I’ve always perspired allot, but usually when conducting strenuous physical activities In the last few years, I’ve noticed a significant increase in my sweating. I can no longer wear the dress shirt all day; in fact, I carry a second shirt with me when I have an appointment of any consequence. In spite of ice cold air conditioning in my car, the back of my shirt is usually soaked through before I arrive at my destination. And I can no longer comfortably enjoy resting my forearms on the arm rest of my leather couch. They stick there – even just minutes after a shower!

Excessive sweating is cumbersome and unpleasant. If you suffer from the same condition, or know someone who does, I have a free report for you. Here’s the download link. I can’t say that this report will cure your ills, or end your misery, but it might help your understanding and point you in the right direction.

Treating a urinary tract infection

Here are a few remedies that may help get rid of a UTI.

Shatavari Root (Asparagus Racemosus) – this particular Herb is a relative of asparagus and helps keep the urinary tract system in check. This root carries with it phytoestrogens, which offer moisture and rejuvenating properties for the kidneys and urinary tract. Shatavari keeps the immune system functioning properly and actually makes it stronger over time. Studies have also shown this root reduces stress, which has been proven to be very beneficial to the reproductive system, as well as reduce uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. These factors make this particular root very beneficial in fighting a urinary tract infection. Asian women start taking Shatavari around puberty and continue a daily intake for life. In that part of the world, menopausal symptoms are basically unheard of and they have the lowest percentage of urinary tract infections in the world.

American Cranberry also helps in both the prevention and treatment of a UTI. Cranberry helps to fight bacterium that forms on cell membranes. It inhibits bacteria from attaching itself altogether. For an active infection, take higher doses of Cranberry pills followed by 100 percent Cranberry Juice – no sugar added. Drinking pure Cranberry Juice daily will prevent regularly occurring urinary tract infections. Cranberry also prevents kidney stone formation as well as aid in fighting gum disease.

Goldenseal – (Hydrastis Canadensis) and uva-ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) – both contain antibacterial properties. Drink one or more of these in tea form to prevent infection and take tablet forms along with the teas while treating the infection. Check for herbs that should only be taken for months at a time. Some herbs can cause negative affects on body tissue if taken for long amounts of time. Let your body rest from certain herbs. Goldenseal is one of these.

Here are some wonderful products I highly recommend in the treatment of urinary tract infections:

Life-time Cranberry Concentrate – this contains high levels of Cranberry and asparagus – both known in keeping the urinary tract healthy

UT Answer – this is my favorite – it contains high concentrated levels of Cranberry and has no alcohol. I would recommend these products during an active infection. You can drink Cranberry Juice every day as a preventative measure. This might be cheaper in the long run.

Some other tips on preventing a UTI:

Avoid bubble baths, especially in young girls. If you or your kids simply can’t live without a bath, make sure the tub is disinfected properly with environmentally safe and/or natural cleaning products and just fill the tub with plain water. You can add a touch of Baking Soda or Epsom Salt for an added refreshing and skin smoothing touch.

Shower daily and wear clean 100 percent cotton underwear only. Avoid T-Backs and tight jeans. Wear comfortable, breathable, natural fibrous clothing.

Wash with allergy tested, sensitive skin soaps. Avoid liquid soaps. Avoid fragranced soaps, shower gels, sprays and powders. Natural soap and water daily is all you need. I do not recommend douching AT ALL! This will throw off your PH levels in the vaginal tract and can actually lead to even more infections. Just make sure that everything and anything that enters the vagina is natural – this concept has always helped me stay healthy when it comes to my female parts.

Avoid colored toilet paper. Use white, chemical free paper and always wipe from front to back after urinating. The number one reason for getting a UTI is E-Coli matter entering the urinary tract.

Make sure every bit of urine comes out before you wipe. It might take an extra minute, but it’s certainly well worth it. When urine seeps onto your underwear throughout the day, this causes a sea of bacterium that flows right up the tract. It might get more difficult to void as you get older, so, take your time and relax your bladder muscles as your urinating.

Wash up after intercourse and avoid sex gels.

Also, be careful with some of the external birth control gels and products out there. A lot of them tend to cause allergic reactions that may very well lead to infection.

After you swim, slip into dry clean underwear. You’ll also prevent a yeast infection by practicing this.

A UTI can also occur after certain medical procedures, so…keep extra clean throughout this time.

Just think natural, clean and simple, and you should be ok.

Later,g

Personal Care and Grooming

Apply scent free natural baby oil to lips for added gloss and moisturizing. You can even dab on a bit over your lipstick for added shininess.

I’ve been known to use lipstick or even lip gloss as blush whenever I’ve run out. I’ve also mixed a little baby oil and lipstick as a blusher, and I’ve found it has great staying power. Apply a little powder over top to reduce the shine and make the color last even longer throughout the day. Avoid this if you have break out or have very oily skin. Baby oil is mineral oil based and should not clog pores.

Hairbrushes should be cleaned at least once a month in order to remove oils and impurities. A dirty brush will make your hair dirty after shampooing and bring unwanted oils to the scalp. You can soak your combs and hairbrushes in various solutions, but here are a few that work well for me. Always rinse off with mild soap and warm water as your last step to the following soak remedies.

Hot water and ammonia – wear gloves on this one and make sure to rinse completely with mild soap and warm water.

Baking soda and Hot water

Tea tree oil and hot water – use only a few drops of this highly concentrated oil. Its anti-fungal and cleaning properties are excellent for naturally cleaning and deodorizing many surfaces around the home, and works great on combs and brushes. It works especially well on pet combing supplies.

Mild shampoo and hot water

Never mix ammonia with anything other than water. If mixed with other chemicals, whether natural or not, you can create an extremely harmful toxic mix… the same goes for mixing bleach and dish liquid.

To help your cosmetics last longer, keep them refrigerated. Keep aloe lotions and sunscreens as well for a refreshing cooling sensation after beach or pool activities. Children love applying cooled sunburn lotions.

For healthy gums, try a solution of warm water, baking soda, sea salt and a touch of iodine. Do not use this solution if you have a known allergy to iodine.

A tiny dab of Tea Tree oil and warm water make an excellent anti-septic gargle.

Hydrogen peroxide and warm water helps whiten teeth and keep gums clean. Make sure to dilute the peroxide as much as possible.

When gargling with any solution, make sure not to swallow. Keep a very close eye on children under 6 years of age when taking care of their oral health.

NATURAL PERSONAL CARE REMEDIES FOR THE BODY

Tighten your pores and tone your skin with…

Make a paste with Baking Soda and distilled water. Apply all over face and leave on for about 30 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. This works really well for getting rid of blackheads.

Baking Soda makes an excellent deodorant – especially for those with chemical sensitivity to scented deodorants and antiperspirants containing aluminum. There are some really great aluminum free underarm products out on the market today. My favorite are the ones made from www.kissmyface.com Simply apply Baking Soda dry under arms. I apply Patchouli Oil on my underarms and this helps in  fighting odors as well as smells great – if you like Patchouli. A little goes a long way. You can buy the oil at www.patchouligarden.com

Mix Baking Soda and Cornstarch Powder for stinky feet. You can also put this mixture in your shoes to keep them fresh. Drier sheets can also be inserted into stinky shoes.

Mix Baking Soda and water into a spray bottle. Keep this mixture in your refrigerator for use after over exposure to the sun. You can then apply some White Distilled Vinegar to avoid peeling after the sunburn starts healing.

If you have itchy, dry skin or are suffering with chicken pox, add one cup of Baking Soda to your bath water, followed by an application of dry Soda after bathing. This is safe for children as well. Soda acts as a mild pain reliever for many minor skin ailments involving pain, itchiness and dryness.

Unscented baby wipes make an excellent make-up remover. They contain a lot less  additives than adult makeup removing cloths. You can also add a dab of baby oil for heavier makeup. Simply apply all over face and then wipe off with the baby wipe, or add some baby oil directly onto the baby wipe. I’ve also used baby lotion at times and wiped clean, followed by regular facial cleansing regime.

If you’re allergic to any of the above, handkerchiefs make gentle makeup remover cloths. I also find that sensitive skin Dove Soap works well for me. Since I don’t wear a lot of makeup, it removes it all and leaves my skin feeling moisturized and fresh. Order on line at www.dove.com They’ve also come out with tons of sensitive skin body and face products. I also like their commercials promoting beauty in every woman, no matter what your imperfections may be. I wish they’d come out with a makeup color line though.

A mild astringent for sensitive or dry skin is to wash and cut up some grapes, strawberries or cucumbers, and rub all over your face. Leave on for as long as you like and wash clean. Use this method a couple of times a week.

Slices of raw cold potatoes applied over closed eyes helps heal swollen and tired looking eyes. It also helps diminish the look of dark circles under the eye area.

If you use hairspray, rinse you hair with baking soda to remove any and all traces of the hairspray. You hair will also feel silky and smooth and adds shine as well.

When I was a little girl, I ended up burning the soles of my feet walking from the beach through an extremely hot parking lot on my way to the car. After arriving at home, my mom quickly soaked my feet in baking soda and water. She then followed daily treatments of the same but added splashes of white distilled vinegar to avoid the peeling as much as possible. I healed up completely and didn’t remember having pain or itching during the entire treatment period.

For rough, fry or callused feet, soak in warm water with about two tablespoons of baby oil. Do this daily. You’ll start noticing a definite difference after about one week. Always follow this with a foot scrub made of a sugar and honey paste, end by applying some foot lotion or any lotion of your choice.

Body Conditioning Remedies

• If your skin has been overexposed to cold, wind or sun, cold Mayonnaise can help sooth it. Leave on as long as you can stand it, then wipe clean. Follow by washing it off. Keep away from eye area and never sleep with any type of deep moisture treatment around eye area. Some of the oil may seep into the eye itself and may cause allergic reactions, and even blurred vision. You can also apply Mayonnaise on hair that needs extra moisture. Apply all over hair and scalp, and wrap in a towel or plastic wrap. Leave in for about 30 minutes, depending on your level of dryness.

• Olive Oil and Hempseed Oil are great skin conditioners. You can also apply all over hair and scalp. Avoid the eye area when applying any moisture to the face, unless it is a specific moisturizer for the eyes area. Use this as a 30- minute treatment and wipe off. Follow with your usual cleansing regiment. You can get Hempseed Oil at an affordable price by going to www.hempsisters.com

• For added smoothness, apply some pure dairy cream all over face. Follow with your regular cleansing regiment.

• For mature or dry skin, try some unscented Baby Oil mixed in with your foundation. Baby Oil is light and has been tested for known allergens. Again, only apply moisturizer on the eye area that’s meant for the eye area. Your make-up will stay on longer throughout the day if you put a dab of the oil all over your face (excluding eye area) after washing your face.

• Another treat is Baby Lotion. They have so many to choose from now. I like the fragrance free, naturally made organic lotion. I use it all over body and face. It leaves a fresh scent and gives just enough moisture.

• For heavy- duty face conditioning, mash up an avocado and apply all over face. Leave on for as long as you’d like and wipe clean. Follow with your daily cleansing.

• Honey also makes a great conditioning mask for the face. Mix in some powdered milk for extra smoothness.

• If you live in an area with hard water, try some Baking Soda in your bath. Not only will it soften the water, but will do the same for your skin, not to mention… it deodorizes the tub at the same time! For extra soothing comfort and softening, mix in a little Epsom Salt. It works great on healing minor cuts as well as soothes achy muscles. For really pure Baking Soda, try Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda. www.bobsredmill.com

• Rub the inside of a banana peel or avocado all over dry body parts, especially elbows and knees. Leave on for 30 minutes. Wash clean.

• Add Baby Oil and Milk for added moisturizing and smoothing benefits during your bath.

• Add a dab of Baby Lotion to your hair in your last rinse after shampooing. You’ll add lots of shine if your hair is dull or dry. A dab of the oil will also help your curls last longer after setting.

• Avocado smoothed all over your hair and left in for 30 minutes before your final rinse will add lots of body to your hair. Burt’s Bees Extra Volume Shampoo adds tons of body and deep cleans oilier scalps. www.burtsbees.com

• For an instant blast of moisture before applying your make-up or freshening up your face while you’re out, fill a small spray bottle with mineral water. You can actually buy these at department stores, but you’ll pay a lot more. Evian Water makes a moisture spray for on the go. www.Evian.com Spray it directly over make-up for a quick pick-me-up during the day.

PERSONAL CARE – body stains and odors

Here are some helpful tips that I found really truly work…

To remove set in fruit stains on skin, try rubbing and rinsing with pure lemon juice. The concentrated bottled kind works just as well – just use less of it.

Baking soda and lemon or grapefruit juice works as well. To remove the smell, rub your hands together with a sea salt paste made with water.

And last but not least, you can always use white distilled vinegar. I’ve never tried Apple Cider Vinegar, but I’m sure it should work just as well.

Any type of permanent marker should easily come off with a natural hairspray. Simply spray, rub hands and wash off with mild soap and water. I’ve also tried this method on household surfaces (test a small area first) and it seems to work just as well. Some of those products sold to remove stains from furniture can be quite toxic and dangerous to children and pets.

When in need of a facial exfoliating wash, simply sprinkle some cornmeal into the lather and massage gently into the skin. You can also use this method as a body scrub. I’ve tried this using salt, but it tends to leave my skin irritated and dried out. The salt might work better on a tougher, oilier skin. Avoid scrubbing your face and body daily. This should be done no more than once a week, and less for drier more sensitive skin.

I find that cornstarch baby powder makes an awesome face powder to set your make-up base with. Do not use baby powders containing talc, as this is harmful to the lungs. Cornstarch powder leaves your skin smooth and soft, fills in the wrinkles and doesn’t over dry. That was one of my mom’s make up secrets. Compared to cosmetic setting powders, it’s really, really cheap and much better for you. I get the cornstarch baby powder sold at whole food stores or stores that carry totally natural facial products.

Baking Soda is also excellent for removing tough grime on hands and under finger- nails, as well as deodorizing hands.

Whenever you can afford to, try purchasing cosmetic products that are naturally organic. Over 20 percent of the chemicals found in personal care products, not only seep into the skin but hurts our environment as well, by getting into our major water systems, which in turn, ends up in our drinking water. Try using products right out of your kitchen pantry for facial care such as, oatmeal, honey and white vinegar.

GARLIC – a natural remedy…

Garlic, the magical Herb, is used in the prevention and treatment of many health issues. Some of these include infections, all the way to heart disease. If the taste is not to your liking, there are several odorless pills to choose from. Garlic has been used to treat ailments for over 4000 years. Use Garlic for common colds and flu, bronchial infections, anemia, depression, chronic fatigue, menopausal symptoms, digestion, oral problems, and even some forms of arthritis.

Eat raw Garlic and Onion to boost up your immune system. This will help your body fight infection. These Herbs have tons of anti-bacterial properties. Add Echinacea to the mix and you’ll find your symptoms are fewer and will bring relief. This particular combination increases levels of a natural compound already found in the body called Properdin; take these year round and not just during cold and flu season. A healthy and elevated immune system helps your body at a cellular level. Unhealthy tissue formations are also unlikely to occur.

Garlic is wonderful for keeping your heart healthy! I chew 1 raw Garlic Clove every morning, followed by a glass of Lemon water or Apple Cider Vinegar water. My Mom says Lemon water and Vinegar water help to neutralize the Garlic breath. I grew up with eating tons of Garlic, both raw and cooked. I use lots of Garlic in my cooking and find I need less salt. My children have gotten the benefits of Garlic for many years and they haven’t even realized it. Slow cooked Garlic Cloves have a smooth and light taste…little ones actually like it. I have very few Herbs I could say are my favorites, but, Garlic has always been in the top 3. I’m not apposed to Herbal pills, but I just feel keeping really pure and natural is the way to go. My Mom would also make hot Garlic water with Honey, Whiskey and Apple Cider Vinegar to treat our colds and flu. We hardly got sick when we were small and maybe visited a doctor a couple of times.

Some of the benefits to the heart that Garlic brings are: a reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol, used in the prevention of clogged arteries and arterial disease, a reduction in stroke and heart attack, raises immune system function, helps to balance hormones, prevents and treats infections, opens nasal passages as well as reduces symptoms of asthma and keeps the entire body prime functioning. I’ve also read that Garlic actually has anti-aging properties. You won’t look your age in later years and you’ll notice your skin retains its elasticity and therefore less wrinkling. I’ve actually used raw Garlic in the treatment of foot fungus, pimples and disinfect and help heal insect bites.

Garlic also helps to prevent colon cancer and other deadly cancers as well as help fight certain throat infections. Warm Garlic Oil is wonderful for the treatment of ear infections and the pain associated with it in young children. I have to say this though, although I do believe Herbs are here for our use in preventing and curing ailments, you must always seek you doctor’s advice and get any major infection checked out – especially if it’s not getting better. Be especially cautious with young children and the elderly. Just because something is natural, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a severe reaction to the Herb. And as we all know, there are quite a number of Herbs that can even lead to death. Always consult a professional if you’re not sure about man made medicines or natural Herbs.

Here is a product I highly recommend:

Willow/Garlic Ear Oil – I really love this product. Although it’s not as cheap as making your own Garlic Oil, this product is especially made for children and it’s infused (very concentrated) with other known anti-bacterial Herbs. It helps fight the ear infection (if you catch it early enough) as well as relieves the extreme pain associated with an ear- ache! I use this myself. I use lots of products that are specifically designed for children. There’s nothing wrong in doing that and for the most part, I end up with hardly any allergic reactions. I find that some adult products are actually too strong and concentrated for my liking.

Later,g

Here’s a way to treat an earache and other painful conditions by creating a heating pad using common household items.

Magnificent Magnesium

I have only recently found interest in the Mineral Magnesium. Although not an Herb, it serves as a catalyst for so many chemical interactions occurring with other vitamins and Herbs. It’s actually responsible for over 300 chemical functions within the body.

It helps provide our bodies with energy, stabilizes heart rhythm and is most important in bone formation, as well as bone health. More than 60 percent of naturally occurring Magnesium is found throughout our skeletal mass, where it is responsible in providing our bodies with constant skeletal support. Magnesium works best when taken with Calcium.

Magnesium also helps deliver calcium and potassium to cell membranes as well as help transmit nerve signals and regulate muscle contractions.

Magnesium is found in seeds, halibut and spinach. Magnesium pills or tablets always come in compound form. You’ll never see Magnesium sold alone or as a pure mineral.

Do not ingest pure Magnesium…it could be extremely toxic and could even lead to heart failure. Forms of Magnesium compounds include: Magnesium glycinate, Magnesium sulfate and Magnesium citrate.

Certain forms of depression have been connected with low levels of Magnesium.

If you have consumed antibiotics or diuretics for a prolonged period of time, make sure you replenish your Magnesium, as these products are known to reduce Magnesium stores within the body. Take a Magnesium compound while consuming these drugs. For children, consult their pediatrician.

Health Benefits:

Anti – aging – lack of Magnesium causes loss of telomeres, these protect the tips of chromosomes. Telomeres are directly connected to rapid aging.

Heart Rhythm – because the heart is a muscle, Magnesium has been found to help regulate heart beat, especially in those that have an irregular heart beat. Magnesium sulfate is given in I.V. form to patients experiencing dangerous irregular heartbeats when first arriving to the hospital. Forms of Magnesium compounds are also given to women during labor to regulate blood pressure. I would highly recommend a combination of raw Garlic, Omega-3 Fish Oils and a Magnesium compound in order to maintain a really healthy heart!

Muscle Function – low levels of Magnesium can cause poor muscle function, especially in the elderly. Magnesium compounds are also being studied as a treatment to many central nervous system disorders and muscular dystrophies.

Your Bones – young women should keep up with their Magnesium intake daily. Magnesium directly contributes to greater bone density and for women, density drops the older you get.

Asthma – and related respiratory chronic disorders and the symptoms associated with these ailments can be reduced by taking Magnesium compounds. New studies have shown that among asthmatic children, giving them Magnesium Glycinate decreased bothersome bronchial discomfort. Their triggers reduced and use of medication dropped by over 35 percent!

So, don’t forget your Magnesium and try a halibut, basil and spinach dinner tonight – this is rich in naturally occurring Magnesium.

Don’t forget to always consult with your health practitioner before starting any change in diet…especially with children.

Later-g

I have a Mennonite friend who gave me a list of the herbal remedies she uses. What she basically gave me was a list of ailments and herbs uses to make remedies. You can consult an herbalist or holistic care practitioner to inquire about doses and applications. A health food store should also be quite helpful.

My friend wishes to remain anonymous due to her religious beliefs.

Some of these remedies were actually passed down from some of her Amish sisters. The Amish and Mennonites have treated ailments with herbs for hundreds of years. Doctors were not always available. These remedies are tried and true, but do use common sense, and possibly take the time to research any specific remedies or herbs you might choose to use.

Thank you so very much, my Mennonite friend, for sharing all of the wonderful things you know. I do so enjoy learning about you, your life and family. Speak to you soon and peace be with you…
Common Allergies – Yarrow Root and Elderberry

Bedwetting – Licorice Root

Insect Bites – Black Cohosh

Minor Burns – Feverfew and Whitewillow

Colds or Flu – Elderberry and Yarrow

Stomach Gas – Peppermint and Chamomile

Minor Fungal Infections – Echinacea and Thyme

Head Pain – Feverfew and Whitewillow

Stress and Nerve Disorders – Chamomile and Peppermint

Bronchial Infections and Cough – Thyme, Elderberry, Yarrow Root and Echinacea

Baby Teething Pain – Peppermint

Asthma – Coltsfoot, Yerba Santa, Rosemary, Juniper Berries and Mullein

Herbs for pregnancy…

Morning sickness – Ginger, Lemon Balm, German Chamomile, Red Raspberry and Peach Leaf.

Infertility – Squaw Vine, Black Haw, Ginger and Unicorn Root.

Mastitis – German Chamomile, Red Root, Yarrow and Elderflower.

Insomnia – Passion Flower, German Chamomile, Valerian and Linden Flower.
Here is a list of some books that helped her and, she feels, will help you too:

The Seasons of America Past by: Eric Sloane

Nourishing Traditions – by: Sally Fallon

Meals in Minutes by: Sue Gregg

Holiday Menus for Busy Women by: Sue Gregg

Homemade Baby Food Pure and Simple – by: Connie Linardakis

Simply in Season by: Mary Beth Lind

Natural Meals in Minutes – by: Rita Bingham
Here are some books she recommends for teaching children to cook:

Lunches and Snacks by: Sue Gregg

Marmee’s Kitchen Primer by: Martha Greene

Whole Foods for Kids to Cook by: La Leche League International
Health etc…

Naturally Healthy Skin by: Stephanie Tourles

Natural Soap Book by: Susan Miller

The Herbal Body Book by: Stephanie Tourles

How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor by: Dr. Robert Mendelsohn MD

The How to Herb Book by: Velma Keith

Herbal Antibiotics by: Stephen Buhner

Nature’s Antiseptics by: CJ Puotinen

Herbal Teas for Lifelong Health by: Kathleen Brown

Celebrate Simply by: Nancy Twigg

Living More With Less – by: Doris Jansen

Clean and Green by: Annie Berthold-Bond

The Naturally Clean Home by: Karyn Siegel-Maier

Storey’s Basic Country Skills by: John and Martha Storey

She also gave me a few tips on eating according to the seasons….
Beware of less expensive foods because you do get what you pay for.
A farmer’s market is one of the best places to buy your food. Investigate which foods are grown locally and seasonally. By purchasing the food directly from a farmer’s market, you’re eliminating the middle man, you pay less, the food is fresher and most of the time organically grown and you will be supporting a family rather than a huge supermarket chain.
Try to grow at least one food item for yourself. Even if you live in suburbia, there’s always a little patch of land to plant something that is native to your area.
Since it is more difficult to produce milk, meat and eggs on your own…definitely purchase these items from a local farmer’s market. Don’t forget to inquire the way the animals are raised. The meats should be grass fed and the eggs should come from free range chickens!
The USDA offers free information and reading material showing items that are grown seasonally in your part of the nation. They can also supply you with menu options.
Till next time…peace always, Gigi