Natural Awakenings Houston by Holistic Choice Publishing/Natural Awakenings Houston

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HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s In PLANET The Bottle? RESCUE Importance of CBD Lab Reports

Grassroots Climate Strategies Rise Worldwide

PLANET

FLOWER POWER

Botanical Libations Add Healthful Flavor

April 2020 | Houston-Edition | NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

Seven years without a cold?

had colds going round and round, but not me.” Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 a way to kill viruses and in years.” years since. bacteria. Copper can also stop flu if used early He asked relatives and friends to try Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. placed 25 million live flu viruses on a he patented CopperZap™ and put it on Colds start CopperZap. No viruses were found alive the market. when cold viruses soon after. Soon hundreds get in your nose. Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams of people had Viruses multiply confirming the discovery. He placed tried it and given fast. If you don’t millions of disease germs on copper. feedback. Nearly stop them early, “They started to die literally as soon as 100% said the they spread and copper stops colds if they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. People have even used copper on used within 3 hours In hundreds cold sores and say it can completely after the first sign. of studies, EPA prevent outbreaks. Even up to 2 New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university The handle is days, if they still researchers have confirmed that viruses curved and finely get the cold it is milder than usual and and bacteria die almost instantly when textured to improve they feel better. touched by copper. contact. It kills germs Users wrote things like, “It stopped That’s why ancient Greeks and picked up on fingers my cold right away,” and “Is it Egyptians used copper to purify water and hands to protect supposed to work that fast?” and heal wounds. They didn’t know you and your family. “What a wonderful thing,” wrote about microbes, but now we do. Copper even kills Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills deadly germs that Scientists say the high conductance colds for me!” cold viruses. of copper disrupts the electrical balance have become resistant Pat McAllister, 70, received one in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in for Christmas and called it “one of the to antibiotics. If you are near sick seconds. best presents ever. This little jewel really people, a moment of handling it may Tests by the EPA (Environmental keep serious infection away. It may even works.” Protection Agency) show germs die save a life. Now thousands of users have simply fast on copper. So some hospitals tried The EPA says copper still works stopped getting colds. copper for touch surfaces like faucets even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of People often use CopperZap and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent MRSA and other illnesses by over half, serious or even fatal illness. used to get colds after crowded flights. and saved lives. CopperZap is made in America of Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave pure copper. It has a 90-day full money times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When back guarantee. It is $69.95. “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Get $10 off each CopperZap with exclaimed. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA19. Go to www.CopperZap.com or call gently in his nose for 60 seconds. people are sick around her she uses “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold CopperZap morning and night. “It saved toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever. never got going.” It worked again every me last holidays,” she said. “The kids ADVERTORIAL

New device stops cold and flu

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Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 60 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 14 Planet Rescue Strategies Combat Climate Crisis

16 Equine Assisted Counseling 17 Flower Power

Botanical Libations Pack Healthy Punch

19 Making Luck

An Intentional Path to Good Fortune

21 Climate Warriors Unite! ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

A Call to Action

HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 713-927-6540 or email: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com. Deadline for ads: the 5th of the month.

21 What’s Reallly In the Bottle?

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

The Importance of CBD Lab Reports and How to Read Them

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

4 letter from the publisher

11 global briefs

5 affirming naturally

13 eco tip

6 news briefs

21 plant medicine

7 health briefs

26 calendar of events

Email articles, news items and ideas to: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com. Deadline for calendar: the 5th of the month. If you have missed the deadline ask about our “Red-Eye Special” and our digital placements.

REGIONAL MARKETS

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

27 resource guide

Subscribe to our Expanded Digital Edition for even more interesting and informative articles. Text NAHTX to 66866.

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letter from publishers Greetings! As I write this, it’s the middle of March and already the Coronavirus has changed everything and things will have changed yet again several times by the time you are reading this. Cindy and I are very grateful to be living in a cabin out in the woods 30 miles from the nearest town and ¼ mile from our nearest neighbor. We are grateful that we have a big garden and that we can basically work from home. We also realize that most people are not so fortunate. We are still sad from the death of our beloved fur-baby, Sadie. She was such a happy little dog and we’d enjoyed her presence so much the past 12 years but it was time and we know that she is no longer suffering. We are committed to continue bringing you the best and latest information so that you can stay healthy and so that our life on this planet can become more sustainable. This month’s issue focuses on Climate Change. You will notice that our Calendar lists only online events. As in-person events are canceled and we need to hunker down at home for our own safety, it is important to be able to have virtual social contact with others. If your church, yoga studio, meditation center or counselor are offering on-line or livestreaming events, please email us at mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com and we will be happy to list them in our calendar at NO CHARGE. Our digital magazine is available on our website and by free email subscription. Just text NAHTX to 66866 and you are signed up. Be sure to check your Social, Promotions and Spam folders around the 1st of the month because some email services route our emails there. We are committed to continuing to produce our print edition. If the business where you usually pick up our magazine is closed, we have a Distribution Map up on our website. If you are unable to get out and pick up a copy, we are now offering print subscriptions for a nominal cost. (enough to cover printing and postage) Go to our website for details and to subscribe. (naturalawakenings-houston.com) Be sure to visit our Facebook page for daily updates as the crisis unfolds. Stay safe and well and remember to be kind to one another..

Mike & Cindy Hart

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

HOUSTON EDITION PUBLISHERS

Cindy & Mike Hart

EDITOR & DESIGN Mike Hart CREATIVE

Cindy Hart

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Doyle Ward Minnie Payne Linda Sechrist J.Garnett SALES & MARKETING Carmen Jules Barbara Silberg Heather Richmon WEBSITE

Mike Hart

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Lisa Doyle-Mitchell © 2020 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are weresponsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

© 2020 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

affirming naturally

I am happy and am discovering what makes me happy. by Doyle Ward

You have more than 55,000 thoughts each day. Many are the same thoughts over and over again. Every single one is an affirmation; this also includes everything that you say. By reducing your negative thoughts and words and increasing the positive ones, you can reshape your life. Expecting a better day helps to create a better life. The only place we have to take action or make changes is the present moment.This month’s affirmation can help create a better life.

I am happy and am discovering what makes me happy. Deciding to be happy is the first step. But what does happy mean to you? Is it a new car? Freedom from debt? Watching your children grow? Or is it a new attitude? Taking time to explore your definition of happiness helps you to find or achieve it. Then discover what makes you happy and take steps to incorporate that into your life. And don’t forget to be open to the unexpected moments of happiness! The only thing that you are guaranteed in life is this moment. Working with positive affirmations can radically change your mindset. Say them and write them repeatedly with the feeling that they are your truth. You have the power to make great changes in yourself and the world. I know this is true because I have made huge changes in my life by changing my thoughts.

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Doyle Ward is a successful life coach, workshop leader and lecturer in the field of personal development. Listen to his podcasts on InFlowRadio.com, Apple Podcasts or GooglePlay Doyle Ward, See ad on page 9

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Get to the Root Cause of Your Health Conditions Specializing in: • Digestive Issues • Fatigue • Food Cravings • Mood Swings • Hormonal Imbalances • Fertility • Weight Issues • Auto Immune Conditions • Aches & Pains • and More Erin Thole,CNHP Reach Your TRUE Health Potential With: Food Sensitivity, Hormonal, Toxicity, and Nutritional Deficiency Panels Nutritional Programs & More Set up your FREE consultation by emailing: thole.erin@gmail.com To learn how Erin has helped others just like you visit: www.ErinThole.com

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Natural Awakenings Delivered toYour Home New Subscription Service 50th EARTH DAY TAKES ON CLIMATE CHANGE Golden Anniversary Marks Call to Action April 1st-22nd Online

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Ameri-

cans—10 percent of the nation—took to the streets and campuses to protest environmental degradation so severe that rivers were literally catching on fire. That groundswell was followed by the passage of landmark environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, laws soon adopted by many other countries. Half a century later, as temperatures approach 70 degrees in Antarctica, catastrophic wildfires race through Australia and species die off around the world, the planet’s status seems anything but golden. On this Earth Day, the climate crisis that precipitated these events and trends take center stage: The goal is to mobilize millions, perhaps billions, of Earth’s human inhabitants to rise up in its defense. “The urgency has never been greater and the stakes have never been higher,” say the organizers of the Earth Day Network. “We are now in an environmental emergency and a climate breakdown. The world needs you— and your actions—for Earth Day 2020.” The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites you to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day by participating in the Earth Day EcoChallenge. This online event challenges us to grow in our stewardship of the earth. Join the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston team & we’ll support each other along the journey. April 1 – April 22, online. To sign up or to learn more, go to https://ecochallenge.org Questions? - Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs. lrc@gmail.com

Many of our readers just prefer print.

During the current Coronavirus Crisis it may be inadvisable to go out to pick up a copy from one of the local businesses where we deliver our magazines and many of those businesses may be closed. In response to this need, we will be accepting print subscriptions once again. Our magazines are printed in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania and shipped on a shrinkwrapped pallet to our warehouse in Houston. National Institutes of Health, Princeton, and the University of California, Los Angeles studies indicate the coronavirus remains virulent on paper surfaces for up to 24 hours. So any possible contamination occurring at the printer would be non-virulent by the time the magazines arrive at our warehouse 5 days later. I will be working in gloves and mask to prepare the mailing and any contamination at this point would be non-virulent by the time it is delivered to your home. The new magazines will be mailed out from the US Post Office in Iola, Texas on the last Saturday of the month. Any subscriptions received before the 15th will receive that month’s issue mailed out within 2 days of receiving the subscription. Subscriptions received after the 13th will receive the following month’s issue. To cover the cost of postage and handling, the cost will be $29 for 12 months and $50 for 24 months. You may subscribe by filling out the online form on our website and paying via PayPal or using the printable order form and either emailing it back for credit card payment or mailing it to us for payment by check. Mailed in forms will be processed on the last Friday of the month so there may be a few week’s delay in getting your first copy if you choose that method. We look forward to bringing you the best and latest information to help you stay healthy and together build a more sustainable world.

Natural Awakenings Digital Website, Flipbook & Mobile Stories

If you prefer to read on your laptop, tablet

or mobile device, we have you covered. Natural Awakenings Houston is available on our mobile responsive website NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com complete with a link to downloadable discount coupons. You can subscribe by texting NAHTX to 66866 and we will email you our digital flipbook version for FREE so you don’t miss an issue! You can also read our magazine on your mobile devise in a special mobile stories format by downloading the ISSUU app and subscribing to Natural Awakenings Houston. Not only that, but our digital edition also includes many articles that we were unable to fit in the limited space of our print edition. These are accessible on both our web version for a nominal subscription fee of $1.99 to read all the premium articles in one month’s issue or $9.99 for 12 issues, and on our flipbook version for only $0.50 per issue. While you are spending time online, be sure to “like” and “follow” our Facebook page for updates, events and articles daily. Natural Awakenings Houston, we want to be your go-to place online for useful information to keep you healthy and happy.

MAY

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

Coming Next Month

The Collagen Connection plus: Autoimmune Breakthroughs

health briefs

Roundup Redux

Organic Standards Clarified for Hydroponics

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has clarified its standards regarding organic crop container systems such as hydroponics and aquaponics, requiring that those operations stop using synthetic chemicals not approved for organic crop production in the soil underneath, as well as in containers, for three years prior to achieving certification. The clarification arose after soil-based farmers reported that hydroponics operations were spraying the soil to clear weeds with Monsanto’s glyphosate shortly before building a greenhouse and applying for quick organic certification. The World Health Organization classified glyphosate as a Group 2A carcinogen, and it is absolutely prohibited on organic farms. The Real Organic Project, a family farmer-driven organization, is lobbying for an add-on label to USDA Certified Organic to provide more transparency on whether organic crops are grown in soil or hydroponic greenhouses.

Nutty News

Eco-Sunscreen Made from Cashew Shells

A “green” sunscreen has been synthesized from discarded cashew-nut shells by a team of scientists from South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania and Germany, reports the European Journal of Organic Chemistry. Using xylochemistry (wood chemistry), the scientists produced new aromatic compounds that show good UVA and UVB absorbance, which can protect humans, as well as polymers and coatings, from harmful rays from the sun. The research was published in the European Journal of Organic Chemistry. UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature aging and the development of lethal melanomas in humans and animals, and are also damaging to most materials, causing the discoloration of dyes and pigments, weathering, yellowing of plastics and the loss of gloss and mechanical properties.

Unsafe Sipping

Widespread Drinking Water Contamination Found

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found contamination of U.S. drinking water with manmade “forever chemicals” to be much worse than estimated. Miami, Philadelphia and New Orleans have some of the highest levels. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are resistant to breaking down in the environment and some have been linked to cancer, liver damage, low birth weight and other health problems. David Andrews, a senior scientist at EWG and co-author of the report, says, “It’s nearly impossible to avoid contaminated drinking water from these chemicals.” Sources include products like Teflon, Scotchguard and firefighting foam. Only one location in the country, Meridian, Mississippi, which has 700-foot-deep wells, had no detectable PFAS, while Seattle and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, had levels below 1 part per trillion, the limit EWG recommends. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has known since at least 2001 about the problem of PFAS in drinking water, but has so far failed to set an enforceable, nationwide legal limit.

Consume Grape Seed Extract to Improve Cholesterol and Lower Inflammation Grape seed extract, an antioxidant-rich supplement that is a byproduct of the wine and juice industry, significantly improves both total and LDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels, and lowers markers of inflammation, concludes a meta-review of 15 randomized trials in the journal Phytotherapy Research. Researchers from Iran, Canada and Croatia concluded that the popular extract also improves fasting glucose levels, but has little effect on HbA1c or HDL cholesterol levels.

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Poor eating habits are not only disease-producing, they are also costly, the latest research shows. “Suboptimal eating” incurs approximately $300 in healthcare costs annually per person, and $481 for older people on Medicare, adding up to $50 billion a year nationally—84 percent of which goes to acute care, say Harvard-associated Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers. This means that poor diets account for almost 20 percent of heart disease, stroke and diabetes costs in the U.S. Researchers studied the impact of 10 dietary factors, including fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, processed meats, sugary drinks and salt, and found that the top three risks were overconsuming processed meats and underconsuming nuts/seeds and omega-3-rich seafood. “There is a lot to be gained in terms of reducing risk and cost associated with heart disease, stroke and diabetes by making relatively simple changes to one’s diet,” says study co-author Thomas Gaziano, M.D. “Our work illustrates the need for interventions or policies that incentivize healthier dietary behavior, as these changes have the potential to have a big impact and reduce the health and financial burden of cardiometabolic disease.”

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Breathe Cleaner Air to Help Bone Health Air pollution has long been linked to lung cancer, stroke and respiratory disease, and now research has found that it can lead to osteoporosis, as well. Researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health studied the bone mass and density of 3,717 people living in villages near Hyderabad, India. These were compared to fine particulate air pollution levels, which averaged more than three times the recommendations of the World Health Organization. The researchers also surveyed in-home cooking over wood, coal and other biomass sources. The results showed that exposure to ambient air pollution was associated with lower levels of bone mass, and that cooking over fires did not have that effect. “Inhalation of polluting particles could lead to bone mass loss through the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by air pollution,” says lead author Otavio T. Ranzani.

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Coal Costs

Closing Plants Saves Lives and Crops

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Between 2005 and 2016, the shutdown of coal-fired plants in the U.S. saved an estimated 26,610 lives and the equivalent of around 570 million bushels of corn, soybeans and wheat, reports a new University of California at San Diego (UCSD) study published in Nature Sustainability. The coal plants were typically decommissioned as utilities transitioned from coal to natural gas for electric power generation, thus reducing particulate matter and ozone in the lower atmosphere. “When a coal-fired unit shuts down, local pollution [including particulate matter] levels drop, mortality rates drop and crop yields of major staple crops rise,” writes study author and UCSD associate professor Jennifer Ann Burney. The newer, natural-gas and coalfired units that have supplanted them are not entirely benign and deserve further study, she notes.

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Temperature changes, water shortages and rising sea levels will impact some of the world’s most populous cities during the next 30 years. Apartment rental hub Nestpick. com commissioned researchers to comb through data and determine how the ongoing climate shift could impact specific cities to help people choose where to live and add to the debate about procedures that can be put in place to ensure the longevity and livability of cities. Bangkok faces the highest risk of flooding from rising sea levels and a projected temperature increase of 3° F. Nairobi may move from a temperate humid warm summer climate to a tropical-type savanna wet summer climate due to rising temperatures. The demand for water is projected to be double the supply in Melbourne. Ho Chi Minh City and Amsterdam are also very high on the list.

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eco tip

Think Outside the House Expanding Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning traditionally heralds a new beginning, an opportu- Erin Chase, author of the $5 Dinner cookbook series, kitchen nity to take stock of hearth and home and a time of renewal regardless of the season. Clearing figurative cobwebs is as important as sweeping away real ones, and while most folks focus on giving their abode a thorough airing and scrubbing, there’s plenty to tend to outside before the heat of summer sets in. Clear out potentially dead grass and leaves and other organic matter near the sides of the house to prevent termites and other insect infestations. Collect the organic matter, add in food scraps and compost it all to benefit the garden. Composting sends the nutrients of loose ingredients into the soil as a natural fertilizer. EarthEasy.com/grow_compost.html reports it can help divert as much as 30 percent of household waste from the garbage can. Make sure to check the top and outer walls of the house. Upraised nails in a shingled roof or deteriorated shingles or gaps where plumbing vent pipes penetrate the surface—possibly due to high winds, falling branches or ice thawing in colder climes—can produce small breaks and holes for water to seep through onto tops of ceilings. That can possibly lead to mold as summer temperatures rise and water leaks into the interior of the house. OldHouseWeb. com says collars of vent pipes should be tight, as “some older [ones] can loosen over time and even some newer rubber collars crack and leak long before the shingles fail.” Also, check the gutters to make sure they are clear of packed leaves and tree branches. Don’t forget the family car, which may need its own spring cleanup. Go green with a natural soap to remove slush and grime, and then take a close look at the toll the past year has taken. Pebbles and rocks may have been kicked onto the sides of the car, resulting in small chips and abrasions of the paint from which rust might spread. The nonprofit Car Care Council (CarCare.org) recommends covering the areas as quickly as possible and if necessary to use a little clear nail polish—nontoxic, of course—as a quick fix for minor paint damage until a proper touch-up can be scheduled. Then there’s the undercarriage. Salt particles that may have been used in treating roads and highways in icy regions may be lodged into crevices which can corrode metal and functional parts. Make sure the hose sprayer also reaches these areas.

expert and mother of four, works hard to be mindful about her environmental impact in everyday life. “With four boys, cutting waste seemed impossible, but with a few simple hacks, we are on our way to becoming a much more environmentally-friendly family.” Erin’s motto is ‘start small,’ setting achievable goals—and starting with your spring cleaning routine will kick-off habits you can use year round. Here are Erin’s favorite quick and easy tips to “green” your spring cleaning routine: • Reduce/eliminate paper towels. As you declutter, save old t-shirts and cut them into cloths you can use for the year. • Switch to reusable mop heads that are machine washable. Disposable sweeping cloths are expensive and create a lot of waste. • Switch to biodegradable cleaning products, especially for those that go down the drain. Art of Green multi-purpose sprays, a 2020 Product of the Year USA winner, are made from a biodegradable formula. • Deliver donations in reusable storage bins vs. trash bags. Most let you transfer clothing in their bins, reducing trash bag use. • Eliminate cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals. Art of Green products are naturally-derived, non-toxic and safe around kids and pets. • Go paperless! Piled up mail adds clutter and wastes paper. Dedicate time to unsubscribe from unwanted mailings, and switch bills to electronic delivery. Discontinue catalogs you can access online. • Take small steps, or you’ll feel overwhelmed and give up! Small changes lead to good habits that will help our environment, and save you money, too. Erin Chase is a San Antonio-based national blogger and influencer. She’s appeared on TV in San Antonio, Houston, Austin as well as the The View and Rachel Ray Show. More info at 5DollarDinners. com. Sponsored content. For more information about Art of Green products, see ad on page 22 or visit ArtOfGreen.com.

The message I try to express [through my art] is that some of our best-known wild animals might, in my lifetime, no longer be on the planet. ~Josie Martin

PLANET RESCUE Grassroots Strategies Combat Climate Crisis by Julie Marshall

Like most kids, Azalea Morgan loves polar

bears. “They’re fluffy and cute,” the 8-yearold says, and after watching a documentary on how climate change is affecting these Arctic apex predators, she badly wanted to help. Her mom, Molly Morgan, suggested she do something big, because the problem of global warming is monumental. For nearly three weeks last September, Azalea pedaled her bike alongside her mom and 9-year-old sister, Ember, setting out from their hometown of Andover, New Hampshire, en route to New York City to attend the United Nations (UN) Climate Action Summit, where Greta Thunberg and other global youth leaders marched for change. The trip was a fundraiser to put solar panels on their school and for future projects under KidsCare4PolarBears, a Facebook page that documents their ongoing efforts. While not everyone has the time or inclination to ride 250 miles and camp— some of it in the rain—or as Thunberg did,

sail across the Atlantic in a zero-emissions yacht, there are steps individuals can take to combat climate change on a grassroots level, experts say, because the crisis is undeniable, as seen most recently in the catastrophic bushfires across Australia. There are peaceful protests taking place worldwide scheduled throughout 2020 at FridaysForFuture.org and other organizations, but a growing number of individuals that want to do more are using their imaginations and creative endeavors, inspiring others to take unique action. Students at a school in Spain wrote and performed a play and illustrated a book to raise climate change awareness, while a teen from California used her artistic skills to raise thousands of dollars for wildlife. On March 28, people around the world participated in the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour by collectively turning off lights at 8:30 p.m. while holding eco-events, and others are joining in the global tree-planting campaign of The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Reversing course may seem insurmountable, but individuals have a lot of power, says Dan Shepard, UN global communications officer: “The choices we make, the things we do, collectively matter and can have a huge impact on the world.”

Stepping Up for Biodiversity

“I wanted to inspire other kids,” Ember says of her bicycle trek for polar bears. “I love animals and they deserve to not die.” According to a 2019 UN Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, more than 1 million species are threatened with extinction, and one of the main reasons is climate change, say experts, including Nikhil Advani, director of Climate Communities and Wildlife at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Protecting large predators is one key to enriching biodiversity, Advani says. “The top of the food chain has a significant impact on prey species and the ecosystem.”

think the difference I make through art is that I am helping to raise awareness for important animal conservation work.”

Every Action Counts if we collectively use our voice to amplify the facts about climate change, we can work to find solutions. ~Elan Strait

But predators are suffering because of humans that are feeling the impacts of climate change, Advani says. Long droughts have forced many Kenyan pastoralists to enter protected parks and compete with wildlife for water and grazing land, resulting in lion deaths as retaliation for killing livestock. In the Himalayas, as the Earth warms, snow leopard habitat is being encroached for pastureland. In Zimbabwe, farmers have turned to chopping down trees for wood as an alternative economic opportunity. “Everybody is stressed and competing for resources,” Advani says. “It is a very severe result of climate change.” Advani and researchers are working in tandem with local societies in 30 countries across Africa, Central America and Asia to fund novel projects under the Wildlife Adaptation Innovation Fund. For instance, they are piloting a rainwater harvesting project to help farmers get through the dry seasons and are constructing concrete and mudbrick nests to help albatross breed better in Tasmania. These special projects are based on available levels of donations that are sometimes crowd-sourced. Raising funds for innovative projects, as well as increasing awareness of what’s happening, is an important grassroots strategy, says Elan Strait, WWF director of U.S. climate campaigns. It can be as simple as sharing updates, tagging social media influencers and instigating a rallying cry. WWF has its own program called Panda Ambassadors in which conservation activists of all ages can get tips and tools to promote specific projects they feel most passionate about. “I love to see what young people are doing, because if we collectively use our voice to amplify the facts about climate change, we can work to find solutions,” Strait says. “And we need facts to get out there because, at least in the U.S., some people think climate change is still a controversy and are afraid to talk about it, but we should have that conversation with friends and family so we can find solutions.”

Youth Rising to the Challenge

Getting involved in grassroots-level strategies is empowering not only for kids, but for adults that need their resiliency and inspiration, says Janet Stringer, manager of donor relations at Polar Bears International, in Bozeman, Montana. “In my work, I hear from so many people who are feeling deep despair about the climate crisis. I draw hope from the children who write to us, sharing stories and pictures about their dreams for a future that includes polar bears,” says Stringer. “I think we owe it to the next generation to work as hard as we can to come together and make the necessary changes to ensure that polar bears—and all wildlife— are not a species we learn about in the pages of a book, but a wild species that we can see with our own eyes, reminding us of how special our planet is and why it deserves our respect.” One of her favorite examples comes from students at the Daina-Isard school, in Olesa de Montserrat, Spain, and their climate-driven projects with teacher Connie Darilek, who asked the Aquarium of Barcelona to help them grow plankton, an organism threatened by warming seas. “They gave us plankton and jellyfish, and it was really amazing for the students to learn the [Arctic] food chain and how serious it would be losing the polar bear on top,” Darilek says. Students recently published the book Nanuc, a story about a polar bear that they also illustrated, now in its second printing. Josie Martin, 13, of Solana Beach, California, has raised $8,700 for conservation of rhinos, elephants, pangolins, gorillas and polar bears by giving watercolor paintings to those that donate to charities through her PayPal Giving page at Chuffed.org/project/peace-love-hope-for-rhinos. “Each year, I think I’m getting a little bit better at creating art which sends a strong message,” she says. “The message I try to express is that some of our best-known wild animals might in my lifetime no longer be on the planet. I

There’s no one solution to climate change, says Catherine Macdonald, TNC director of natural climate solutions for North America. “We really have to try, all of us. It’s important that everyone feel they can contribute, because everything does make a difference, and no action is too small.” For those that are not art-inclined, one of the best things people can do is to plant trees, Macdonald says, whether it’s replanting forests or increasing their numbers in urban areas. According to a 2018 study by TNC published in Science Advances, nature-driven land management could sequester 21 percent of America’s annual greenhouse gas pollution—the equivalent of emissions from all cars and trucks on the roads today. Planting trees emerged in the study as the most significant among 21 strategies to mitigate global warming. One good way to get started is join the TNC Plant a Billion Trees program, Macdonald says; details are at Tinyurl.com/TNCPlantABillionTrees. “Climate change is definitely a growing concern that we are facing, and as more people understand there is a problem and what the solutions are, the more influence we can have on the big decision-makers, whether that’s government or corporations that make our products,” she says. “And being aware informs voters to advance climate action.” While Josie, Ember, Azalea and the students at Daina-Isard aren’t old enough to vote, their message is strong. “I’m worried about the impact climate change will have on our future,” Josie says. “I think people should protest peacefully for the things they believe in and that more people should exercise their right to vote for leaders who care about the youth in our world and the generations to come. I also think people should try to spend a little bit of their time taking action for what they want to see changed in our world.” Julie Marshall is a Colorado-based writer and author of Making Burros Fly: Cleveland Amory, Animal Rescue Pioneer. Connect with her at FlyingBurros@gmail.com.

animal wisdom

During this process, there are times when a horse will mirror a participant in the round pen. This is astonishing to observe because the horse reflects what the person is doing in their life that is not working for them or keeping them in patterns that deny them freedom. This is when the counselor interprets the language of a horse and relays it to the participant. Horses speak in pictures and frequencies. When a person can see the picture in their mind and attach the feelings or emotions to that picture, the horse will engage with or approach that person. A horse will remain distant if the individual’s frequency is very low and they are emotionally shut down. If a person is not capable of feeling from their heart, a connection is not made with the horse because there is nothing for the horse to attach to. Through a process of suggestions, the counselor guides the individual to enable them to open their heart and then the horse has access to the individual’s feelings. A horse energetically begins to remove the frequency of the picture and feelings from the person, if the person is willing to release it. The horse neutralizes the emotions and afterwards the picture has no high or low, it just remains neutral. The picture and feelings become neutralized after being released to the horse. It is common to observe the horse during this process “licking and chewing” the air around the person’s body without actually touching the individual. This is one way a human can observe that the horse is actually removing the energy. The horse then completes the process by physically releasing the emotion by literally yawning.

Equine Assisted Counseling by Dr. Julie Hollingsworth, LCDC, ADC III, PhD

Did you know that horses can help in the process of healing physical pain, emotional trauma, grief and loss, addiction, shame and guilt, depression, anxiety, fear, PTSD, amongst other issues? The use of horses to heal from this long list of conditions is usually not the first choice most people turn to. Historically, horses only have been used as tools, show ponies, athletes, breeders, etc. Horses have existed over 60 million years and they have seen more and know much more than anyone can imagine.

Until recently, people have had no conception that horses have a higher calling in life. Equine Assisted Counseling aids the engagement of the horse’s frequency with a human being’s emotions. The training involved to incorporate this unusual type of counseling involves an extensive learning process. The facilitator learns to adapt to listening to the horse and interpreting the horse’s body language during the process of healing. It is common practice for treatment facilities, that deal with addiction, to transport vanloads of clients weekly to the rural countryside where Equine Assisted Counselors reside and perform this alternative method of healing. From the moment the individual approaches the round-pen, the horse has already picked-up on the level of their frequency (energy vibration). The counselor remains outside the pen and guides the individual, who is now sitting on a stool or standing, through the process which can last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. When the horse has no halter, saddle, bridle or any other restraints, this is known as the horse giving the person the safety of being at liberty with them.

Highly intuitive Equine Assisted Counselors are not only capable of translating the horse’s behavior but also capable of receiving energies that are transmitted to them indicating what is needed to take place next. This is an intuitive action and only those counselors that have this gift are capable of reading what the horse is translating. An intuitive counselor can “hear” what is happening and what needs to happen next to facilitate the healing process. Those counselors that have the added gift of being empathic, find it helpful with this process because the counselor can feel the same emotions as the person is feeling and then assist in facilitating the opening of that person’s heart to the process of release. Horses are capable of releasing burdens or other emotions that have been carried around and buried deep down for years and have kept a person from moving forward in their life journey. All a person must do is translate a mental picture to the horse. How do they do this? The answer is the horses exists on a higher frequency than the average human being and for them, removing emotions is as easy as picking fruit from a tree. This work exists and is waiting for individuals and/or groups to use to heal. Why has this practice not been sought-out throughout the world? Because it is an alternative practice and just now becoming part of the norm to access. Why is it not a modality that is used for everything that is needed to heal? Once an individual uses Equine Assisted Counseling, suffering is no longer necessary. This is a remarkable alternative healing practice! Ask yourself, how much longer do you want to suffer? No longer! Just trust a little, and the gifts received will be life changing. Dr. Julie Hollingsworth, LCDC, ADC III, PhD Owner of Whisper of The Horse, LLC Sponsored content. For more information about Equine Assisted Counceling visit: Whisperofthehorse.com Drjuliehollingsworth.com drjuliehollingsworth@gmail.com 713-526-HELP (4357)

Plants have so much medicine to share, and it’s fun to play with that.

conscious eating

~Myra Sinnott

A Cup of Wildflowers

FLOWER POWER

Botanical Libations Pack Healthy Punch by April Thompson

Flowers and other budding botanical

elements this spring aren’t just eye candy to dress the table; they can bless an everyday beverage with intoxicating new scents, flavors and colors. “It’s such a joy to see a beautiful flower or plant, smell it and then add it to a delightful beverage or meal. Plants have so much medicine to share, and it’s fun to play with that,” says Myra Sinnott, an aromatherapist and owner of Essential Botany, in Washington, D.C. Many beverage favorites can be given a floral twist with little effort, says Cassie Winslow, author of Floral Libations: 41 Drinks + Ingredients and founder of the blog DecoTartelette.com, in Santa Cruz, California. Winslow’s go-to drinks include lavender-infused lemonade and rose petal almond milk, which can be served hot or cold. “I also love an iced lavender café au lait. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I’ll use fresh flower ice cubes, too.” Dried hibiscus is another favorite of Winslow’s, as even a few petals of the concentrated dark magenta flower will brighten and beautify any beverage—even a yogurt-based drink. While many botanical drink recipes call for simple sugar syrup, Winslow suggests honey with a splash of water as a substitute. Other drinks are naturally sweet, like jasmine tea steeped in apple cider. Sinnott likes to fuse the power of flowers with other botanical elements such

as rose petals in a light raspberry drink. “I also use rosewater in a warm elixir with a base of reishi mushroom tea, goji berries, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger, cacao, pearl powder and honey. Rose is a heart-opener and vitalizes the body with the immune-boosting reishi and the other tonifying ingredients,” says Sinnott. Winslow stresses the importance of buying organic ingredients, as many flowers are sprayed with toxic pesticides—or better yet, home-grown. She suggests the tea aisle of natural food stores is a good place for procuring organic floral ingredients such as chamomile and jasmine, which often come unblended in whole form. Dried flowers are easier to source and are often more potent than fresh, she says. “Fresh is pretty, but can be more subtle in flavor.” Her rose salt recipe, which can be used to rim drinks or seasonal dishes, calls for dried roses, which have a longer shelf life and won’t clump up like fresh petals. Marie Viljoen, Brooklyn-based author of Forage, Harvest, Feast: A Wild-Inspired Cuisine, suggests using cold infusions rather than heat or boiling flowers to retain their flavors and aromas. She also recommends picking flowers early in the morning or late afternoon, when their scent peaks.

While botanical ingredients can be obtained commercially, it can be more fun—and frugal—to forage for them, suggests Viljoen, founder of the blog 66SquareFeet.blogspot. com. “It’s a lot of fun to go out to collect ingredients you cannot find in the store. You can experience unique textures, flavors and perfumes, and play with wild ingredients that have been all but forgotten,” she says. Some of Viljoen’s seasonal foraged favorites include the fragrant elderflower, honeysuckle and common milkweed flower. “I like to capture milkweed’s fragrance and deep pink color in a wild soda or a sweet cordial.” For newbie foragers, drink ingredients can be sourced as easily as herbs from a window box, like the antiviral thyme, which makes for a delicious wild soda made from a handful of herbs, sweetener and water left on the countertop a few days to lightly ferment and fizz. Another spring favorite, tender young spruce tips, has a sour flavor that ferments well with strawberries and rhubarb, says Viljoen. The same recipe can also be used to make vinegar, a longer process resulting in a more enduring product with great botanical properties. “You can create a sipping vinegar, which is good to mix with seltzer or slow-cook with,” says Viljoen. Whether botanical ingredients are foraged, bought or brought in from the backyard garden to be put in a hot tea, a cocktail or a cold brew, the magic is in the making. “Flowers are endless fun to experiment with, especially when added to everyday drinks and dishes. It brings life to the kitchen,” says Winslow. April Thompson, a freelance writer in Washington, D.C., can be reached at AprilWrites.com.

MAY

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

Coming

Autoimmune Breakthroughs plus The Collagen Connection

SOOTHING BOTANICAL SIPS Flowers are endless fun to experiment with, especially when added to everyday drinks and dishes. It brings life to the kitchen. ~Cassie Winslow them. Place the crystals in the oven on a low heat (158 to 170° F) for 15 minutes, or until hot. Place the crystals in the teacups. For a pot for 3 to 4 people, take 6 heaping teaspoons of the blend, pour over freshly boiled water, infuse with the lid on for 5 to 6 minutes, then fine strain and serve in cups over the warm pieces of rose quartz crystal.

Unconditional Love

Mix all the herbs together in a large bowl, then decant into a sealable pouch or jar, being sure to store away from direct sunlight. Cleanse the crystals, by first rinsing and gently scrubbing them under running water, then place in the sun for a few hours and whisper some love poetry to

medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Whisk the milk, then slowly add the honey or agave sweetener and whisk together. Pour the milk mixture into a large mug. Add the tea bag and allow to steep for five minutes. Discard the tea bag. Sprinkle the nutmeg on top. Recipe courtesy of Cassie Winslow, Floral Libations: 41 Drinks + Ingredients.

MAY

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

Coming Next Month

The Collagen Connection

Yields: 3½ oz beverage

For the warm rose quartz: 3-4 Rough pieces of rose quartz crystal

1 cup, unsweetened, almond milk or hazelnut milk 1 Tbsp honey (or agave sweetener) 1 dandelion tea bag Freshly ground nutmeg for garnish

Recipe courtesy of Michael Isted, the Herball.

Here’s an Indian-inspired herbal infusion featuring classic Ayurvedic herbs that help spread unconditional love that is so needed in the world right now. It’s recommended that you serve the infusion on heated rose quartz crystals; this will continue to emanate the love. This recipe is best made in larger quantities and stored for use throughout the year or whenever you need to spread or share more love with friends and family.

.7 oz cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) ½ oz ginger root (Zingiber officinalis), dried .2 oz ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera), dried .2 oz rhatavari root (Asparagus racemosus), dried ½ oz rose petals (Rosa spp), dried .4 oz rose hips (Rosa canina), dried 1 oz tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), dried

Yields: one beverage

Plus: Autoimmune Breakthroughs

Dandelion Honey Bowl of Soul “I love to make a bowl of soul when I need to unwind, as this beverage is quite soothing,” says Cassie Winslow. “Dandelions have a subtle spice that pairs so nicely with other warming spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Steeped in your favorite nutty milk, this’ll be your new go-to goodie when you want to sit with your thoughts, gaze out the window and sip on something warm.”

inspiration

MAKING LUCK

An Intentional Path to Good Fortune by Carol Kline

By its very definition, luck is random, capricious and based on

chance rather than our own actions. Yet there is reason to believe that might not be the whole story—that living a charmed life and being lucky both in love and a chosen field is within our control. Recent research in the field of positive psychology and the experiences of consistently lucky people show that we can, and in fact already do make our own luck. Although there will always be an element of chance to luck—both good and bad—we have more influence over the events in our lives than we realize. This means a great deal of our luck can be changed, and quickly, with a little conscious attention. The first step is changing our ideas about how luck works. Stanford University professor and luck expert Tina Seelig, Ph.D., explains that the key is “understanding that luck is rarely a lightning strike—isolated and dramatic—but a wind that blows constantly… You need to build a sail made up of certain tiny behaviors to catch the winds of luck.” Here are a few ideas and ways for us to get started in raising our sails and harnessing the winds of luck. Believe it’s possible and commit to being lucky. This is called mindset. It may seem simplistic, but studies clearly show that people that believe they are lucky are more open to and aware of the opportunities that come their way and act upon them, which leads to a larger number of positive outcomes.

Become aware of our own negative conditioning about luck. Most of us have decided on an unconscious level how lucky we deserve to be. To turn our luck around often requires “lifting curses”; rooting out those limiting beliefs we’ve acquired along the way that become self-fulfilling prophecies. Take bold action consistently. Think of action as a cosmic lottery ticket. The more actions we take, the more chances we have to win. To turbocharge this step, we must get out of our comfort zone; meet new people, change our daily routine and do things that stretch us. Fortune favors the bold. Learn to listen to inner mental, emotional and physical promptings. Being true to our deepest values, priorities and intuitions, and staying centered in our bodies while we move through space, are the keys to being in the right place at the right time, a common definition of luck. When we focus on the elements of luck that are within our control, chance becomes less important. Begin today and watch good fortune blossom. Carol Kline is a New York Times bestselling author and the co-author of Happy for No Reason, Love for No Reason, five books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and the upcoming Conscious Luck: Eight Secrets to Intentionally Change Your Fortune, with Gay Hendricks.

Michael Harner’s Basic Workshop The Way of the Shaman®: Shamanic Journeying, Power, and Healing

June 13-14, 2020

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies shamanism.org

9:00 am – 4:30 pm, Galveston, TX Location: Homewood Suites-Galveston Guest Faculty: Anthony Rios Tuition: $300 per person Register at: paypal.me/ARiosGalveston For information call 409-762-6027 or email anthony@ShamanSpirits.net Contact us TODAY to reserve your place. 19

With the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation causing uncertainty for citizens worldwide, Natural Awakenings is more committed than ever in supporting your health and well-being. For the latest updates on local events and information, visit us online at: NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com or facebook.com/naturalawakeningsHTX

green living I want you to act as if the house is on fire, because it is. ~Greta Thunberg 2019 World Economic Forum

Climate Warriors Unite A Call to Action by Sandra Yeyati

In November 2018, one of

in Poland, empowered Villaseñor to take to the streets and the worst fires in California protest. “Greta gave permission history overtook the town to students all around the world of Paradise and surroundto make their voices heard,” she ing communities, killing says of the Swedish teenager ~Solemi Hernandez whose school strike initiative— 88 people and destroying more than 18,000 buildFridays for Future—has become ings. Alexandria Villaseñor, a worldwide phenomenon. who was visiting family 100 miles away in On December 14, 2018, Villaseñor her hometown of Davis, experienced the began her own Friday vigils outside the suffocating effects of the smoke: Every U.N.—sometimes alone, other times with breath was difficult for the asthmatic teen friends she’s inspired to take action; she who is now 14 and lives in New York City. also helped organize the 2019 Global The fire changed Villaseñor’s life. “I Climate Strike in New York City, attended was very upset, and I wanted to understand by more than 300,000 people, and foundwhy these fires were happening,” she says. ed Earth Uprising, a nonprofit global youth “I started to research climate change and movement. She’s one of 16 youngsters, wildfires, and began to see the scientific along with Thunberg, that filed a legal comconnection between the two.” plaint with the U.N. demanding that France, Awakened by personal concerns Germany, Brazil, Argentina and Turkey curb and ignited by emerging role models, activtheir carbon emissions. ists of all ages are learning how to become “There are so many ways that effective climate warriors. Watching Greta young people can get involved,” says Thunberg speak soon after the California Villaseñor. “They can give presentations disaster to world leaders at COP 24, the about climate change in their classes and United Nations Climate Change Conference

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

communities. Go out with a sign and protest, or lobby politicians. Have clear demands of what you want your city or town to do. I’ve seen local action influence action nationally and internationally.” Dianne Rhodes, 76, of Saskatoon, Canada, began her activism in 2006 after seeing Al Gore’s documentary An Inconvenient Truth. “It was shocking what we were doing to the environment, our home, our planet. It hit me like a freight train, and I saw the urgency,” she says. Rhodes trained with Gore, enabling herself to give up-to-date, truthful and science-based slide presentations. Her talks vary in subject and audience, from composting instructions for a group of pre-K kids to in-depth climate science for business professionals. “Activism is a way of letting people know what’s happening. It’s so important to get that awareness, to give people hope and then to show them how they can make a difference,” she explains. Rhodes recommends both grassroots and “grass-top” action, including protest marches, working directly with city planners and changing personal behavior and choices at home. She’s excited about a new initiative in Canada: “We’re doing town hall meetings all across the country based on the Green New Deal … where people talk about how to get a city’s carbon emissions down—what we can do in our neighborhoods, and how we can go after our city governments to get them behind this as fast as possible.” Solemi Hernandez, 41, a Venezuelan immigrant raising two sons in Naples, Florida, quit her job and took out a loan so she could dedicate all her time to environmental activism. “Ecosystems are about to collapse and we don’t know the exact tipping point. I don’t see a healthy future for my kids,” she says. One month after her dramatic decision, the Citizens Climate Lobby hired her to become its southeast regional coordinator. “We’re going to create and elect new decision-makers instead of trying to change those leaders that are not representing us.” In 2019, Hernandez attended COP 25 in Spain and saw Thunberg up close speaking to thousands of cheering activists. “Greta is an inspiration, but it’s not on her shoulders to solve the issues,” she says. “It’s on us to organize in our communities, see what can we do personally and not look to her to be the savior. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” Sandra Yeyati is a contributor to Natural Awakenings and past president of the Naples, Florida, Press Club. Connect at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

sponsored content

Green Up Your Spring Clean Up Hardworking Green for an Affordable Clean by AIEn USA

efreshing signs of spring are peeking out. Weather is warming. Days are getting longer. Who can resist throwing open windows to feel the invigorating breeze? All that extra sunlight shines a light on the dust and grime that’s been building up all winter though, like a spotlight that says it’s time for a thorough spring cleaning! Could your regimen be healthier and more environmentally-friendly?

Mintel Research found that nearly all shoppers want affordable, effective and healthy products to care for their homes, families and pets. Living greener and more naturally are goals for most of us, but it’s hard to sacrifice affordability. Green cleaners typically cost a lot more, and they often don’t deliver the performance we need and expect. Are you one of the people who wants to go greener, but has to keep traditional cleaning products on hand to handle the “tough stuff”? The good news is now you don’t have to. A new line of cleaning products called Art of Green® delivers uncompromising performance with everyday affordability. The multi-surface products are great for use throughout the house, and they smell great to help you bring spring indoors: kitchen, bathroom, playroom – done!

40,000 U.S. consumers agree! They selected Art of Green as a 2020 Product of the Year.* Developed in Texas, other benefits of Art of Green include: • Tough on dirt, grease and grime • Non-toxic formula • Not tested on animals • Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested formula – safe for sensitive skin • Safe to use around children and pets • Made with natural essential oils that provide a pleasant aroma • USDA-certified Bio-based product • Spray and Pourable Bottles made with 100% post-consumer recycled materials • Available in two scents: Lavender Eucalyptus and Citrus & White Flowers Check it out at select H-E-B stores. For more information, visit www.artofgreen.com.

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plant-based wellness

WHAT’S REALLY IN THE BOTTLE? The Importance of CBD Lab Reports and How to Read Them

by Meredith Montgomery

ccording to a 2019 survey by Consumer Reports, more than a quarter of the U.S. population has tried CBD and one out of seven of those people say they use it daily. The CBD industry is often described as the Wild Wild West because despite CBD’s ubiquity, very little product regulation is in place. A 2017 study published in JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association examined label accuracy of 84 CBD products sold online and found that nearly 70 percent had either higher or lower concentrations of ingredients than indicated on the label, and the THC content of some products could produce intoxication or impairment. Until consistent manufacturing and testing standards are established, it is up to the consumer to do their due diligence. The best way to confirm label accuracy is to ask for a certificate of analysis (COA). This document reveals what’s really in the product and it should come from an accredited third-party laboratory. Certificate of Analysis “It’s a guarantee that you not only get what you pay for, but that nothing detrimental to your health is in a product,” says Jeff Sheldon, owner of The Health Hut in Mobile and Daphne, Alabam. “A COA proves to you that the amount of phytocannabinoid matches what is claimed by the manufacturer and can also let a consumer know if there are pesticide residues, chemical solvents, toxins, heavy metals or pathogens in a product.” COAs can be found on a manufacturer’s website and often in the retail store where the product is being sold. First, look at the company performing the test and ensure that it is different from the manufacturer. “These lab tests are a vital part of transparency between both the source and retailer, as well as between the retailer and the customer. Third-party tests are high priority because they eliminate bias and tampering,” says Jennifer Boozer, owner of CannaBama in Mobile, Alabama.

Potency and Date

The most basic lab test examines potency of the product’s CBD and other major cannabinoids. Sheldon says, “Check that the amount of CBD and THC matches what the product claims and ensure that the THC content is below 0.3 percent, otherwise the product is illegal. If the manufacturer claims zero THC, you will see ‘ND’ for not detected.” Ed Morgan, owner of Stella Naturals in Gulf Shores, Alabama, recommends looking at the date the test was done. “CBD only has a shelf life of just over a year and much less after opened. Many times you will see a test that is over a year old or 10 months old. You do not want to buy an old product that is expired or close to it.”

Toxins

In addition to a standard cannabinoid profile, ideally a product’s COA also includes the lengthy results of a full panel lab test, which reports on the presence of toxins. Boozer says, “Because cannabis is a bioremediator, a fully mature plant will have drawn into itself whatever toxins, heavy metals and chemical fertilizers or pesticides may be present in the soil. This can be dangerous because they are usually harmful to the body if ingested or inhaled. If the plant is not properly sealed and stored, mold, mildew and other bacteria can begin to grow, which can also make consumers sick, especially when inhaled.”

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Terpenes

CBD products are sometimes tested for their terpene content as well. “Many manufacturers do not have this test done, but terpenes are shown to create different feelings and moods or benefits,” says Morgan, noting that some popular terpenes are Myrcene, Linalool, Limonene, Pinene and Terpineol. Boozer refers to these aromatic oils as the “smell” chemicals and says, “They are very important when deciding what type of experience will result, and they can be used to customize the product effectiveness when they are added after the initial extraction. Each terpene has different medicinal properties in the body.”

COA Requirements

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Herb Spotlights Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly pear cactus might be worth tackling in order to gather some of the pads. By peeling the pads and making a poultice, a moist mass of the pulp, it can be applied to areas on the body that are sore and inflamed. The poultice is usually covered with a piece of cloth and lightly bandaged. Don’t forget that the fruit can be made into a yummy jam, jelly, butter or syrup.

Wormwood Fights Cancer

Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered that a compound derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua), an ancient herb used in Chinese medicine and in Asian salad dishes, is more than 1,200 times more specific in killing certain kinds of cancer cells than currently available drugs. The finding heralds the possibility of a more effective chemotherapy drug with minimal side effects.

Plant Medicine Section sponsored by The CBD Depot of Texas

In most states, COAs are only available for products whose manufacturer chooses to submit a sample and pay for a legitimate lab to perform the analysis. If a company does not publicly post this information, there is no way for consumers to know what they are buying. Florida just joined the small group of states that does have CBD labeling requirements. As of January, Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is regulating CBD-based products consumed by people and pets. New rules address how packages are labeled (among other things) and require COAs by certified third-party laboratories. Morgan, whose products are manufactured in one of Florida’s state licensed and inspected CBD facilities, says “This helps protect the consumer from fraud or bad CBD products, and we hope to see this in many states soon.”

Curcumin

Curcumin is a naturally occurring chemical compound that is found in the spice turmeric. The two words are sometimes used interchangeably, but the technical difference between the two is that turmeric is the yellowish powder used to flavor foods, while curcumin is a chemical contained within turmeric. In the U.S., turmeric is best known as a spice. It’s one of the main components of curry powder. In India and other parts of Asia, turmeric is used to treat many health conditions. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and perhaps even anti-cancer properties.

COMING IN MAY In May, we are going to leave CBD for a month and focus on Plant-Based Diet, it’s benefits and how to move toward a plant-based way of life. Check back to our Plant-Based Wellness section each month to grow your knowledge of nature’s most versatile medicines. Pick up 2 FREE copies and share the extra copy to share with a friend. Help spread the word about Natural Awakenings.

PLANT-BASED WELLNESS RESOURCES Present This Page To Receive Your Discount Be sure to call before you visit any of these businesses

ACUPUNCTURE Element 5 Om Acupuncture Wellness

2503 Robinhood St Suite 120 Houston, TX 77005 Open Monday-Friday 9:30-6:30 713-942-7110 Chinese Herbal Medicine: Mention Natural Awakenings and get 20% off an herbal consultation. element5om.com

CBD & SUPPLEMENTS A Moveable Feast

9341 Katy Fwy, Echo Lane Center Houston, TX 77024 713-365-0368 Restaurant, Health Food, Herbs, Vitamins and Supplements & CBD amoveablefeast.com 25% Off Supplements-Limit One

The CBD Depot of Texas Top Tier CBD Despensory in Montgomery County 10912 FM 1096 West Willis, TX 936-900-0074 cbddepotoftexas.com

Natural Leaf

The 1st Professional CBD Store in Houston 3959A S Gessner Road, Houston, Texas, 77063 713-505 1470 Hours- Monday to Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 12noon - 6pm Pharmacist owned and staffed with certified specialists. Visit us on Facebook: @ mynaturalleaf, Instagram: naturalleafgessner

Smoke Envy/Better Days CBD 2425 Yale Street, #2 Houston, TX 77008 852-744-9944 better-days-wellness-shop. business.site 20% OFF any on 1 Item

Deer Lake Lodge Spa Resort

10500 Deer Lake Lodge Rd, Montgomery, TX 77316 936-647-1383 We incorporate Blood Purifying and Liver & Kidney detox teas into our detox program, come check us out! deerlakelodge.com

Hydroshack Hydroponics 1138 W 20th Street Houston, TX 77008 Open 7 days a week 713-292-1921 Organic Soils, Nutrients, Coco, Foxfarm, & CBD. Hydroshack.com

Pixie’s Intent

2727 Fondren Rd #5b Houston, TX 77063 Open Tue-Sun 11am-7pm 832-831-8405 CBD Oils and Edibles pixiesintent.com

Green Compass Global | CBD Leslie Shatto - Independent Advocate (832)791-2772 NaturalWellnessWithCBD.com

My Daily Choice/Hempworx

All Natural Nutritional Sprays. Hemp Hair Care & Lotion. Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD. Essential Oils. 60 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. 3rd party lab tested. No fillers. No toxins. Ships globally. Scott Dale - Independent Rep. www.ScottDale.biz (832)980-3706

Physicians Embee Lifestyle Docs 4500 Bissonnet Suite 355, Bellaire, TX 77401 713-592-8900 embeelifestyledocs.com

Reversing Medical Disease Clinic 2525 N. Loop West, Suite 600, Houston, TX 77008 832-306-3941 marywashingtonmd.com

Plant Medicine Section sponsored by The CBD Depot of Texas

RESTAURANTS

A Moveable Feast

9341 Katy Fwy, Echo Lane Center Houston, TX 77024 713-365-0368

Field of Greens

2320 W Alabama St,, Houston, TX 77098 713-533-0029 fieldofgreensrestaurant.com

Green Seed Vegan 4320 Almeda Rd Houston, tx 77004 713.487.8346 greenseed.co

Green Vegetarian Cuisine 6720 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77081 832-649-4184 eatatgreen.com

Govinda’s Vegetarian Cuisine 1320 W 34th Street Houston, TX 77018 832-831-9951 govindashou.com

Houston Sauce Company 3400 S Wayside Dr. Houston, TX 77087 832-649-8286 houstonsauceco.com

Loving Hut

2825 S Kirkwood Rd #100, Houston, TX 77082 281-531-8882 lovinghut.us

The Doshi House

3419 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004 713-528-0060 doshihouse.com

Veegos

10932-A Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77042 281-888-5030 facebook.com/Veegoshouston

calendar of events

All of the events that would normally be in our calendar have been canceled. The following listings are online events, some of which replace the in person event. Above all be well and be safe.

April 2020 SATURDAY APRIL 25 Energy psychology lecture 11am-12:30pm Are you suffering from anxiety, rage, addiction, depression, restlessness or feeling stuck? Do you feel talk therapy alone is not adequate to deal with the issues involved? What is missing is the energy element. Energy Psychology is a novel approach of emotional healing which recognizes emotion is an energy problem as well as mind problem. Unless the energy element of the problem is addressed, the solution to emotional and mental problems will never be complete. The introductory lecture will explain the role of energy in eliminating your emotional trauma you built up in your lifetime and prevent any new emotional trauma from forming. Love donation of $10 is suggested. Ching Chi Institute. Please call Dr. Wu at 832-6542885 for more information. Reservation is required. Chingchiinstitute.com. SATURDAY APRIL 11 Chronic illness/Self-Healing 11am12:30pm. Clients with chronic illnesses would notice the treatments of the symptoms by external mean will not last i.e. as soon you stop treatments, symptoms return. During the lecture, an internal approach to chronic illness via energy cultivation is discussed. The focus of the program is to concentrate on the client’s role of energy generation via self-healing after initial energy intervention by the healer. The final goal of the approach is to shift the role of energy production from the healer to that of the clients during the healing process to reduce cost and suffering. The experience of this healing process will enable clients to confidently handle future health problems. Ching Chi Institute Please call Dr. Wu at 832-6542885 for more information. Reservation is required. Chingchiinstitute.com.

monday Vegan World Radio. 7:00 pm. Hosted by VWR Collective. Telling the story of the vegan revolution that’s saving the animals, the planet and our health. KPFC: Community Radio 90.1 FM. kpft.org

wednesday Blissful Quests® with Doyle WardThe Pocast. 1:00pm.Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Maybe the real question to explore is not IF you are intuitive, but HOW you are intuitive. Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive medium, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Call in during the show at: 1-760-456-7277, access on-demand episodes or listen live! blissfulquests.com/podcast/ Wednesday Night Satsang at Unity. 7 pm Livestreaming. https://unityhouston.org/ Healing Meditation at First Spiritualist Church of Houston. 7:30 pm Livestream on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FirstSpiritualistChurchofHouston/ People of Earth. 7:00 pm. Hosted by Jacquelyn Battise. A program created to provide Native American and non-Native people with timely news and information about culture, news and realities. KPFC: Community Radio 90.1 FM. kpft.org

friday Brith Shalom 6:15 pm Shabbat Online https://www.brithshalom.org Congregation Beth Israel 6pm Shabbat Livestream. https://www.facebook.com/bethisraelhouston/

saturday Introduction to Mindfullness Meditation. 9 am. Lifestyle Docs hosts their monthly free meditation class ONLINE. embeelifestyledocs.com

sunday St Luke’s United Methodist Church 8:30, 9:45 & 11 am Online Worship. https://www. stlukesmethodist.org/special-livestream/ Grace Episcopal Church & School. 10 am. Sunday Worship Livestream. https://www.facebook.com/GraceinHouston/ Unity Spiritual Center of Greater Houston 10:15 am Sunday Service. Facebook Live https://unityspiritualcenterhouston.org First Unitarian Universalist Church 10:30 am Sunday Morning Worship Livestream. https://firstuu.org/ First Spiritualist Church of Houston 10:30 am Sunday Service Livestream. https://www.facebook.com/FirstSpiritualistChurchofHouston/ First Presbyterian Church of Houston 10:45 am. Sunday Worship Livestream. https://fpchouston.org/live/ Christ the King Lutheran Church 10:50 am Sunday Worship Livestream. https:// facebook.com/ctkelc Fairbanks United Methodist Church 10:50 am Sunday Worship Livestream. https:// www.facebook.com/believebelongbecomebelove/ Unity of Houston. 11 am Sunday Morning Service Livestreaming. https://unityhouston. org/

In reality, climate change is actually the biggest thing that’s going on every single day. ~Bill McKibben

Creative Life Spiritual Center 11 am Sunday Celebration. Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/creativelife.org/ Dawn Mountain Center for Tibetan Buddhism 12 noon. Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk. https://www.youtube.com/user/ dawnmountain ISKCON 5 pm Sunday Feast Class Livestream https://www.mayapur.tv/ Whole Mother. 7:30 pm. Hosted by Pat Jones. A show that discusses the political and practical aspects of being a mother today. KPFC: Community Radio 90.1 FM. kpft.org

community resource guide ACUPUNCTURE Houston Integrative Health, Acupuncture and Mindful Movement 716 Chelsea Blvd. Houston, TX 77006 832-215-2039 facebook.com/drlance houstonintegrative

Whether you are looking to optimize your health or take care of an injury, pain or a chronic medical problem, let Lance Westendarp ND, LAc, BCB, CKTP, E-RYT200, help. Lance is a graduate of Bastyr University with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Masters in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. He has also been teaching yoga and movement since 2003, is board certified in biofeedback and mindbody medicine. Follow him on Facebook and call him today for a FREE phone consultation. See

ad on page 9

BEAUTY TRU AURA

Jill B. Denson, Founding Consultant Based in Cypress-Serving the Houston Metro truaurabeauty.com/jillbdenson 281-381-9085 jill@jillbdenson.com A clean and effective line of skincare, anti-aging products and makeup that nurtures your skin’s natural balance. Contact us for a complementary skincare and makeup consultation. See ad on page 5

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY MARILYN K. JONES, DDS Houston Dental Health Center 800 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057 713-497-1355 houstonbiologicaldentist.com

Natural Dentistry supports the body and the mind by finding the cause of dental problems. The dental examination includes noticing systemic and habitual influences. If you have dental issues or currently have silver amalgam fillings, call me today to schedule an appointment. See ad on page 12

HEALTHPRO CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE

BRAIN BALANCING CERESET™

Galveston, Texas cereset.com 409-599-7268

The Cereset™ Gavston location is part of a national network of client centers focused on next-generation brain wellness - helping you relax your brain to manage restful sleep through patented BrainEcho™ technology, which empowers the brain to reset itself as it hears and “sees” its own reflection. To schedule an appointment call: 409-599-7268. See ad on page 8 & 9

CBD

Green Compass Global | CBD Leslie Shatto - Independent Advocate (832)791-2772 www.NaturalWellnessWithCBD.com Excellent Line for Alternative Health Professionals... NEW Organic Hemp-CBD Company expanding in Texas (and across the US)- Green Compass Global-Advocate Opportunity, NO Inventory Requirement, Advocate Websites - Direct Ships to Customers, Excellent Unilevel COMP Plan. Retail & Preferred Customer Pricing. 500-2500mg Full Spectrum & Isolate Formulas, Topical CBD Creams, Pain Patches, Bath Products, More! Ground Floor Advocate Opportunity. I have 30 years in the Direct Sales Industry, live in the Houston area, and would love to work with You! Please call me for more information... Check out my Facebook Group: CBD-Is It For Me? and Join the Green Compass Movement!

CHIROPRACTIC LIFE CHANGING CHIROPRACTIC INNATE CHIROPRACTIC HEALING ARTS CENTER Dr. Jackie St.Cyr, Network Chiropractor Healing Spines Since 1995 InnateChiropractic.com 713-521-2104 Are you ready to embark on a path to feel and function better, age well or enhance your vibrant life? We can help! Our gentle, natural, healing services empower you to live your best life! Call today for a complimentary consultation or visit our website for online scheduling. All ages welcome. We

4101 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 135, 77098 281-506-0105 9720 Cypresswood Drive, Suite 130, 77070 281-809-0100 HealthProChiro.com HealthPro’s dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. We provide a variety of treatment. Dr. Alayna Pagnani-Gendron focuses on woman’s health and paediatrics. Visit our website or call to schedule an appointment.

COACHING BLISSFUL QUESTS

Positive change starts now! 832-628-4113 blissfulquests.com Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Tune in to his weekly PodCast, Wednesdays at 1 pm on inflowradio.com See ad on page 9

COLONICS JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336 joycelongwellness.com/ Established 1989. Call to schedule any of the following services: massage therapies, lymphatic drainage massage and facials, reflexology, infra-red sauna, ion cleanse foot or hand baths, Chinese cupping or colon hydrotherapy (prescriptions only- yours or ours). By appointment only. Be well-Stay well. CALL TODAY!

look forward to meeting you!

CRYSTALS MALLOTT’S HARDWARE AND VARIETY STORE 115 Midway Street Spring, TX 77373713-299-1062 Mallotts.com You can find furniture, home decor, accent items, gift items, framed butterflies and one-of-a-kind delights that are brought in daily to change things up and to keep a wonderful inventory for their customers. They have the best selection of geological treasures in North Harris County. Whether you’re a mineral collector or a metaphysical enthusiast, they can help. From thumbnail collectibles to gorgeous cabinet specimens to Chakra Stones and Healing Crystals, they offer a phenomenal selection. They also carry Palo Santo. Now that the weather has gotten nice, plan a short day-trip to Old Town Spring and drop by. See Ad page 20

HOLISTIC HEALTH PRIMARY CARE HOUSTON HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC & MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY CENTER “Better Health Naturally” Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991 HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com Have you spent years in hope for finding answers to your symptoms or illnesses? We offer people an alternative solution to conventional medicine by determining the specific nutritional needs of your body so that it can to heal itself. We now also offer medical thermography useful in early diagnosis of cancer and chronic inflamatory pain.

INDIVIDUAL NUTRITIONAL PROTOCOLS LINDA ISAACS, MD 2500 W. William Cannon Dr., Suite 603 Austin, TX 78745 737-208-0831 DrLindaI.com For more than 20 years, Dr. Linda Isaacs and the late Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez offered individualized protocols involving diet, nutritional supplementation, and detoxification for cancer and other degenerative diseases. They published multiple articles in peer-reviewed medical journals about their results. The work is based on that of the Texas orthodontist Dr. William Donald Kelley. Dr. Isaacs is currently seeing new patients.

Call today to schedule an appointment.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE ERIN THOLE, CNHP ErinThole.com Thole.erin@gmail.com Get to the Root Cause of your Health Conditions. Erin has been working in the health and nutrition field for over 11 years specializing and working extensively with those suffering from: autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory disorders. She works with each client’s unique biochemistry to determine what dietary, supplementation and lifestyle changes will work best for them as an individual. There is NO one-size-fits-all program. All appointments are conducted via phone! This makes it very easy and convenient to receive care from any location. If you want to reach your true health potential, Email Erin today to schedule your FREE 45 minute initial phone consultation. Hours until 5 pm Fridays. See Ad page 5

HAIR DESIGN VENUS HAIR DESIGN

361 West 19th Street Houston, TX 77008 713-868-4725 venushairhouston.com Venus and her staff can do any age with any style, from a trim to a Mohawk. She is a wizard at color! If you are in The Heights, drop by, check out her art car, The Hairse, and say Hi!

HYPNOSIS CLAUDIA AUTRY, HYPNOTIST (by appointment only) 281-849-4610 cautry@gmail.com claudiaautry.com

Want to stop smoking or lose weight? Looking for ways to relax or increase the joy in your life? Hypnosis can help you. Call TODAY to book your appointment. Let’s form a partnership for your growth!

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN HBOT AMERICA

4544 Post Oak Place Dr, Suite 170 Houston TX 77027 832-986-5144 Info@HBOTAmerica.com hbotamerica.com HBOT America is Houston’s top recovery facility. HBOT is the breathing in of higher amounts of oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Whether its ADD/ADHD, sports injury, autism, diabetes, PTSD, migraine, Cancer, TBI’s, autoimmune disorders, or stroke we can help! Call to schedule your appointment today!

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336 joycelongwellness.com/ Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs, where it can causing swelling. Lymphatic massage can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. By appointment only. Be well-Stay well. CALL TODAY!

MAY

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

Coming Next Month

Autoimmune Breakthroughs plus: The Collagen Connection

MEDITATION

MEDICAL CLINIC EmBee Lifestyle Docs

Houston’s first Holistic Lifestyle Medicine Clinic Bandana Chawla, MD & Munish Chawla, MD 4500 Bissonnet, Suite 355 Bellaire, TX 77401 We are board certified Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physicians committed to providing holistic care and addressing the root cause of disease. Personalized plan to empower you to treat and reverse many chronic medical conditions including diabetes, obesity and auto-immune diseases. Medicare and most Insurance plans accepted. Call 713 592 8900 or visit our website embeelifestyledocs.com

Reversing Medical Disease Clinic Dr. Mary A. Washington, MD 2525 N. Loop West, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77008 832-306-3941 marywashingtonmd.com

Are you overweight or obese? Do you suffer from diabetes or have high blood pressure? Are you ready to take back control of your health? Dr. Mary A. Washington, MD has over two decades of experience as a kidney specialist. Let her design a custom diet and exercise plan just for you. Dr. Washington doesn’t just tell you, she shows you and motivates you to make the changes you need to make. Visit her website TODAY for more information about her programs and events or to schedule your first appointment. See ad on page 8

12129 Bellaire Blvd., Houston 77072 281-568-1568 • zen@cthouston.org cthouston.org Chan/Zen Meditation Classes, guided by Ordained Zen Masters of Chung Tai Chan Monastery No fees. Donations are welcome.No prior experience required for beginners. Check the web site (event calendar) for the most current information. See ad on page 4

UNIVERSAL DOOR MEDITATION CENTER

15202 Dora Lane Sugar Land, TX 77498. universaldoor.org 281-565-9718 Awake teacher and founder of Universal Door Meditation Center, Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, gives public dharma on Sundays from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, to help everyone realize the Awake Mind that is already within, and that they have the capacity to Wake Up. We welcome people of all cultures, religions, and backgrounds! Free, donations welcome! Also drop in for the grand tour of our Awake landscape on Saturdays from 10-11 AM, and Sundays from 10:30-11:30 AM. Attend our FREE tour to find out what is Awake, who is our Awake teacher Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, and have a chance to touch with the Awake already within you!

A Life Of Peace Wellness Education Institute Akua Gray - Naturopath 11201 Richmond Avenue, Suite A Houston, Texas 77082 832-303-3277 alifeofpeace.org drakuagray.com A Life Of Peace is a promise of nature, let’s work together to learn, live and teach the ways of wellness. Dr. Akua Gray, ND, a certified traditional Doctor of Naturopathy offering classes in wellness education. Check out our events in this month’s Natural Awakenings calendar.

OPTICIAN FACTORY EYEGLASS OUTLET 7921 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024 713-468-5665 factoryfineeyewear.com

Factory Eyeglass Outlet provides the ultimate services for all your eyecare needs. Whether you’re looking for premium or standard eyewear, we have something for you. As part of our superior services we offer complimentary consulting and frame styling. Next time you need you need new eyeglasses or need a repair choose Factory Eyeglass Outlet.

NATURAL HORMONES

Better sight- Better Life.

DR. FISHER ROAD 2 WELLNESS

MEDICAL INTUITIVE INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES FOR NATURAL HEALING & WELLNESS LIN WEISS MH, CYT HOLISTIC HEALER MEDICAL/SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE MASTER TEACHER Houston, Texas 77025 713.858.8595 linweiss@earthlink.net conscioushealingnow.com

Dr. LaTronica Fisher, DNP, ANP, GNP, RN 4544 Post Oak Place Dr. STE #254 Houston, Texas 77027 DrFisherRoad2Wellness.com 713 520-8188 Services:

Through her WHOLE-istic approach, Lin weaves inspired wisdom with proven healing traditions for integrating mind/body & soul. ALL NATURAL, ALL THE TIME. Call Lin today to find out if she can help you.

CHUNG TAI ZEN CENTER OF HOUSTON

NATUROPATH

nHormone Rejuvenation nVaginal Dryness nUrinary Incontinence nLow Libido nErectile Dysfution nLow Stamina nWeight-Loss nSexual Dysfunction(men & women) nHair Restoration nNatural Face Lift Visit the website for more information. Call today to schedule a consultation

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow. ~John Lennon

ORAL CARE ORATURE:

2115 FM 1960 East, Suite #9 Humble, TX 77338 832-633-1328 oratrue.com For fresher breath, whiter, smoother teeth and healthier gums, try the NEW Oratrue bamboo toothbrush, oil pulling product or tooth whitening system. Created by a local Humble, Texas dentist, Oratrue not only helps you to have superior oral health but also helps save the environment. Unlike plastic, bamboo is renewable and compostable. Oratue products can be found at Herbal Connection in Conroe or may be ordered online. Visit our website TODAY and start on the path to better oral health naturally!

ORGANIC RESORT & SPA DEER LAKE LODGE AND SPA 10500 Deer Lake Lode Rd. Montgomery TX77316 936-647-1383 deerlakelodge.com

Can’t lose weight? Feeling Sluggish? Let us help undo the damage from over-consumption and poor food choices. All natural, organic, resort and spa. Immerse yourself in personal attention from our staff. Call of visit our website to book your stay today! See ad on page 10

PAIN RELIEF AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 info@AlbertasPainRelief.com albertaspainrelief.com

Need Relief from Arthritis? Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to ease muscular aches andjoint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues. Get beneficial relief from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout, and more. All-natural ingredients! Do you want to feel a real difference from the nagging aches of arthritis? Feel less pain & have more range of motion? Use Aunt Alberta’s Pain Relief Cream! Get relief today! Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $15! See website for other options. See what people say about Aunt Alberta’s Remedy and Purchase Now on our website. albertaspainrelief.com.

SELF-HEALING Ching Chi Institute

Life energy education and research Kun Wu, Ph. D. Integral chi healer Chi H Wu, L. Acupuncturist 9894 Bissonnet, Suite 292 Houston TX 77036 832-654-2885 www.chingchiinstitute.com The program of integral chi healing is based on the forCHING mulae: Innate intelligence CHI + Energy = Health i.e. you are healthy if energy is available in the body. At the early stage of the healing INSTITUTE process, the energy is provided by the healer via Acupuncture/Herb, energy healing and psychology. The major focus of the institute to teach clients the principles and techniques of self-healing to generate its own energy for the final healing. The content of the teaching is covered in a program called Energy Realization Program. The final goal is to realize energy. Once the clients realize energy, they would conserve energy and self-heal automatically. They can also discern minor health problems and take care of them energetically before they become major illnesses. Please call for a free consultation if you want to know more about the integral chi healing.

SHAMANISM Shaman Spirits

Galveston, TX 4 0 9-7 6 2 - 6 0 2 7 anthony@shamanspirits.net ShamanSpirits.net “Shamanism provides personal and spiritual healing with ancient, elegant and time tested methods. Shamanic healing opens new pathways for personal growth and spiritual awareness. If you’re looking for a way to connect with spirit without dogma, shamanism offers methods to access your healing spirits for transformation, guidance and teachings for a better way of living filled with love and compassion. Contact me at 409-7626027 for more information.”

FIRST SPIRITUALIST CHURCH OF HOUSTON 2115 Turner Dr. Houston, Texas 7093 713-695-2550 firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org

Spiritualism is a common sense religion, one of knowing and living. We accept all truths and endeavor to prove their validity. Truths are found in nature, in other religions, in writings, in science, in philosophy, in Natural Law and are received through spirit communication. We are a growing family and would love for you to visit us LIVESTREAMING ON FACEBOOK Sunday Healing & Spirit Greetings 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Open Healing Service 7:30 p.m.

THERMOGRAPHY Thermal Imaging Services

24550 Kingsland Blvd. Katy, TX 77494 713-621-4406 info@thermalimagingtexas.com thermalimagingtexas.com Thermography views what cannot be seen by the naked eye using a high definition infrared camera. It senses temperature patterns and changes which provide information for evaluation. Offering Full Body, Health with abdominal and Breast Study at our Katy location as well as limited dates in our satellite offices. Visit us online at thermalimagingtexas.com or phone us at 713-621-4406 See ad on page 11

YOGA

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Integrative Hatha Yoga for Mind-Body-Spirit 9:30 am 2nd & 4th Saturdays The River Oaks 3433 Westheimer 713.858.8595 conscioushealingnow.com

We are a welcoming, inclusive and affirming Christian community, committed to abundant, holistic living in the way of Jesus of Nazareth. Guided in our life together by the Episcopal Church tradition, we are committed a way of love. Come walk on our Tree of Life Labyrinth by appointment anytime. Grace: you are welcome here.

Therapeutic Asana practice designed to strengthen Mind/Body connection; increase flexibility, stamina and vitality. Small classes afford personal attention making progress attainable and real. RSVP REQUIRED: 713-941-9992 Lin’s knowledge & passion for Yoga are evidenced by her warm and personable teaching style.Visit conscioushealingnow.cin for more information. Call for changes due to the Coronavirus Crisis.

SPIRITUALITY 4040 West Bellfort Street Houston, TX 77025 713-666-1408 GraceInHouston.org

GROW YOUR OWN

BUSINESS Publish a Natural Awakenings Magazine CHANNEL YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILL SETS AND BUILD YOUR OWN BUSINESS THAT EMPOWERS YOU TO BE AN INFLUENCER IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Natural Awakenings is a franchise family of 65+ healthy living magazines, celebrating 26 years of publishing! This rewarding home-based franchise opportunity provides training and ongoing support, following an established and proven business model. EE FR

HEALTHY

LIVING

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To learn more information and current franchise availability, visit or call:

239-530-1377 GOING MINIMAL Families Trade Clutter for Calm

Conscious Fathering

Knowing Ourselves Comes First

BRAIN SAVERS

Strategies to Prevent Dementia

June 2019Location-Edition | Location-Edition | NaturalAwakenings.com | NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

NaturalAwakenings.com/Franchise

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