HCY Guard if: You have elevated levels of homocysteine You are exposed to environmental toxins You have low kidney function You need detoxification Upcoming Weekly Wellness Reports... Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases Allergies, Asthma and Your Environment Send us your topic suggestions! If you have specific health topics you'd like Brazos Minshew to discuss in upcoming reports, click here to submit your suggestions. Please note that Weekly Wellness Report topics will be chosen at the discretion of Brazos Minshew and based on general relevance. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. © 2009 TriVita, Inc.

Get Your Lymphatic System Pumping

I am learning so much from the TLC training calls in relation to Iaso Tea, things that I have never heard before on health product calls.  I'm loving it.  For someone like me who has struggled with immune system issues, I am open to anything that will help my body work better.  

The lymph system grabs toxins from the cells and transports them though the lymph fluid to the liver and kidneys to expel them.  To accomplish this, you need your lymph system to be pumping.  Unlike the heart, the lymph system doesn't have a pump, we have to help it to work well by breathing deeply.  Take a deep breath through your nose until your diaphragm expands and then slowly expel the air through your mouth. Do this several times each hour and you will feel the benefits.  You may start yawning and that's okay...that just means that your body is relaxing.  Great to calm anxiety or panic attacks.

Rebounders (mini-trampolines) are also great to get the lymph system pumping.  When you are rebounding, make sure that you are not lifting your feet off the mat or else you will be in exercise mode rather than lymph pump mode.  Just gently bounce with your feet still on the mat for about a half an hour each day to get great results.  When I've done this I feel so energized!

These are just some simple things we can do to assist our bodies in maintaining optimum health.  

If you want to hear these calls, just check out the Iaso Tea site and listen in. 

IASO TEA

Are you into cleansing...the internal kind, I mean?  I hope external cleansing wouldn't require a question, lol.  

I've written about cleansing teas before, but I just started drinking Iaso Tea again and have to have a bit of rave over it.  Over the years, I've had a variety of experiences with cleansing products in pill, liquid or tea form from gagging on the taste to actually, well...physically rejecting it, if you know what I mean.  YUK!!  

Iaso is different and finally, I have a product that does what it says and tastes not just tolerable, but good doing it.  Add a slice of sqeezed lemon and you have a refreshing tea that will help your body run better and you may even lose some weight.

What do I mean by run better?  Well, for instance, your nutritional supplements won’t work properly in your body if they can’t be absorbed and over time, toxins build up in our body, blocking the normal avenues that are used to detox.  Most of the time we don’t even know, but sometimes, we just feel sluggish and not up to par.  You know what I mean?

IASO Tea is gentle, yet surprisingly powerful as a colon cleanse, parasite cleanse, Candida cleanse, blood purifier, and whole body detoxifier.  

Right now, TLC, the company who brings us Iaso Tea and other fine products, has a special offer to allow you to try Iaso Tea for just $7.95.  If you are looking for a home business, you can try the biz too included in that price...just click the one you prefer.

www.iasotea.com/200778             <--- Click on Join Now for the offer.

.
Strengthen Your Immunity
You’ve heard that the best defense is a good offense. This is especially true when it comes to your immune system. By practicing healthy lifestyle habits and reducing our exposure to infection (offense), we can better help protect against illness (defense). What determines if you get sick or not?Louis Pasteur and Antoine Bechamp – physicians 150 years ago – were keenly aware of the same things you and I experience every year: during the cold and flu season, some people get sick and some people don’t. Pasteur spent his life looking for what makes sick people sick. Bechamp spent his career looking for what keeps healthy people healthy – and how we can be like them! They settled their argument with the discovery that illness visits people with poor habits much more frequently than those who care for their health.It turns out that microbes prefer to wreak their havoc on people with compromised immune systems. Simple things can compromise our immune system, including:
An imbalanced diet
Alcohol and caffeine consumption
An argument with someone you loveJust as Pasteur and Bechamp discovered more than a century ago, our health revolves around a healthy lifestyle more than the virulence of a microbe.Help protect against illnessThe phrase that describes our vulnerability or resistance to disease is “biological terrain.” The terrain or landscape of our health is made up of our genetics, our environment and, most importantly, our lifestyle. Vigorous application of the 10 Essentials yields the healthiest, most disease-resistant terrain. Skipping even one of these principles will change your terrain and leave you vulnerable to infection.
A base of healthy nutrientsEstablishing a base of healthy nutrients can provide us with a very resilient terrain. The more dense the base is, the more disease-resistant our terrain will be. Taking a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement every day is an excellent start. Almost all physicians recommend an Omega-3 supplement as well. If your terrain is being remodeled by stress, you may need adaptogens to help you cope while remaining disease-resistant. Indeed, the long-term studies of adaptogens in Russia clearly demonstrated that these plants help you resist infections and speed healing.
Vitamin CVitamin C is a favorite for protecting against and even treating virus infections. Russell Jaffe, MD, former director of the National Institutes of Health, recommends a loading dose of Vitamin C: one teaspoon of Vitamin C crystals every 15 minutes until you “flush.” By this, he means a complete bowel evacuation. After the flush, he recommends a daily serving of Vitamin C (for one month) that is equivalent to 75% of the amount it took you to flush. This should really improve your terrain!
EchinaceaEchinacea is used in a similar way. Significant medical research from Germany suggests that an hourly dose of Echinacea will help reduce symptoms and may help shorten the duration of a virus infection. Taking a gram of Echinacea every hour for three days may even “abort” an infection that has already begun. Continue taking Echinacea three times daily for up to two weeks afterward to protect against a relapse.Reduce your exposureHere are some great recommendations for reducing your exposure to infection:
Wash your handsFirst, the largest contributor to infection is unwashed hands. Washing your hands with soap every few hours will reduce the chance for pathogens to gain access to your system. You should also make sure they are completely dry. Then, use the disposable towel to open the door out of the washroom. Many ugly microbes lurk on door handles – usually from people who have not properly washed and dried their hands.
Clean surfacesNext, disinfect surfaces that are shared by many people. For instance, public telephones bring you within kissing distance of hundreds or even thousands of people. Who knows what their hygiene habits were? In a typical day we may be exposed to germs from as many as 150 countries or more!
Reduce stressReduce stress. Stress decreases the effectiveness of your immune system. Your immune system may begin to overreact or not react in time to stop an infection when you are under stress. The source of the stress really does not matter. For instance, job stress and an injury may seem like entirely different stresses to your mind but they are treated exactly the same way by your body.Remember, building up your terrain and reducing your exposure are keys to a great offense... which will help improve your defense!
Take Control of Your Health
Aggressively apply the 10 Essentials
Take a “base” of nutrients:
A multiple vitamin and mineral supplement
An Omega-3 fatty acid supplement
A stress-specific antioxidant supplement
Vitamin C
Reduce your exposure
Wash your hands every few hours and dry thoroughly
Disinfect common area surfaces
Learn More...
The proper way to wash your handsA quick rinse isn’t enough to avoid infection – find out the best technique for washing
Upcoming Weekly Wellness Reports...
Tremor Triggers
Healthy Aging
You can purchase products here: Please use ID# 11541810.
http://trivitateambuild.com/vid/seabead/

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

© 2009 TriVita, Inc.

.

What is Iaso Tea?
Weird name, but wonderful ingredients if your goal is to clease and detox your body and drop some extra weight that goes along with that process.


It is related to Dr. Miller's Holy Tea, but has 4 more ingredients in the safe, natural, edible herb blend, which are focused on decreasing inflammation in the body: Holy Thistle, Persimmon leaves, Malva leaves, Marsh Mallow leaves, Blessed Thistle, Papaya, Ginger, Chamomile, and Myrrh.

Persimmon Leaves Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) originated in China and has been grown for over 1000 years in Japan, which is the leading producer today. A similar variety of the Persimmon fruit (Diospyros virginiana) grows in the Eastern USA and is called Pawdad. The tannins and flavonoids in Persimmon leaves have anti-hypertensive, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-mutagenic properties. The leaf also acts as a mild laxative, is antihemorrhagic (stops bleeding), is an effective remedy for hemorrhoids, and strengthens weak blood vessels such as spider veins or varicose veins. Persimmon leaf extract and its major flavonoid constituent, astragalin, when taken orally, acts as a natural antihistamine which inhibits the release of histamine and thus helps reduce allergic reactions. It relieves the symptoms of dermatitis, with less inflammation and thickening of the skin, and less water loss which can lead to dry skin. It may also act as a dermatitis preventive. An allergy preventive food or an itching preventive food which contains Persimmon leaves, or an extract of Persimmon leaf, or a cosmetic composition containing Persimmon leaf extract, has the action of improving rough skin conditions due to allergies, or alleviating itching. The astringent raw Persimmon fruit is used for constipation relief, gastro-intestinal irritation, dysentery, chronic diarrhea, ulceration of the bowel and stomach, catarrh of the rectum and colon, hemorrhoids, and to stop bleeding. Studies have shown that compounds in Persimmon leaves bind to excess fat and help remove fat from the body. Deal with Allergies and Hay Fever the natural way. No need for Antihistamines and their negative side-effects. Holy Thistle Holy Thistle (Silybum marianum) supports the liver in the release of toxins. Holy thistle has been used medicinally for over 2000 years, most commonly for the treatment of liver disorders such as jaundice, and gallbladder disorders; but also for lactation problems, disorders of the spleen, psoriasis, and mushroom poisoning. It has recently been used by HIV-positive patients to protect the liver from diseases such as hepatitis and damage from the drugs taken for HIV or AIDS. A flavanoid in the fruit called Silymarin (with its most active beneficial component called Silibinin or Silybin) is a powerful antioxidant, and may also protect the cells of the liver by blocking the entrance of harmful toxins and helping remove these toxins from the liver cells. Silymarin has also been shown to regenerate injured liver cells. It stimulates liver and gallbladder activity and may have a temporary mild laxative effect in some people. Holy Thistle products are popular in Europe and the United States for various types of liver disease, being able to counteract the harmful actions of alcohol on the liver (cirrhosis), and helping the liver return to a healthy state when an alcoholic stops drinking. Some clinical trials indicate that it may improve quality of life and even increase life expectancy in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Holy Thistle is believed to have great power in the purification and circulation of the blood, and is such a good blood purifier that drinking a cup of Holy Thistle tea twice a day can cure chronic headaches. It is also used for stomach and digestive problems, gas in the intestines, and constipation relief. It is very effective for dropsy, strengthens the heart, and is good for the liver, lungs, and kidneys. It was claimed that warm Holy Thistle tea given to mothers will produce a good supply of milk, which led to this thistle being called by another name: Milk Thistle. Holy Thistle is also said to be good for girls entering womanhood, as a good tonic. The leaves and stems are eaten as a salad green in Europe. Malva Leaves The Malva or Chinese Mallow plant (Malva verticillata) is a member of the Malvaceae family which also includes the Marsh Mallow and the Hibiscus. The leaves have a mild and very pleasant flavor. Malva has been cultivated in China for over 2,500 years, and is now cultivated in some countries of Europe as a tasty salad green. Malva seed contains mucilage, polysaccharides and flavonoids. In traditional medicine, the Malva leaf was often made into a tea to sooth the membranes of the digestive system. It is demulcent (the mucilage soothes and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucus membranes), mild diuretic, emollient (softens the skin), galactogogue (increases milk flow in nursing mothers), and a mild laxative (a gentle stimulant of the bowels). Malva Leaf teas are used in the treatment of renal disorders, the retention of fluids, frequent thirst, and diarrhea. Malva Leaf has been used to treat stomach ache, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel, and conditions of the spleen. The Chinese use Malva Leaf as an expectorant and as a demulcent gargle to soothe a sore throat. It can also soothe a bronchial irritation in persons with bronchitis or emphysema. (Beware of Chinese Mallow teas which also contain Senna, also known as Cassia angustifolia or Cassia acutifolia or Cassia Senna or Indian Senna or Egyptian Senna. Cassia is a strong and harsh laxative that works by irritating the intestines. It should only be taken occasionally and for no longer than 7 days because it can create bowel dependency, stomach cramps and headaches. The safe Chinese Mallow leaf is added to soothe its irritating effects. Dr. Miller's Holy Tea does NOT contain Senna.) Marsh Mallow The Marsh Mallow or Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) was used by the ancient Greeks to remedy bruises and bleeding, and as a mild laxative. It was used in medieval Europe for indigestion and diarrhea. The Marsh Mallow root or leaf was traditionally used to soothe and support the intestines. It is rich in calcium, zinc, iron, sodium, iodine, vitamin B complex, and pantothenic acid. Herbs high in mucilage, such as Marsh Mallow and Malva Leaf (of the same family), are often helpful for symptomatic relief of coughs and irritated throats. Mallow has expectorant and demulcent properties, which accounts for this herb's historical use as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Marsh Mallow root and, to a lesser extent, Marsh Mallow leaf both contain significant percentages of mucilage, a natural gummy substance that does not dissolve in water. Like other mucilage-containing substances, Marsh Mallow swells up and becomes slick when it is exposed to fluids. The resulting slippery material coats the linings of the mouth, throat, and stomach to relieve irritation and control coughing associated with respiratory conditions such as smoker's cough. For example, Marsh Mallow has been used to treat sore throats and to alleviate heartburn, and was originally used to make a candy-like medicinal lozenge. Marsh Mallow may also have mild anti-infective, immune-boosting, and diuretic properties. In the British Herbal Compendium the use of Marsh Mallow is listed for gastroenteritis, peptic and duodenal ulcers, colitis, and enteritis. Topically, Marsh Mallow is used to soothe and soften irritated skin, and as a remedy for cuts, wounds, abscesses, boils, burns, and varicose veins. The edible leaves are used as salad greens in France. Blessed Thistle Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus or Carduus benedictus) has been used in traditional medicine as far back as the early sixteenth century as an appetite stimulant, astringent, blood purifier, choleretic (bile flow stimulant), diaphoretic (sweat stimulant), digestion enhancement, diuretic (increasing urine), expectorant, fever reducer, memory improver, menstrual flow stimulant, and salivation stimulant. It was cultivated in monastery gardens as a cure for smallpox and is named in honor of St. Benedict, the founder of a holy order of monks. It is still used as a flavoring in their Benedictine liqueur. Blessed Thistle has been used for smallpox, malaria, fever, anorexia, dyspepsia, indigestion, constipation, and flatulence. More recently it has shown to be useful for indigestion, heartburn, and poor appetite. Blessed Thistle helps increase appetite in people with digestion or eating disorders such as anorexia (but does not increase the appetite of normal people). In herbal medicine, Blessed Thistle is used for cancer, infections, inflammation, gallbladder disease, jaundice, liver disorders, cervical dysplasia, heart ailments, skin ulcers, yeast infections, and diarrhea. Papaya Papaya is recommended to be one such pick from the group of Yellow and orange fruits, which promises abundant health benefits. It is a melon like fruit with yellow- orange flesh with dozens of small black seeds enclosed in skin that ranges in color from green to orange. Papaya has high nutritional benefits. It is rich in Anti-oxidants, the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, "these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer." In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. Vitamin C and vitamin A, which is made in the body from the beta-carotene in papaya, are both needed for the proper function of a healthy immune system. Papaya may therefore be a healthy fruit choice for preventing such illnesses as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu. Ginger For over two thousand years Chinese Medicine has recommended ginger to treat a number of health problems including abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and rheumatism. Ginger is also used in the Ayurvedic and Tibetan systems of medicine for the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism and a variety of other conditions. Proposed Medical Benefits of Ginger Although officially recognized as a remedy for appetite loss, indigestion and motion sickness, ginger root has a proven ability to combat all forms of nausea and vomiting. It has also been taken to loosen phlegm, relieve gas, and tighten the tissues, although its effectiveness for these purposes hasn't been proven. Comparisons between ginger and prescription or non-prescription drugs for motion sickness relief have been conducted, but results were inconclusive. However, in some of these studies, similar effectiveness was seen between ginger and drugs. Ginger may also ease sore throats, headaches, ulcerative colitis, some types of menstrual and arthritis pain, and fevers and aches caused by colds and flu. Chamomile Chamomile has been used to treat a wide range of conditions and diseases when used internally or externally. This bittersweet herb acts medicinally as a tonic, anodyne, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-allergenic, and sedative. Chamomile tea can be used to treat digestive disturbances, gastrointestinal spasms, inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, and to treat coughs and colds, fevers and bronchitis. Chamomile contains bitter constituents that stimulate appetite and digestive secretions that help reduce flatulence. Chamomile's mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing effects can help those who suffer from insomnia to fall asleep more easily. Chamomile is best known as a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic. Chamomile helps to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. It may also be useful in the treatment of diverticular disorders and inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease. Myrrh Myrrh is a hardy shrub that grows in desert regions, particularly in northeastern Africa and the Middle East and in regions around Arabia. The resin obtained from the stems is used in medicinal preparations. Today Myrrh is used in some mouth washes and sore throat medicines. Although it has had a number of reported medicinal uses throughout recorded history, myrrh is now found most often in mouthwashes to soothe mouth and throat irritations. In addition to relieving inflammation, using myrrh as a mouthwash also is thought to improve bad breath. As a mouth rinse, myrrh is approved for treating mouth inflammation by the German Commission E, the German governmental agency that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of herbal products. Undiluted myrrh tincture can also be applied directly to sores inside the mouth. Occasionally, diluted myrrh tincture is used as a wash for hemorrhoids or as a douche to relieve vaginal irritation. * WARNING: This product contains cathartic herbs. Pregnant and nursing women, the elderly, children, and individuals suffering from any illness or health condition should consult with a physician prior to using this or any herbal supplement. Doctor Miller’s Iaso Tea is not a drug, nor intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. You should consult with your physician before starting this or any other cleansing exercise or weight management program.

Try it for as low as just $7.95 shipping and handling: http://www.iasotea.com/200778

A Crafty Life

I have pretty much always been a crafter with multiple things going at once in various media and have wanted to make it more of a lifestyle, incorporating it into my income equation.  So, mid-life hits and I realize that if not now, when?  In that light, I have started a new blog to chronicle the journey.  Join me and feel free to express ideas, comments etc.   A Crafty Life is where you will find me.