Natural Awakenings Metro Phoenix & Northern Arizona, August 2020 Edition

EE R F HEALTHY LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

No-Waste

CUISINE Tasty Choices for Overlooked Plants

JUST SAY ‘WOW!’ Experiencing Awe Transforms Daily Life

BIOLOGICAL

DENTISTRY Goes to Root Cause of Problems

MINDFUL WALKING FOR WELL-BEING August 2020 | Metro Phoenix & Northern Arizona Edition | NaturalAZ.com

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Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of nearly 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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14 WHOLE-BODY DENTISTRY

20

Biological Dentists Get to the Root Causes

16 CHOOSING THE RIGHT BIOLOGICAL DENTIST

18 HERBAL SUPPORT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS

20 NO-WASTE GARDEN EDIBLES

Ways to Maximize Your Garden’s Bounty

22 TOXINS

Are You Aware of Everyday Dangers?

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23 MUSTAFA SANTIAGO ALI on Healing America Through Social Justice

24 THE UPSIDE OF LOCKDOWNS

Air Gets Cleaner Around the Globe

26 MINDFUL WALKING Meditative Steps for Well-Being

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28 HEALING WATERS

Hot Baths Rejuvenate Body and Mind

30 COOL TREATS FOR CATS AND DOGS 31 HOW AWE CAN

TRANSFORM OUR LIVES

32 STRONG AND HEALTHY

Five Ways to Strengthen Kids’ Immunity

DEPARTMENTS 10 news brief 10 eco tip 12 health briefs 20 conscious eating 23 wise words 24 green living 26 fit body

28 30 31 32 34 36 38

healing ways natural pet inspiration healthy kids calendar business directory farmers' markets August 2020

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

The Hobby Horse

I

’ve always thought that it’s important to have

PHOENIX & NORTHERN ARIZONA EDITION

a great hobby that we can lose ourselves in, a hobby that gives us balance in our otherwise

hectic lives. Hobbies that we can do on our own,

PUBLISHER Tracy Patterson, BSc, MES

inside or outside, are even more relevant in these challenging times. I was thinking the other day

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Patrick Floresca

that I miss owning and riding a horse. I had horses from when I was a little girl until recently, and

COPY EDITOR Sara Gurgen WEBSITE Locable Kyle Hass

decided I needed a break after breeding them for a number of years (which I somehow ended up doing even though it wasn’t my dream to do so). For me, horses made a much better hobby than career.

I lost my last horse, Sunrise Tēk, a few years ago. She was 35 years old, and I’d had

CONTACT US Natural Awakenings – Phoenix 17470 N Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Tracy@NaturalAZ.com NaturalAZ.com

her since she was 4 months old, over half of my life. It left a big hole—we had a connection from the first time we laid eyes on each other. For me, it was more than just riding, it was a relationship. She was a beautiful soul, and I miss her dearly.

I am now wondering if I want to go “horseless” for the rest of my life. Horses are a huge commitment, and not for the faint of heart when it comes to the outlay of money required to own one. On the other hand, they provide what seems like an endless list of

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positives: They give us a sense of purpose; teach us responsibility; make us feel loved; and provide a social circle of like-minded people. For some of us, there is no reasoning behind the “horse-crazy” feeling that usually starts as a child, and never seems to disappear no matter how old we are.

Along with the mental and emotional benefits, horses can also help us with our physical health, including balance. Riding (especially English riding) requires a lot of strength and stability. Horses get us moving, whether it’s getting into our car and going out to the stable to groom and go for a trail ride, taking a challenging riding clinic where there’s sweat involved (both the horse’s and the rider’s!), or simply cleaning the

© 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 contact us to find a location near you.

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.

barn. For some reason, cleaning a barn can be very cathartic. I recall my mother puzzling over why I was so eager to keep the barn clean, but there was no way I was cleaning my room without major arm twisting!

Having a horse hobby is not a decision to take lightly; there are so many things to take into consideration. All I know is the horse-crazy girl inside of me is starting to fuss, and anyone who understands this passion will also know where I’m likely headed with this decision. It’s the same with any passion—it’s important for us to pay attention to that longing, that spark that lifts our spirits and moves us to a place of purpose, fulfillment and happiness.

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

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August 2020

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Participate in Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation

T

o commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival in the West of Paramahansa Yogananda and his founding of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), the 2020 Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation, a free global online spiritual gathering, will be presented from August 9 through 15, bringing thousands of seekers together for spiritual renewal and upliftment during these challenging times and for an immersion in the yoga meditation teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda (Autobiography of a Yogi), widely regarded as the father of yoga in the West.

All sessions will be free, led by SRF monks and nuns, and livestreamed on the organization’s website.

This spiritual gathering will provide strength, solace and spiritual guidance to seekers through the power of group meditations, united prayer, kirtan and talks on the yoga teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, who through his many books and recordings, has introduced millions to India’s timeless science of the soul.

The event, ideal for those that are new to meditation or want to deepen existing practices, is a practical way to explore yoga meditation with one of the oldest and most respected yoga organizations in the country and meditate online in real time with likeminded yogis worldwide.

For more information or to register (required), call 323-225-2471 or visit Yogananda.org/convo2020. See ad, page 19.

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eco tip PR Image Factory/Shutterstock.com

news brief

Don’t Sweat It

Eco-Friendly Home-Cooling Tips Summer is here, prompting homeowners to crank up their air conditioners, but that can bump up electricity bills and strain the environment. Here are some eco-friendly tips to stay cool at home with minimal or zero use of the AC.

Fans to the Rescue

During daylight hours when outside temperatures are highest, close all windows to seal out the humidity and heat. Open them at night to expel hot air and welcome the night’s fresh breezes. To speed up ventilation, place a window fan on the east side of the house blowing in to pull in cooler night air, and another window fan on the west side blowing out to expel warm air.

Ceiling fans are great, but technically, they cool people, not the house, so there’s no need to run them in empty rooms. Set the rotation counterclockwise to push air down and at the fastest setting for maximum relief.

Fan blades collect dust; regular wiping is recommended to maintain good air quality. Blade size and angles matter—choose those big enough for the room, set at 12-to-15-degree angles.

Sun Blockers

White reflects heat and black absorbs it. Paint the roof white or another light shade and insulate attic floors to

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keep from transferring heat into living spaces. The sun’s effect intensifies as it radiates through windows. Shutters, awnings and external blinds will keep unwanted heat outside, as can strategically placed trees and shrubs that shade east- and west-facing windows. Reflective or sun-control film on windows reduces solar heat and keeps out ultraviolet rays. Close curtains (preferably with white backs) in any room that gets direct sunlight.

Too Hot for Summer

Replace heat-generating items around the house with cooler alternatives. Choose eco-friendly LED lights instead of traditional, hot-to-thetouch lightbulbs. Hang-dry clothes in the sun rather than running the dryer.

Grab the slow-cooker, Instant Pot or outdoor barbecue and give the oven a break. Ditch the dishwasher’s heated drying option; choose the air-dry cycle instead.

AC TLC

On a scorching day, the air conditioner may be the only option. Replace an old unit with a newer, high-efficiency model and invest in a smart thermostat that can be programmed based on daily schedules and weather conditions. Dirty filters use much more energy than clean ones, so replace or clean them regularly.

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health briefs

The more a couple shares affectionate hugs, kisses and cuddles, the more satisfied they are in the marriage, a new study from the State University of New York at Binghamton shows. It tested 184 heterosexual couples on the effects of non-sexual intimate touching like holding hands or cuddling while watching TV rather than actions intended to lead to sex. The more affection the couples routinely experienced, the more they felt satisfied with their partners’ touch, even if they had “avoidant attachment styles” and ordinarily were more reserved with physical displays of affection. “Interestingly, there’s some evidence that holding your partner’s hand while you’re arguing de-escalates the argument and makes it more productive,” says lead author Samantha Wagner.

Tatjana Baibakova/Shutterstock.com

Hug a Mate for a Happy Relationship

Eat More Fiber for a Longer Life Eating the right kind of fiber lowers the risk of death from multiple causes, reports a new study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers from the University of Toronto followed more than 92,924 Japanese people 45 to 74 years old for nearly 20 years and found men that ate higher levels of dietary fiber had a 23 percent reduced risk of death compared to those that ate the least dietary fiber; the figure was 18 percent for women. The more dietary fiber people ate, the less likely they were to die from cardiovascular or respiratory diseases and injuries; it also protected against cancer mortality in men, but not women. Fiber from fruits, beans and vegetables, but not from cereals, was linked to lower mortality.

Children and young adults diagnosed with celiac disease have been found with elevated blood levels of toxic chemicals found in pesticides, nonstick cookware and fire retardants, reports a new study from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine published in Environmental Research.

Researchers analyzed levels of toxic chemicals in the blood of 30 children and young adults ages 3 to 21 after being diagnosed with celiac disease. They compared those results to those of 60 other young people of similar age, sex and race.

Girls with higher than normal exposure to pesticides known as dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylenes were at least eight times more likely to have celiac disease. If they had elevated levels of perfluoroalkyls (nonstick chemicals found in products like Teflon), they were five to nine times more likely to have the disease. Boys were twice as likely to receive a celiac diagnosis if they had elevated blood levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (fire-retardant chemicals).

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Avoid Toxic Chemicals to Prevent Celiac Disease

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DENTISTRY Biological Dentists Get to the Root Causes

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by Linda Sechrist

hile the majority of individuals may consider oral health as separate from overall health, the mouth and body are very much connected.

Until the late 1970s, this was rarely acknowledged outside a circle of dental professionals, physicians and allied researchers involved in organizations such as the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and the Holistic Dental Association.

Dentists associated with these groups favor the use of preventive measures, a minimally invasive approach to dentistry and biocompatibility testing for all materi-

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als used in oral health procedures. Their individualized methodology and systemic health method of addressing the root causes frequently includes nutrition and lifestyle, providing patients with a less-toxic and safe experience for their overall health.

An important newcomer to this area is the myofunctional treatment system used in orthodontics for children 5 to 15 years old. Research in this field now points to the real causes for crooked teeth and incorrect jaw development—mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, reverse swallowing and thumb sucking (known as incorrect myofunctional habits), in addition to allergies, asthma and an open-mouth posture.

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WHOLE-BODY

Jean Marie Nordin, DDS, co-owner of Groton Wellness, in Groton, Massachusetts, added pediatric orthodontics to her practice after learning about early innovative interventions from her mentor, James Bronson, DDS, of Bronson Family Dentistry, in McLean, Virginia. “Our program for children involves a comprehensive evaluation on the first visit. We look at breathing habits, the way their tongue swallows and the function of the muscles. In medicine, we believe that form follows function; therefore, we observe what muscles around the mouth actually do when the individual swallows. It is really the way you breathe and swallow, as well as how the muscles work, that plays a significant role in where teeth end up and line up,” explains Nordin, who identifies problems in patients between 2 and 5 years old.

“We can start them on a removable Myobrace mouthpiece that can be worn at night and an hour during the day. The mouthpiece begins to change the way the tongue works, waking it up and strengthening it. If a child is born with the physiological problem of a tongue-tie that can’t swallow properly or get up onto the palate, that tongue will never expand the palate like it’s supposed to,” she clarifies.

For chronic mouth-breathers, the face grows long and narrow, which in the long term can cause cardiovascular disease.

In the short term, it can cause anxiety, because the nitric oxide receptors located in the nose signal arteries and veins to relax. “A cardiologist knows about this phenomenon,” says Nordin, who notes that the dysfunction can be unwound before a child turns 9.

While early interceptive myofunctional orthodontic treatment methods such as Myobrace appliances have proven effective for children, there’s also good news for adults that suffer from breathing problems which cause sleep apnea, says

xavier gallego morell/Shutterstock.com

Early interventions beyond conventional solutions

Nordin, who employs a myofunctional therapist. Orofacial myofunctional therapy is neuromuscular reeducation of the oral facial muscles via a series of exercises that work with the muscles of the lips, tongue, cheeks and other parts of the face.

Early intervention and role modeling

“Parents can begin playing a pivotal role in how their children care for their teeth, as well as how they feel and behave in the dentist’s office, as early as age 1. I encourage every mother to bring their child to an appointment. They can hold the child in their lap so they can watch me caring for mom’s teeth. Generally, by the time they are alone in my chair, they aren’t frightened,” advises Pentti Nupponen, a doctor of dental medicine and owner of the Halifax Center for Holistic & Cosmetic Dentistry, in Halifax, Pennsylvania.

Chris Kammer, a doctor of dental surgery and owner of Gums of Steel Oral Hygiene Transformation, in Middleton, Wisconsin, also suggests early interceptive treatments for young children. “Early treatments with removable appliances which expand the arch in the roof dome, influence bone growth and make room for incoming teeth can be performed by general dentists,” says Kammer, who notes that a proper diet may help prevent crowding of teeth, as well as malocclusion, or misalignment, of upper and lower teeth.

Gum and heart disease

Doctors practicing functional medicine are more likely to refer patients to biological and holistic dentists. Cardiologists are particularly aware of a 2014 American Journal of Preventive Medicine study in which researchers looked at individuals with gum and heart disease. Individuals that received adequate care for gum disease had 10 to 40 percent lower cardiovascular care costs than those who didn’t get proper oral care. Another study revealed that gum

disease increases an individual’s risk of heart disease by approximately 20 percent.

Given such evidence, the American Dental Association and American Heart Association have acknowledged the relationship between the two diseases.

By neglecting important ongoing research regarding new and old dental practices, as well as orthodontics, mainstream media has largely left the public in the dark regarding problems associated with root canals, mercury amalgam fillings and some dental implants.

Root canals, tooth extractions and gum disease

Iveta Iontcheva-Barehmi, owner of Boston Dental Wellness, in Brookline, Massachusetts, takes a holistic and biological approach to dentistry founded on the philosophy that everything within the whole body is connected. “Teeth are related to organs, tissues and glands along the body’s meridians, energy channels through which the life force flows,” says the integrative periodontist, who prefers extracting teeth when necessary and using zirconium implants rather than performing a root canal.

Iontcheva-Barehmi explains, “It’s logical that the connection between the meridians and teeth can indicate an individual’s overall health and wellness. Tooth extractions protect patients from toothrelated disease and systemic infections that can be harmful to overall health.

A failing root canal is a chronic abscess around the root of the tooth. It has a direct connection with the bloodstream and disseminates infection through the whole body. This is the reason why holistic dentists recommend extractions.”

She believes the best research on this was done by Weston Price, a Canadian dentist and pioneering nutritionist.

Treating gum disease

To treat gum disease, Amparo David, DMD, owner of Dentistry by Dr. David

and the founder of the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Center of New England, in Bolton, Massachusetts, refers patients to the periodontist she keeps on staff. “I can tell that a patient has internal inflammation by looking at the gums and tongue.

Gum disease has been linked to health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and premature births or low-birth weight babies,” says David, whose preventive and healing suggestions for healthy gums includes chewable oral probiotics, daily coconut oil pulling, consisting of swishing a tablespoon of oil in the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce harmful bacteria there and on the teeth. She also recommends flossing with an electric toothbrush and a Waterpik. “I suggest adding one or two drops of tea tree oil and iodine to the water in the pick,” notes David, who urges patients to eat less sugar and carbohydrates and more vegetables, proteins and fruits.

“We treat gums with ozone after a deep cleaning because it kills bacteria on contact. Patients maintain healthier gums using ozonated oils twice a day and by using a good toothpaste with no glycerine or fluoride,” says David, who notes that temporomandibular mandibular joint (TMJ) problems are tied to sleep disorders. “Many adolescents have TMJ problems, and sometimes experience this after extraction or retraction orthodontics.”

Despite the slow trickle of related information to the public and the lack of acknowledgement by the majority of dental professionals, these new philosophies and biological dental protocols are definitely improving overall health and wellness.

According to the IAOMT, a dentist that chooses to put biocompatibility testing first can look forward to practicing effective dentistry while knowing that patients are being provided with the safest experience for their overall health.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.

August 2020

15

Choosing the Right Biological Dentist

by Ingo Mahn

J

ust how different are biological dentists from regular dentists, and how do you go about choosing the right one?

Well, what differentiates biological dentists (also known as holistic dentists) from conventional dentists is that they have long understood how problems in the oral cavity can affect the overall health of the body. Even though the “conventional” dental community has traditionally chosen to ignore and even mock this connection, it is now starting to recognize the role of dentistry in achieving better health.

Unfortunately, today’s standard dental school education is still primarily mechanical in nature and does little to prepare dentists for the types of issues holistic dentists deal with on a daily basis. Being familiar with the needs of a patient suffering from a condition such

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as chronic fatigue, thyroid disease, Lyme disease, cancer or brain fog is critical if the dentist is to be a part of the healthcare team. For this reason, you have to make sure that the biological dentist you choose is properly qualified.

Here are some of the things to look for: • Are they a mercury-safe office? Some dentists are promoting their practices as mercury-free because they have stopped placing amalgam fillings.

In reality, the greater danger is from the huge short-term mercury release during the removal of old amalgam.

Proper protocols must be in place to prevent exposure to these toxic mercury vapors.

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132rf.com/Alexandr Ermolaev

• Do they perform “minimally invasive” dentistry? Modern bonding and CAD/ CAM technology (such as CEREC) allow for the restoration of teeth without the use of destructive crowns. These restorations can be fabricated in one visit and restore the tooth to its original strength and beauty.

• Do they use biocompatible materials?

Once the old materials are removed safely, it is just as important to replace them with nontoxic materials. There are a number of manufacturers that specialize in creating biocompatible filling materials. In cases of severe sensitivities, materials can be tested either by use of a blood sample or by energetic means (such as applied kinesiology).

• Do they understand the dangers of root canals? Despite some controversy on this subject, the biological dental community generally agrees that leaving a dead tooth in the body is less than ideal.

Infected and toxic teeth can be quite problematic for your health, and a holistic dentist can help make a decision about whether they should be removed.

• Do they have low-dose X-rays and 3D imaging equipment? Newer Xrays, which are DC generated and in conjunction with digital sensors, can reduce exposure by 90%. This technology allows the biological dentist to take the necessary X-rays while minimizing exposure. 3D imaging (also known as cone beam) is essential in evaluating failing root canals as well as the airway.

Breathing issues (especially while sleeping) are now recognized to be a major contributor to health problems.

• Do they offer nonmetallic tooth replacement options? Missing teeth can now be replaced using much more biocompatible options. Bridges, removable partial dentures, and even dental implants can (and should) be made from materials that contain no metals.

• Do they offer ozone therapies? Ozonated oxygen is a powerful tool in fighting infections and promoting healing.

It can be used in the treatment of gum disease, oral surgery, and treatment of root canals.

The process of finding the right dentist can be simplified by looking to see if the provider is a member of either the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) or the IABDM (International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine). Both offer advanced training as well as certifications for the safe removal of mercury dental amalgams. They also have a “Find a Dentist� feature on their websites that can help you find the right biological dentist for your journey to better health.

Dr. Ingo Mahn is a 1985 graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry. He is an accredited member of the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) and earned a doctorate in Integrative Medicine from Capital University, in Georgetown, in 2004. He is the founder of Natural Dental Partners, a high-tech, health-centered practice in North Phoenix. To get a free copy of his book Your Mouth, The Missing Link to Optimal Health, call 602-775-5120 or visit MyNaturalDentist.com to learn more. See ad, page 6.

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by Kathleen Gould and Madalyn Johnson

e have all heard about environmental toxins, but they may be a bigger problem than many realize.

These silent killers accumulate in the body over time as a result of our toxic and chemically saturated environment.

One of the many environmental toxins we hear about with regard to dental health is fluoride, which is added to water supplies and touted as a boon to healthy teeth and gums. However, fluoride is also linked to cancer, mottling of the teeth, impaired fetal development, and lower IQ (intelligence quotient) scores in children.

We all have access to the internet and can, therefore, find the extensive list of these toxins and how they can affect our physical and mental health. Instead, let’s examine some herbs, foods and other measures we can implement to help our bodies deal with these toxic substances.

Medicinal herbs are amazing gifts from our blessed Mother Earth that help protect us from the damage of environmental toxins. They contain a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals (including trace minerals), antioxidants and free radical scavengers.

They are the building blocks our bodies can use for whatever vitamins and minerals we need.

Given that the liver is the body’s master detoxifier, and, as such, a critically important organ to keep nourished and healthy, we will list a number of herbs and foods designed to do just that. In addition, these herbs and foods help keep the immune system strong and vital, which is so important, especially during a pandemic.

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Dandelion root is rich in inulin, which is a wonderful liver cleanser. It stimulates enzyme production and bile secretion, so it is an important herb for digestive system balance. It is also rich in bioflavonoids, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc and many other minerals, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. Burdock root is a powerful liver-purifying herb with particular value for the endocrine system and skin. It is also very rich in minerals and vitamins, including iron, manganese, zinc and vitamins B and E. Chlorella and spirulina are micro-algaes that tone and rejuvenate the whole body, build resistance to disease, and are blood builders and a liver tonic. They are rich in chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of protein (great for vegetarians).

Bladderwrack is a thyroid tonic that is rich in healthy iodine. It is anti-arthritic, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory. In addition, it is useful in weight-loss formulas due to an underactive thyroid.

Milk thistle seed is one of the most powerful liver protectors known; it detoxifies, tones the liver, and protects the liver from environmental pollutants and carcinogens. In addition, its antioxidant properties prevent free radical damage.

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Herbal Support for Environmental Toxins

Tumeric root alkalizes and cleanses liver and blood, and is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Turmeric is also used for some skin cancer and pain relief and is a wound healer.

herbalists, garlic and onions are a recurring theme. They are nutritive, cleansing, anti-bacterial, help reduce blood sugar and blood pressure, inexpensive and always available—and delicious!

We could go on and on, as most herbs help with inflammation and help balance an imbalanced body, which is what these toxins cause. Along with these herbs, there are a number of foods that can be incorporated to help keep the body clean, including the following:

In addition to incorporating these herbs and foods into our diets, here are a few additional steps to remember along the way to help keep our systems free of chemicals: Buy organic as often as you can afford; cut out processed foods—your pancreas will love you; wash your food; read labels so you know what you are eating; drink more clean water; lose those toxic chemical cleaners and opt for a more natural way (think essential oils); and take more vitamin C, as it is one of the most affordable anti-toxins available.

One of the best benefits of all is how great you will feel when these environmental toxins are eliminated and your body is a lean, clean, healthy machine.

Greens are some of the most powerful cleansing foods, mainly because of the chlorophyll they contain. Chlorophyll works with the liver to detoxify; it builds blood and increases oxygen levels. There are so many good reasons to work chlorophyll into your daily regimen.

Beets play an important role for liver and detoxing. Beets are full of vitamins, like B3, B6 and C, and minerals, like magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron. These help the liver to break down toxins. If you don’t enjoy eating beets, there are several powders on the market that you can put in drinks, like smoothies, or buy as capsules, so you can get these in your diet daily.

Garlic and onions contain sulfur, which helps the liver to detoxify. Garlic encourages the liver to produce detoxification enzymes, which help to filter toxins from the digestive system. For many

Kathleen Gould, registered herbalist, and Madalyn Johnson are proprietors of SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place. Gould has been an herbalist for 30-plus years and has extensive experience in herbal medicine. For more information, call 480-694-9931, Madalyn Johnson (left) and or visit SWHerb.com or Store.

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19

No-Waste Garden Edibles Ways to Maximize Your Garden’s Bounty

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by April Thompson

ost gardens are loaded with delicious, nutritious food that goes uneaten and overlooked, from edible greens like sweet potato leaves to flavorful flowers like tulips, marigolds and wisteria. Getting better acquainted with the edible parts of common backyard plants opens up a world of culinary possibilities.

With continued concerns around potential exposure to COVID-19, maximizing a garden’s bounty while minimizing trips to the grocery store is an added benefit.

“Food foraged from your backyard is fresher, tastier and cheaper than storebought food,” says Ellen Zachos, the Santa Fe author of Backyard Foraging: 65 Familiar Plants You Didn’t Know You Could Eat. “There is also the novelty factor. People don’t expect to be served a BBQ sauce made from crabapples or a curd made with flowering quince fruit. You simply can’t buy those flavors.”

Many plants and trees commonly thought of as being ornamental have edible parts. Hostas are a common one that Zachos loves to nibble on as much as the deer do.

“You can harvest at a couple stages: First, when spears are poking up and the leaves have not unfurled. A little later in the season, you can blanch them and put in a stir fry or quiche, or roast them as you would asparagus,” explains Zachos.

Roses are another multipurpose ornamental, with organically grown rose petals making aromatic additions to sweet or spicy

20

treats. Leaving the roses to decay after the first frost rather than dead-heading them yields rose hips rich in vitamin C for teas and jams.

Tip-to-Root Eating

Several common vegetables are edible from leaf to root, including broccoli, beets, chard and radishes, says Josh Singer, a garden specialist with the U.S. Department of Parks and Recreation, in Washington, D.C., who teaches classes on “alternative edibles” from the garden. “One of my favorite recipes is a hummus made with chard stalks in place of chickpeas. It’s so creamy and delicious.”

Singer also cites borage, passionflower and squash flowers as favorite floral foods.

“Unfortunately, it does mean making a hard choice between having beautiful flowers in your garden and eating them,” he adds. “It can also mean the plant not producing fruit or vegetables, but you can hand-pollinate female flowers in the case of squash and just use the male flowers for cooking. They make delicious fritters.”

Marie Viljoen, author of Forage, Harvest, Feast: A Wild-Inspired Cuisine cookbook, has one tip for daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva) that overagressively multiply: eat them. “Daylilies are nose-to-tail eating: their tender, cooked shoots are as melt-inyour-mouth as leeks, and their firm, underground tubers are delicious snacks, raw or cooked. I like to roast them with olive oil, like mini-home fries,” says the New York

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City forager, instructor and chef. “Their buds are juicy snacks and their open, fresh flowers are edible—and stunning in a salad—but so are the older, dried flowers, the so-called ‘golden needles’ that one can sometimes find in Chinese stores.” Viljoen cautions that a small percentage of people have a bad reaction to daylilies, and they should be eaten in moderation, especially when trying them for the first time.

Lindsay-Jean Hard, a food writer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and author of Cooking with Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, and Stems into Delicious Meals, points out some common fruits with edible greens. Strawberry greens can be used to make a pesto or flavor water. Tomato leaves can flavor a tomato sauce (sparingly, as they pack a strong taste)—a tip found in Harold McGee’s On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen.

Carrot tops and celery leaves also make great pesto, says Tama Matsuoka Wong, a New Jersey forager, chef and author of Foraged Flavor: Finding Fabulous Ingredients in Your Backyard or Farmer’s Market. While pea shoots have gotten to be a trendy item on many menus, Wong says they have long been an off-menu item at Chinese restaurants. “You won’t find it on the menu, but Chinese people eat pea shoots instead of beans all winter long, often stir fried with sesame oil, garlic and bamboo shoots.”

Many scrappy cooks know to use garden produce that fails to ripen before the season ends or bolts too soon. Singer uses unripe tomatoes to make green tomato chili, muffins and bread, whereas Hard likes working with flowers from bolted herbs and greens, including arugula, basil, chives, chervil, kale, sage, rosemary and others. “I mainly use them as garnishes, but every year, I make a batch of chive blossom vinegar,” she says.

Leaving a plant like cilantro to bolt and flower not only feeds pollinators, but also provides free spices at the season’s end, says Singer. Simply let cilantro dry on the stalk, then gather the seed pods for home-harvested coriander seeds. Letting annuals go to seed (and saving the seeds) provides the start for next year’s food plot.

April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

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conscious eating

photo by Penny De Los Santos

Flower-ful Feasts

Daylily Salad This strikingly beautiful salad marries the sweet crunch of pea pods with crisp orange daylily petals and creamy cheese. Eat the flowers in moderation.

6 daylily flowers (Hemerocallis fulva) 2 cups snap peas or fresh garden peas in pods 2 Tbsp soft goat cheese (can substitute vegan cheese or leave out for a vegan version) 2 tsp toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp aged balsamic vinegar 2 field garlic flower heads, separated

Kale Stem Hummus Yields: 6-8 servings 1 cup dried chickpeas 1 tsp baking soda Stems from 1 bunch kale 3 garlic cloves, minced ⅔ cup tahini 1 tsp fine-grain sea salt ⅔ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Ice water Extra-virgin olive oil for serving The night before making the hummus, put the chickpeas in a large bowl, cover them with at least twice their volume of water and leave to soak overnight at room temperature.

The next day, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Put them, along with the baking soda, in a medium-size pot over high heat.

Stir constantly for about 3 minutes.

Add 6 to 8 cups water until the chickpeas are covered by a few inches, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot and simmer until the chickpeas are very tender—45 to 60 minutes—checking on them occasionally to skim off any foam on the surface.

Skim off any chickpea skins that float up as well, but there’s no need to try to remove the skins if they don’t come off. They were softened by the baking soda and will blend smoothly into the hummus.

Meanwhile, fill another medium-size pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the kale stems and cook until they are very tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Drain them.

Blend the kale stems, garlic and tahini in a food processor, scraping down the sides as necessary until well blended.

Once the chickpeas are cooked, drain them, add them to the kale stem mixture in the food processor along with the salt and lemon juice, and process until smooth.

Add 2 tablespoons of ice water and process until the hummus is very smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add up to 2 additional tablespoons, one at a time, and process again as necessary.

To serve, spoon into a shallow bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

With a sharp knife, slit some of the flowers down the middle. (Remove the anthers and the pistil if following traditional Chinese preparation.) Top and tail the peapods if they have strings.

Split half of them down the middle to expose the peas.

Arrange the peas and flowers on a plate.

If using cheese, crumble and scatter across the salad. At this point, the salad can be covered and chilled to make it ahead of time.

To serve, drizzle first the sesame oil, then the soy and balsamic vinegar, across the top. Finish with the field garlic flowers.

Serve within 10 minutes.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Forage, Harvest, Feast: A Wild-Inspired Cuisine by Marie Viljoen, (Chelsea Green Publishing).

Note: The hummus can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. After thawing frozen hummus, we might need to adjust the seasoning—taste and add salt and lemon juice as necessary. Also, try this hummus with other scraps like Swiss chard stalks or cauliflower cores. Follow the same cooking method as outlined, boiling until very tender, 15 to 30 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Cooking with Scraps,

by Lindsay-Jean Hard.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

August 2020

21

TOXINS

Are You Aware of Everyday Dangers?

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by Ann Charlotte Valentin

here are two types of toxins: exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous toxins are those that we find in our environment, while endogenous toxins are those that our bodies make as a result of metabolism. We may experience a variety of symptoms and conditions due to environmental toxins, such as fatigue, headaches, coughing, joint pain, skin rashes, sleep problems, gastrointestinal issues, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disease, memory loss, and many other symptoms and diseases.

Our environment is full of toxins, and it is up to each of us to become aware of the dangers so that we can avoid them.

Some examples of environmental toxins are gasoline, petroleum, cleaning products, exhaust fumes, paints and pesticides, which can be ingested, inhaled and absorbed. Our foods are sprayed with a variety of pesticides, such as organochlorine, organophosphate and glyphosate.

There are chemicals in almost everything we use and eat—even our makeup, soaps and shower products.

We sometimes ingest toxins un-

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knowingly, such as when we drink water out of plastic water bottles. Plastic can leach into the water over time, making what are called xenoestrogens. These xenoestrogens then act as estrogens in our bodies and cause a disruption of the endocrine system. This may happen with any food that is packaged in plastic.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the 12 most pesticideladen foods, referred to as the Dirty Dozen, are strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery and potatoes. If you are trying to stay away from pesticides, it may be worth purchasing these products in the organic produce department.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in foods has also become a concern. Even though the production of this human-made organic chemical was banned in 1979, it is still being released into our environment. PCBs are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to causing problems with the endocrine system, such as the thyroid. Farm-raised fish, such as Atlantic salmon, may have up

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Dr. Ann Charlotte Valentin is a family physician and also has post-graduate education in bioidentical hormones, Koren Specific Technique, CranioSacral Therapy, Emotional Release Technique and BodyTalk. Valentin also works as an evidential medium and spiritual educator. To have your toxic load tested for environmental toxins or heavy metals, make an appointment with Valentin. The test is a simple urine collection, and the kit is sent directly to your house. Valentin is providing consultations both through telemedicine as well as in person for the rest of 2020 due to COVID-19. Connect with her at 602-8882320 or DrLotte.com. See ad, page 17.

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to 40 times more PCBs than other foods.

Butter (nonorganic) and canned tuna fish also contain high levels.

Heavy metal overload can cause many problems, such as neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, skeletal and bone-related issues, dermatological, renal, hepatic and reproductive issues. Heavy metal toxicity may, therefore, be the root cause of many chronic symptoms and diseases. Heavy metals are present throughout the United States, and can accumulate in water, soil and air.

Heavy metals have the ability to deplete our bodies of vital nutrients, such as minerals and antioxidants. The World Health Organization considers these heavy metals of importance: arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, tin and titanium.

The best way to stay away from toxins is to educate yourself on the products you use. Look up the ingredients listed on your foods as well as your personal products and familiarize yourself with the toxins. Purchase organic produce, sustainably farmed foods and natural personal products, and stay away from the Dirty Dozen, unless they are organic.

wise words

Mustafa Santiago Ali on Healing America Through Social Justice

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by Sandra Yeyati

ustafa Santiago Ali has dedicated his career to fighting for environmental justice, public health, resource equity and political empowerment to uplift the most vulnerable communities in America.

For 24 years, he served at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is currently vice president of environmental justice, climate and community revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation. He is a renowned public speaker and has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, VICE TV, Black Entertainment Television, Democracy Now! and other networks.

Does the Black Lives Matter movement feel different than other moments in our history?

Yes. This is a transformational moment. So many different types of folks are coming together in large numbers, not just in our country, but across the planet, saying that change has to happen and we have to eliminate systemic racism and discrimination.

They want the 21st century to look like the 21st century, and not something from the 1950s or the 1940s or even the 1960s.

How can we keep the momentum going?

By bringing all kinds of different folks together, building authentic coalitions that are rooted in change, harvesting the energy of this moment and making sure that the right types of legislation—whether at the federal, state, county or local level—are reflective of

what people are asking for. Then we focus on getting engaged in the civic process—voting.

Dr. King said, “I cannot pass legislation to make you love me, but I can pass legislation to stop you from lynching me.” When we fast forward that to today, we can pass legislation that addresses social ills, disparities and other egregious types of behaviors. We can also make sure that our organizations are representative of what America looks like—in our hiring practices and on our boards—and make sure that our philanthropic organizations are moving in the right direction where they are helping to fund and support folks who are doing this transformative work. It really is a holistic set of actions.

How do you remain hopeful in light of America’s turbulent history?

I see many artists and entertainers who are getting engaged in an effective way, and they have the ability to reach so many folks. Even more critical are the thousands upon thousands of incredible young leaders who are pushing, willing to put their bodies on the line, creating their own organizations and investing their time to make real change happen.

I see people at the local and state level changing laws that have been entrenched for decades. I see organizations that would not normally see themselves in these types of conversations or actions saying, “You are right. I apologize for not being here sooner,

but we’re going to do everything we can now to stand in solidarity with this change that’s happening.” My hope is anchored in the fact that people are already doing the work and we’re seeing fruits from the seeds that people planted sometimes hundreds of years ago, but definitely decades ago.

What kind of justice are you fighting for?

We’re fighting for housing, transportation, economic and public health justice, and of course, the environment.

Which vulnerable communities are you fighting for?

I fight for communities of color. I fight for lower-wealth white communities. I fight for indigenous brothers and sisters. And I fight for the planet. I know that disproportionately, these are the communities that are often unseen and unheard, and I know if we can give voice to those communities, then it will benefit everyone. Social justice gives us the opportunity to make America whole—to be stronger and better, as we become anchored in real justice. We have to be focused on moving our most vulnerable communities from surviving to thriving.

What is your contribution to the National Wildlife Federation?

I sat down with President Collin O’Mara to have real conversations about what a 21stcentury organization and their 6 million members would look like. I thought that if I could get 10 or 20 percent of those members to embrace environmental justice and to stand in solidarity with folks, then that could help the movement and make real change happen. The National Wildlife Federation board has just approved a full environmental justice analysis of all of its programs, policies, activities and budgeting decisions.

No other organization in our country does that, and it sends a clear message to all the other organizations that are out there that these are the types of things you have to do to be a 21st-century organization.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a freelance writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

August 2020

23

THE UPSIDE OF LOCKDOWNS

Air Gets Cleaner Around the Globe

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by Kimberly B. Whittle

round the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way millions of people live their dayto-day lives, but despite their dire consequences, government-mandated lockdowns have had an unintended positive consequence: cleaner air.

In China, as major cities shuttered factories and reduced transportation

earlier this year, experts found that carbon emissions dropped by about 100 million tons over a two-week period. Scientists at the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy, in Brussels, are using satellite measurements of air quality to estimate the changes in nitrogen dioxide (NO2)—a pollutant emitted into the air when fossil fuels are burned—over the major epicen-

ters of the outbreak. Their research shows that NO2 pollution over Chinese cities decreased by an average of 40 percent during the lockdown compared to the same period in 2019.

Across the United Kingdom, the reduction in traffic and industry similarly impacted the climate. Within the first six weeks of lockdowns, in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff, NO2 and fine particulate pollutant levels dropped by a third to half, with large declines recorded in other cities. These are the two air pollutants that have the biggest health impacts on people, says James Lee, professor of atmospheric chemistry at the University of York and research fellow at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.

The U.S. has been part of these trends, as well. In Los Angeles, known for its smog, the air quality index improved by about 20 percent during March. According to Yifang Zhu, a professor at the University of California (UC) Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, during March, the region recorded the longest stretch of “good” air quality that it has experienced for 25 years.

NASA has observed significant air quality improvements in other parts of the U.S., as well. Satellite data for March showed that the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions had the lowest monthly atmospheric levels of NO2 that month since 2005. Data on NO2 from the Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument over the Northeast in March indicated that levels of the

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Stevens, J. NASA Earth Observatory (2020, January/February) Airborne Nitrogen Dioxide Plummets Over China

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March 2015-19 Avg.

Schindler, T. L. NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio (2015-2020, March)

pollutant in March of this year were about 30 percent lower on average across the region of the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C., to Boston than the mean of the previous five years.

Another immediate benefit of the reduction in pollutants is their effect on the pandemic itself. Public health experts agree people that have higher long-term exposure to fine particulate pollution have a 15 percent greater likelihood of dying from COVID-19. They attribute this to the lung damage caused over time by air pollution, combined with the fact that the virus targets the lungs and increases the risk of pneumonia.

Experts warn, however, that the cleaner air is likely to be temporary if we return to pre-COVID-19 levels of travel and industry.

Although we have seen a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels—another important contributor to global warming—have continued to rise. “The crisis has slowed emissions, but not enough to show up perceptibly [in CO2 levels everywhere]. What will matter much more is the trajectory we take

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coming out of this situation,” geochemist Ralph Keeling, who directs the Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s CO2 monitoring program at UC San Diego, told The Washington Post. But it’s possible that if people start expecting and demanding the cleaner air we have been enjoying during the pandemic, the coronavirus shutdowns could lead us to embrace new ways of living and working.

Scientists worldwide have emphasized that most of the air quality improvement is due to a reduction in traffic. Ed Avol, a professor of clinical preventive medicine at the University of Southern California, told Forbes that telecommuting is here to stay. “Telecommuting from home for those who can, even just for a couple of days a week, can have a marked reduction in terms of emissions.”

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August 2020

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fit body

Mindful Walking Meditative Steps for Well-Being

T HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE?

YOU BET

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by Marlaina Donato

he health benefits of walking, such as stress reduction, improved joint mobility, lower blood pressure and increased oxygen, are well known, but walking or hiking with a meditative focus offers some other unexpected perks.

Mindful walking that fosters focus on each step can combat depression, anxiety and unhealthy food cravings by boosting neurotransmitters. Studies from the University of Exeter, in England, reveal that chocolate cravings and consumption are reduced after just a 15-minute walk, and a German study found overweight people that walked briskly for 15 minutes had less desire for sugary snacks.

A 2016 study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that meditative walking for 30 minutes three times a week reduced arterial stiffness and the stress hormone cortisol in a 12-week period. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes also had healthier blood sugar levels. Further, the group that employed mindful walking exhibited significant improvement compared to the control group that engaged in regular, non-meditative walking.

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Like seated meditation, meditative walking fosters mind-body awareness that can nourish the spirit. “Some of the world’s greatest artists, like Johann Sebastian Bach and William Blake, were well aware of this, and spent much time on long walks exploring their inner worlds,” says Reino Gevers, of Majorca, Spain. The author of Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul, he sees walking meditation as an invitation to tap into the bigger matrix of life. “Deep walking, also pilgrimage walking, is spending time alone in nature to walk off the things that are weighing heavy on your shoulders. These could be hurtful and traumatic

events like the loss of a family member, divorce or financial loss. While practicing mindful walking, there is a reconnection to the natural rhythm of life.”

Meditative walking calms the amygdala, the portion of the brain that can become hyper-reactive from trauma and keep us in the loop of anxiety. Introduced to meditative walking by a spiritual teacher, Carolyn Sinclair, in Houston, found deep healing from depression after a devastating divorce. “Even though I knew tai chi, qigong and sitting meditation, I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow, couldn’t sleep and wasn’t eating,” says Sinclair, who relinquished all medications after six months of taking mindful steps. Today, she blogs at Walking-Meditation.com and attributes her capacity to feel joy and her improved emotional resilience to the practice. “We cannot stay in sitting meditation all day long, and life will always throw us a curve ball,” she says. “Walking meditation allows us to be in the world, but not attached to the chaos and drama. This form of meditation helps train the mind to reside in the present moment during our everyday activities.”

Resetting Body and Soul Going for a mindful walk can cultivate sensory nuance, especially to changing angles of sunlight and the dance of turning seasons. Psychologist Hugh O’Donovan, in Cork, Ireland, the author of Mindful Walking: Walk Your Way to Mental and Physical Well-Being, says, “The body is a powerful instrument

of connection. It appears too simple, but this is a necessary aspect of mindful walking for the beginner right through to the more experienced practitioner. It is in this slowing down that you begin to notice.” In 2015, he traversed the entire length of his native country and was reminded, he says, that “In this mindful walking space, the world can come alive at every sensory level. You can see the colors, the textures, the contrasts, the shade, the magic.”

Gevers concurs, “There is a major difference in just walking for exercise and deep walking. When you do mindful walking, you open your senses to the world around you. What do you smell, hear and feel?”

Buddha Steps Mindful walking begins with communing with each step, heel-totoe, on Mother Earth. “The beauty of walking meditation is that once it becomes a habit, we can bring it everywhere, naturally,” emphasizes Sinclair.

O’Donovan, whose mantra is, “Show up, slow down and notice”, inspires us all when he says, “You might think, ‘I’ve seen grass a million times; I know grass,’ but this limits the possibility to know in a deeper way. Grass is not just grass when you walk mindfully.”

Marlaina Donato is a composer and body-mind-spirit author.

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Tips on Meditative Walking From Carolyn Sinclair: ■ Find a safe, quiet place to walk. A park, your yard, in nature is best, but you can even choose a mall before the stores open.

■ Set aside a specific amount of time to walk and start with 10- or 15-minute increments.

■ Wear shoes and set your gaze about 12 to 15 feet angled toward the ground in front of you. Relax. Keep arms and shoulders loose; head and neck in alignment.

■ Observe the smell of the earth, flowers and trees. Feel the moisture in the air and how it effects your skin; recognize the temperature. Notice how you maintain balance as you walk; how a rock and uneven surfaces feel underfoot.

■ Notice any tension without trying to change it—just observe and avoid analyzing, comparing or editing.

■ Experience the sensation of feeling the soles of the feet as each foot touches the ground. One shouldn’t be fooled by its simplicity. The mind will always wander; consequently, it’s not necessary to try to stop the mind from thinking. All that is needed is to bring attention back to feeling the soles of the feet, again and again. They contain energy meridian lines and

acupuncture and chakra points that communicate energetically to every cell and every organ of the body.

■ Avoid headphones or music whenever possible. With mindfulness, you will be tapping into the music of your sole/soul and experience peace and tranquility.

■ If you don’t have time to go out, practice in the living room, going slowly in a clockwise direction, or walk down a hallway in your home or office.

■ Something miraculous happens when we bring our awareness to the feet. This is one of the deepest secrets of the Buddha. Bring your awareness to the soles of your feet when grocery shopping or when you are standing in line at the bank. Always bring your awareness to the soles of your feet, even when sitting at a desk or waiting in the doctor’s office.

From Reino Gevers: ■ Start with a short 10- to 15-minute walk and do it every day of every week. You will soon begin to notice the positive effects on body and mind. If you put yourself under pressure by wanting to do too much too soon, you will inevitably fail and get frustrated. It’s a small change in one’s daily habit that has an enormous positive impact.

August 2020

27

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healing ways

HEALING WATERS Hot Baths Rejuvenate Body and Mind

D

by Marlaina Donato

own to our very cells, water is the foundation of life. In the ancient Greco-Roman world, bathing in hot mineral springs and cool saltwater was a common ritual for better health, and spaces dedicated to baths were considered sacred. Stepping into a warm tub harkens back to the safety of the womb while offering abundant health benefits. Opting for a bath instead of a shower can not only help minimize headaches, insomnia, menstrual cramps, depression and chronic pain, but soothe a burnt-out nervous system. It can also enliven stagnant blood and lymphatic fluids, enabling metabolic waste to be carried out of the body through perspiration.

“Hydrotherapy is used in many natural health systems for a wide variety of ailments from inflammation to nervous system dysfunction and skin conditions.

Whether you have access to a bathtub or not, there are many ways you can apply these traditional practices to your own self-care routine,” says Marlene Adelmann, herbalist and founder of the Herbal Academy, in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Whether we step into a full-body tub or a foot basin, water is a balm for the modern spirit bogged down by information overload and world events. “Taking time away in the sanctuary of warm water allows us to slip into a different state of mind and to release the energetic armor we

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defend ourselves with, as well as recuperate and heal internally,” says Kiva Rose Hardin, herbalist and co-editor of Plant Healer magazine, in New Mexico.

Insulin Sensitivity, Pain and Depression A good bath can lower chronic systemic inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. It can also impact how the body uses insulin.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology shows that immersion in hot water counters low-grade inflammation and increases glucose metabolism in individuals unable to exercise.

Hot baths relax muscles by promoting blood circulation through the tissues and prompting the nervous system into a calming parasympathetic mode. Cold-water soaks—preferably in the morning—provide perks that include boosting immunity and increasing depression-zapping endorphins such as dopamine.

A Handful of Nature The skin is our largest organ, and what we put into the bath affects us from the outside-in. Bentonite clay for detoxing and Dead Sea salts for pain are great choices. Studies going back to the 1990s show significant, lasting effects of Dead

Sea salts on those with osteoarthritis of the knee, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.

Fortifying the bath with Epsom salts, evaporated sea salt or Himalayan pink salt is highly beneficial. “Himalayan salt has 84 valuable trace minerals, including potassium, magnesium and sodium. It draws out toxins, cleanses the skin and helps cleanse the body energetically,” says Hellen Yuan, founder of the bath product company Hellen, in Brooklyn.

Adding bundles of fresh or dried herbs or snipping them into sachets can strengthen immune response and provide a welcome antidote to work-related stress. “Aromatic herbs and essential oils are inhaled through our olfactory system and make a beeline to our brains, signaling that it’s time to relax or feel energized,” says Adelmann, who emphasizes practical common sense.

“Although flowers and leaves floating in the tub make for lovely social media posts, most household plumbing cannot handle big, bulky plant material. The simplest way to add herbs to a bath is by making a super-concentrated tea.” Hardin concurs, recommending fresh or dried lavender, flowering goldenrod tops, holy basil leaves (tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum) or calendula blossoms.

Sacred Waters Baths are good medicine for both genders. “Men carry so much stress in their bodies and typically hold in a lot of tension. A good bath brew eases the muscles and replenishes the mind and soul,” says Yuan.

Bathing can be the ultimate sacred offering to the body.

From her wood-fired outdoor tub at the edge of a starlit mesa, Hardin advises, “Efforts need not be expensive or time-consuming. Just focused intent will inherently return a sufficient degree of sensuality, magic and beauty to the bath.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of Multidimensional Aromatherapy.

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Essential Oils and Safety Tips Nataliia Melnychuk/Shutterstock.com

From Hellen Yuan: Foot baths are a

great alternative to a full-body bath because of the 72,000-plus nerve endings in our feet and the six acupuncture meridian points.

From Marlene Adelmann:

Essential oils should always be properly diluted and dispersed in oil, thick aloe vera leaf gel, Castile soap or a dispersing agent such as Solubol. Water, alcohol and hydrosol are not safe carriers, as they do not disperse the essential oils.

For aromatherapy bath salts, dilute essential oils in a small amount of oil before stirring into the salt. For nut allergies, avoid almond oil.

Nourishing Additions Add Zing to Bath Waters Organic apple cider vinegar: 1 cup to a bath to balance skin pH levels, combat yeast infections and soothe sunburn

Himalayan salt: ½ cup to bath water for acne, eczema and psoriasis

Dead Sea salts or sea salt: ½ cup to bath water for psoria-

sis and arthritis pain

Chamomile flowers or organic, dried rose petals:

1 extra-strong cup to bath water for relaxation and better sleep or use herbs gathered in a muslin bag or sock and steep in the bath

Ginger: ½ cup shredded fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ginger powder to bath water for increasing the body’s chi, boosting immunity and relieving pain. Follow-up with a shower to rinse off perspiration (contraindicated in the presence of high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of heart disease) Epsom salts: ½ cup added to the bath to fortify magnesium and boost serotonin, which can increase energy and stamina, decrease irritability and adrenaline, lower blood pressure, increase concentration and improve sleeping habits

Essential oils: 5 to 7 drops mixed well into bath salts—lavender (for nervous system support), eucalyptus or tea tree (congestion, colds, flu), geranium (adrenal and reproductive hormonal support), pine or fir needle (adrenal and nervous system support) Marlene Adelmann’s Go-to Bath Recipes: Herbal Bath De-Stress Tea ¼ cup lemon balm leaves ¼ cup chamomile flowers ¼ cup peppermint leaves ¼ cup rose petals

Combine herbs together in a 2-quart jar. Pour 2 quarts boiling water over herbs and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain tea and discard or compost herbs. Pour tea into bath and enjoy.

Herbal Bath Salts

2 cups Epsom salt 1 cup sea salt ½ cup baking soda 2 Tbsp carrier oil 20 drops lavender essential oil Put salts and baking soda in a bowl and combine thoroughly.

Combine essential oil with carrier oil in a small bowl. Add essential oil mixture to salt mixture. Store in a glass jar for 6 to 12 months. Use 1 to 2 cups per bath.

August 2020

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COOL TREATS FOR CATS AND DOGS

by Tonya Wilhelm

S

pending quality time with our pets is always a win, especially if it’s in the kitchen. Pet treats can be more than tasty; if we use the right ingredients, they can be downright nutritional. Stop at a favorite local health store to pick up the ingredients to prepare these easy and cool pet treats.

Berry Delicious Basil isn’t just a culinary herb—it improves digestion, delivers anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, strengthens the immune system and helps to detoxify the liver. It’s perfect for this summertime frozen snack.

Blueberries aren’t the only healthy berries. Blackberries are full of vitamin C, high in fiber, manganese and antioxidants, are a good source of vitamin K and offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory attributes.

Coconut oil provides vitamins and minerals, is antibacterial, antiviral and has antifungal properties, making it a good choice for yeasty dogs. It also aids in digestion, although too much of a good thing can cause diarrhea.

Berries are a great treat for pets. Raspberries 30

contain quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid that reduces inflammation.

Yields: Depends on size of molds 1 cup coconut oil ½ cup blackberries ½ cup raspberries 1 Tbsp basil leaves Place the coconut oil in a pan over low heat. Stir until melted and set aside. Place the blackberries, raspberries and basil leaves into a mixer and blend.

Add the melted coconut oil into the mixer and blend ingredients together.

Place a silicone ice cube mold on a cookie sheet for support. The smaller the cavities, the better.

Pour the mix into the molds and place in the freezer.

Once frozen, pop out treats and store in a glass container in the freezer.

Serve one frozen treat to each pet every few days.

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This frozen pet treat will delight both dogs and cats. Not only will they enjoy this treat, but it offers a powerhouse of nutrition. Sardines provide pets with healthy fats such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), otherwise known as omega-3 fatty acids. They also provide vitamin D3, B12, coenzyme Q10 and amino acids. Not bad for a small fish.

Cow’s milk for pets is pretty much a no-no. They do not tolerate its high level of alpha-s1-casein protein. Goat’s milk, on the other hand, contains extremely low to no amounts of this protein, and so allows better absorption of the nutrients. Goat’s milk also supplies essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B5 and A, as well as healthy fats, enzymes and minerals, making it a good choice for the liquid component in this frozen treat.

Yields: Depends on size of molds 1 can (3.75 oz) wild-caught sardines in water 1 cup goat’s milk, raw or fermented is best Place the ingredients into a mixer and blend. Place a silicone ice cube mold on a cookie sheet for support. The smaller the cavities, the better.

Pour the mix into the molds and place in the freezer.

Once frozen, pop out treats and store in a glass container in the freezer.

Serve one frozen treat to each pet every few days.

photos courtesy of RaisingYourPetsNaturally.com

Sardines and Milk

natural pet

Pindyurin Vasily/Shutterstock.com

inspiration

Cooling and Soothing Blueberries are quite popular as a healthy fruit for good reason. They are the most antioxidant fruit around. Because they contain natural compounds called anthocyanins, which are flavonoids, blueberries help protect against cardiovascular disease. They also have high amounts of EPA and DHA, making these little berries quite the superfood.

Carrots offer a great crunch. They also are a fine source of betacarotene, vitamin A, fiber and potassium. Not just a calming herb, lavender is also anti-inflammatory and even aids in digestion. Strawberries are fragrant and tasty, and also provide vitamins C and B9 , magnesium and potassium.

These sweet fruits are rich in antioxidants.

Yields: Depends on size of molds ½ cup blueberries ½ cup carrots ½ cup strawberries 1 Tbsp dried lavender Place the ingredients in a mixer and blend.

Place a silicone ice cube mold on a cookie sheet for support. The smaller the cavities, the better.

Pour the mix into the molds and place in the freezer.

Once frozen, pop out treats and store in a glass container in the freezer.

Serve one frozen treat to each pet every few days.

Tonya Wilhelm is a professional dog trainer, spreading the word about positive methods of preventing and managing behavioral issues with a holistic approach. To connect, visit RaisingYourPetsNaturally.com.

How Awe Can Transform Our Lives

W

by Jonah Paquette

hat do you feel when you gaze up at the night sky, listen to a soul-stirring piece of music or witness an act of great courage or inspiration? What happens in your body, and what emotions arise, when you come face-toface with these sorts of moments? This feeling—often complete with goosebumps and a shiver down the spine—is known as awe. And as it turns out, this underappreciated and often misunderstood emotion just might hold the key to a happy, meaningful and healthy life.

Although we might think of awe as a rare experience, awe-inspiring moments are all around us. We don’t have to climb to the summit of Mount Everest or stand atop the Eiffel Tower to reap the many benefits of awe. Instead, we can learn to notice the changing colors of the leaves, truly see the joy in a child’s eyes or allow ourselves to be uplifted by the kindness of a stranger.

When we do, it not only feels good in the moment—it actually can change life in lasting and profound ways. In fact, cuttingedge research has shown that awe holds many benefits, ranging from improved mental health, stronger immune systems, increased compassion, strengthened social bonds and much more. In short, the moments that make us go, “Wow!” can be the very moments that lastingly change our lives for the better.

Here are some ways we can find more awe in our daily life:

Seek out nature: Connect to the natural world, even by just visiting a local park, and notice the beauty all around.

Appreciate the good: Slow down and appreciate the small stuff—the aroma of morning coffee, time with loved ones, having a roof over our heads or even just the breath.

Look for inspiration: The current challenges around the world have also shown some of the best of humanity. Spend time learning about the people making a difference and experience a sense of awe through their courage.

Expand the mind: Learning about

mind-expanding topics like astronomy, the human brain or anything else that captures the imagination can be a great way to harness a feeling of awe.

Foster connection: The next time we’re with the people we love, take a moment to appreciate how awe-inspiring it is to have the capacity to love and forge bonds the way that we do.

Jonah Paquette is a psychologist, author and international speaker specializing in the science of happiness and well-being. His newest book, Awestruck, explores how moments of awe and wonder can transform our lives. For more information, visit JonahPaquette.com.

August 2020

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3

COVID-19 pandemic has many of us reaching for virus-zapping bleach disinfectants, but Gilbert advises not to overuse them. Once the viral threat is past, it’s wise to go back immediately to natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. A 2015 study in Occupational & Environmental Medicine of more than 9,000 children ages 6 to 12 in Spain, Holland and Finland found the incidence of infections such as flu, tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia was more prevalent in homes where bleach was used.

Strong and Healthy 4 Five Ways to Strengthen Kids’ Immunity

Get them outside around dirt:

W

by Ronica O’Hara

ith American children increasingly afflicted with asthma and allergies, it’s critical to help them build up their natural immunity. Microbial ecologist Jack Gilbert, Ph.D., of the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, co-founder of the crowdsourced American Gut Project, advises, “Furry pets, the outdoors, dirt in the backyard, forests—life!”

As the co-author of Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System, Gilbert is part of an emerging scientific consensus called the “hygiene hypothesis”, which posits that excessive sterility—being overzealous in protecting our children from germs and other microbes—can dampen the ability of their bodies to fight off allergens and infections. “As a species, we have evolved in a world full of microbes, and our immune systems have developed to cope with that,” he says. “The immune system needs to be used and trained by exposure to the world around it.” From birth onward, here are some proven strategies that strengthen kids’ immune systems.

1

Start off right with natural birth and breastfeeding: One

in three babies in the U.S. is born by

32

caesarean section, and about half the time it’s optional rather than necessary—perhaps because parents don’t understand that babies born in this manner have been shown to have altered immune development, reduced gut microbiome diversity and a higher risk of developing allergies, atopy and asthma in the short term, with a longterm risk of obesity, according to a study published in The Lancet. Likewise, breastfeeding protects against the likelihood of viruses, eye and urinary tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis, lymphoma, leukemia, and Type 1 and 2 diabetes, reports the American Academy of Pediatrics.

2

Feed them the right foods:

Provide lots of antioxidant-rich fruits, veggies and fiber—organic when possible—while avoiding processed foods. “The intestinal lining of the gastrointestinal tract serves as the body’s first line of defense against many pathogens.

Through certain strains of probiotics and prebiotics found in whole food, we can help landscape our child’s intestinal microbiome to create a positive effect on their innate and adaptive immune responses,” says Krystal Plonski, a Seattle naturopathic physician with a pediatric focus.

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Whether toddlers are making mud pies, older kids are growing gardens or teens are kicking up dust on the sports field, childrens’ immune systems thrive when they meet the microbial richness of dirt and the vitamin-D boost of the sunny outdoors. In a study in The New England Journal of Medicine that focused on two technology-free communities, Amish children that lived and worked at old-fashioned family dairy farms had a quarter and a fifth the rate of asthma and allergies, respectively, as Hutterite children that lived off-site from their community’s large industrialized farms. Georgetown University researchers report that sunlight, besides producing vitamin D, energizes infection-fighting T-cells in the skin that play a central role in human immunity.

5

Get them a pet: The dirt, germs

and fur that dogs and cats bring to a house may be just what young immune systems need. Finnish researchers following 397 babies found those that grew up in homes with pets were 44 percent less likely to develop an ear infection and 29 percent less likely to receive antibiotics than pet-free babies. Canadian researchers found that babies from families with pets—70 percent of which were dogs—showed higher levels of two types of microbes linked to lower risks of becoming allergic and obese. They theorize that exposure to dirt and bacteria early in life—for example, in a dog’s fur and on its paws—can create early immunity.

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Sunny studio/Shutterstock.com

Avoid cleaning toxins: The

healthy kids

Sunny studio/Shutterstock.com

MISSION MISSION STATEMENT STATEMENT

To empower individuals to live To empower to live a healthier lifestyleindividuals on a healthier planet. a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet.

To educate communities on the latest To communities on the latest in educate natural health and sustainability. in natural health and sustainability.

To connect readers with local wellness To connect readers with local wellness resources and events, inspiring them to resources and events, inspiring them to lead more balanced lives. lead more balanced lives.

MISSION

STATEMENT

To empower individuals to live a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet.

To educate communities on the latest in natural health and sustainability.

To connect readers with local wellness resources and events, inspiring them to lead more balanced lives.

August 2020

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THE SELF-EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

calendar of events

SEPTEMBER

Find More Events On Our Website!

Emotional Well-Being

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plus: Adaptive Yoga

Click “Calendar”

Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services:

Counseling/Therapy • Energy Healing Holistic Health Care Providers Life Coaches ... and this is just a partial list!

NOTE: All calendar events must be submitted online at NaturalAZ.com by the 10th of the month, and adhere to the guidelines that can be found on the submission pages. No phone calls please.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, we continue to have very limited events. Please visit the website at NaturalAZ.com, as new events may be added throughout the month, and check ahead of time to make sure they are still running as planned.

Virtual Intimacy Retreat for Couples – Aug 7-9. Create magic in your relationship! Live, experiential workshop via Zoom. Led by Diana and Richard Daffner, authors of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples. Home play assignments break up screen time. For additional dates, call 941-3496804 or visit IntimacyRetreats.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 OCTOBER

Stress Management plus: Joint Health

Seven-Day Online Spiritual Immersion in the Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda – Aug 9-15. Join the Self-Realization Fellowship’s centennial celebration global gathering for an inspiring week of inner renewal and virtual satsanga (spiritual fellowship). Free. Register: Yogananda.org/convo2020.

plan ahead THE DIABETES CHALLENGE ISSUE

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Personalized Diabetes Strategies plus: Skin Care

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER

Contact us to learn about marketing opportunities and become a member of the Natural Awakenings community at: PhoenixAds@ NaturalAZ.com

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Massage Therapy Program – Morning classes begin. For those seeking a new, purposeful career or a part-time job for rewarding extra income.

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, 1538 E Southern Ave, Tempe. 480-994-9244. Info@ swiha.edu. swiha.edu.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Virtual Intimacy Retreat for Couples – Sept 11-13. Create magic in your relationship! Live, experiential workshop via Zoom. Led by Diana and Richard Daffner, authors of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples. Home play assignments break up screen time. For additional dates, call 941-3496804 or visit IntimacyRetreats.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Sedona Plant-Based Cooking Retreat – Sept 18, 4pm to Sept 21, noon. With cookbook author Melanie Albert. Enjoy three days of plant-based cooking and self-care, yoga, hiking, massage, and Sedona ceremonial experiences in Sedona and our beautiful eco-retreat house. Perfect weekend for

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a group of friends, corporate wellness, or moms/ daughters. Contact for price/info: 602-615-2486, Mel@MelanieAlbert.com, ExperienceNutrition. com/sedona-retreats.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Embracing Your Journey Expo – Sept 19 & 20. 9am-5pm. Connect with people in a social distancing safe environment while allowing yourself a renewed focus on your mind, body and spirit journey. $6/advance, $8/door; featured event, $20/advance, $30/door—per day. Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, 7767 N 16th St, Phoenix.

Info and tickets: EmbracingYourJourneyExpo. com/september-19th--20th.html.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 Herbal Certification Class – Five-weekend format. SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place, 148 N Center St, Mesa. RSVP: 480-694-9931.

SWHerb.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 Massage Therapy Program – Evening classes begin. For those seeking a new, purposeful career or a part-time job for rewarding extra income.

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, 1538 E Southern Ave, Tempe. 480-994-9244. Info@ swiha.edu. swiha.edu.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 Virtual Intimacy Retreat for Couples – Oct 23-25. Create magic in your relationship! Live, experiential workshop via Zoom. Led by Diana and Richard Daffner, authors of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples. Home play assignments break up screen time. For additional dates, call 941-3496804 or visit IntimacyRetreats.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Virtual Intimacy Retreat for Couples – Nov 20-22. Create magic in your relationship! Live, experiential workshop via Zoom. Led by Diana and Richard Daffner, authors of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples. Home play assignments break up screen time. For additional dates, call 941-3496804 or visit IntimacyRetreats.com.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

ongoing events

sunday Sunday Services at Unity of Mesa – 10:1511am. Services are livestreamed on our Facebook page and YouTube channel—join us there for music, meditation and message.

Free. 480-892-2700. UnityOfMesa.org.

thursday Alchemy of the Heart – 7-8pm. Aug 6 & 20.

By Elizabeth Clare Prophet. Be part of an exciting book discussion on giving and receiving more love. Free. Zoom.us/j/84920149474.

Passcode 267445. 480-442-5020. Info@ SummitLighthousePhoenix.org. Facebook. com/tslofphoenix.

Your Seven Energy Centers – 7pm. Sept 3 & 17. By Elizabeth Clare Prophet. Book discussion. Free. Zoom.us/j/84920149474.

Passcode 267445. 480-442-5020. Info@ SummitLighthousePhoenix.org. Facebook. com/tslofphoenix.

classifieds Classifieds: $59/month (50 word max. including title and contact info.).

Print magazine only. Email listings by 10th of month prior to publication to PhoenixAds@NaturalAZ.com HELP WANTED ADVERTISING SALES – Natural Awakenings magazine is looking for experienced advertising salespeople in the Phoenix area to help others grow their business. Commissionbased. Full- or part-time. Unlimited potential.

Tracy@NaturalAZ.com.

OPPORTUNITIES TAKE ACTION TO REDUCE PESTICIDES IN SCOTTSDALE – Help to make Scottsdale the first city in Arizona that restricts the use of toxic pesticides. Details on how to sign the petition, collect signatures on your own, or volunteer for a signature collection event can be found at ScottsdaleBelieve.com.

Full petition at ScottsdaleBelieve.com/petition.

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business directory

MILLENNIUM DENTAL ASSOCIATES

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Business Directory, email PhoenixAds@NaturalAZ.com or visit NaturalAZ.com and download our media kit.

CLEANING SERVICES

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE NATURAL PAIN TREATMENT AND DETOX

MacKenzie Kalt, Owner 23425 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste A-110 Scottsdale 480-594-5052 • NatPainTreat.com Providing some of the most advanced natural technologies for those struggling with chronic pain, injuries, stress, migraine headaches, PTSD, insomnia, Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, skin conditions, and much more. Visit our website to learn more. See ad, inside front cover.

SALT CHALET ARIZONA

Pavel Gershkovich, CHP, CRP 5011 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale 480-621-6041 SaltChaletArizona.com ArizonaLeechTherapy.com Our rooms are coated from floor to ceiling with multiple layers of pure, untreated salt from the Dead Sea. Providing relief for many health conditions. See ad, page 17.

SW HERB SHOP & GATHERING PLACE

148 N Center St, Mesa 480-694-9931 • SWHerb.com Store.SWHerb.com Kathy Gould and Madalyn Johnson, herbalists and proprietors, offer medicinal bulk herbs and specialty tea blends, herbal extracts, certification classes, community and therapist rental space, medicine-making supplies, and more. See ad, page 11.

ART CLASSES WATERCOLOR ART CLASSES

BENNETT’S CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Valleywide Service • 480-994-4988 BennettsCarpetCleaningAz.com Eco-friendlycarpet and upholstery cleaning. Featuring org-anic cleaners and odor removal products derived from renewable seed and vegetable sources. No perfumes, solvents or other hazardous products. No phosphates.

Products also available for in-home use. Licensed and owner operated since 1974.

COACHING WHITE STAR

Internationally Acclaimed Psychic Medicine Woman 617-697-8924 (Scottsdale) DivineLightMinistries.com White Star is a Spiritual Elder, Mystic, Medium and Master Psychic and Healer with 40 years' experience. She offers profound clairvoyant readings covering any subject. She can heal serious conditions and restore emotional and spiritual wellness. Classes and trainings on psychic development and many healing modalities are available in person and online.

DENTISTS INTEGRATIVE DENTAL ASSOCIATES Lisa M. Butler, DMD 4202 N 32nd St, Ste A, Phoenix 602-956-4807 • IntegrativeDental.com

Providing biologic dentistry personalized to fit your needs in a caring and supportive environment.

Offering many holistic procedures using the latest in modern technology. Dr. Butler is a member of the Holistic Dental Association and the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology. See ad, page 4.

Allura Westly 3611 E Sunnyside Dr, Phoenix AlluraWatercolor@cox.net 602-469-0524 • AlluraWaterColor.com Allura Westly, master teacher, opens her sanctuary studio to all levels, beginner to advanced. Learn fluid color technique, drawing and composition. Small class of eight students. No talent required, just a desire to create.

36

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Nicholas J. Meyer, DDS, DNM Dr. Jay Valiyaparambil, DMD 5705 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste D-110, Scottsdale 480-948-0560 MillDental.com Millennium Dental offers more than 40 years’ experience in holistic dentistry, including advanced general dentistry and an extraordinary knowledge of services found in complementary medicine. See ad, page 9.

MY DENTIST

Dr. Michael Margolis and Dr. Stephen Kovar 2045 S Vineyard Rd, Ste 153, Mesa 480-833-2232 • MyDentistAZ.com A holistic and biological approach to your dental needs and overall health. Bio-compatible dentistry, esthetic dentistry lumineers/veneers, family dentistry and much more. See ad, page 3.

NATURAL DENTAL ARTISTRY

Daniel Marinic, DDS 1835 W State Rte 89A, Ste 1, Sedona 928-554-4247 NaturalDentalArtistry.com Dr. Marinic offers a holistic approach to dentistry, with the latest and safest technologies available, such as metal-free zirconia implants and one-visit, all-porcelain onlays, inlays and crowns. He has been at the forefront of dental technology throughout his career and regularly increases his knowledge of technological developments in the dental industry.

See ad, inside back cover.

NATURAL DENTAL PARTNERS

Dr. Ingo Mahn 3134 W Carefree Hwy, Ste 9, Phoenix 602-775-5120 • MyNaturalDentist.com Dr. Mahn takes the time to listen to your concerns and uses his extensive experience to help you achieve better health. Author of A Healthy Mouth—The Missing Link to Optimal Health, he utilizes the latest advances in dentistry (low dose digital x-rays and single visit biocompatible restorations) to deliver the highest level of holistic dental care. Check the calendar of events page on his website for upcoming seminars. See ad, page 6.

PURE SMILES

Jason A. Jones, DMD 7231 E Princess Blvd, Ste 207, Scottsdale 480-585-1612 • PureSmilesAz.com Exceptional dental service with dedication to comfort and compassion. We carefully assist each procedure and select the products to help preserve and protect your overall well-being. See ad, page 33.

DOCTORS ANN CHARLOTTE VALENTIN, NMD Center for Integrative Medicine 16421 N Tatum Blvd, Ste 129, Phoenix 602-888-2320 • DrLotte.com

Dr. Valentin specializes in Integrative Medicine and is trained in Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition and Pharmaceuticals. She treats many conditions, such as Menopause, Menstrual issues, Thyroid, Digestion, Allergies, Anxiety, Depression, Heavy Metal Toxicity, and many chronic and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Valentin has post-graduate training in Bioidentical Hormones and sees patients of all different age groups. See ad, page 17.

ENERGY HEALING KIM CARTER, MA, HTCP

15215 S 48th St, Ste 154, Phoenix Kim@IntuitiveKim.com IntuitiveKim.com Kim Carter is a Psychic and Healing Touch Certified Practitioner providing grounded, down-toearth guidance to those in transition or needing some clarity. Her intuitive readings offer insight into innate strengths, as well as challenges in moving forward.

Her compassionate, practical approach helps clients step into their authentic power to create balance and harmony in body, mind and spirit.

HOLISTIC HEALTH ANAHATA YOGA, SOUND AND ENERGY HEALING

A Community of Conscious Connection 14148 N 100th St, Ste C-130, Scottsdale 480-699-9600 • AnahataYogaAZ.com Crystal singing bowl sales, meditations, sound immersions, gong, yoga, special events, workshops and trainings. See our schedule for more info!

PEST CONTROL

SCHOOLS

ARIZONA ORGANIC PEST & TERMITE CONTROL

SOUTHWEST INSTITUTE OF HEALING ARTS

Avoid being exposed to dangerous chemicals when all-natural and safer alternatives work just as well and last longer. See ad, page 18.

Nationally accredited college offers holistic health and wellness degrees, diplomas, certificates of excellence, continuing education and personal development, oncampus and online. Financial aid available. See ad, outside back cover.

Organic Pest Control 602-923-1457 • ArizonaOrganic.com

PET CARE ANDREA SOBOTKA, AKA “CRITTER DOC”

ASAM, Sh. Reiki, HTAP Animal Communicator and Counselor 602-317-1543 • CritterDoc1@cox.net SpiritAnimalWisdom.com With a gentle healing touch, Andrea provides earth medicine and energy healing, animal communication, and intuitive counsel for pets and their people.

RETREATS/WORKSHOPS EXPERIENCE NUTRITION GROUP LLC Melanie A. Albert Phoenix • 602-615-2486 ExperienceNutrition.com Facebook.com/NewViewHealthyEating

Plant-Based Farm-to-Table Experiences. Founded in 2010.

Hands-on intuitive interactive cooking workshops, classes, team building events, corporate wellness, and retreats for organizations.

Artisan plant-based catering, snacks, and gift baskets.

SALONS A LOR A ORGANIC STUDIO

7329 E Stetson Dr, Ste 11, Scottsdale 917-202-3289 • AloraOrganic.com An organic eco-friendly hair salon where beautiful cuts and color coexist with the best natural hair care. No harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances – just beautiful healthy hair. Energy healing and past life regression is also available. See ad, page 18.

1538 E Southern Ave, Tempe 480-994-9244 Info@swiha.edu • swiha.edu

SPIRITUAL CENTERS THE SUMMIT LIGHTHOUSE® OF PHOENIX

4105 N 20th St, Ste 115, Phoenix 480-442-5020 SummitLighthousePhoenix@gmail.com SummitLighthousePhoenix.org Dedicated to sharing Saint Germain’s Violet Flame. All faiths welcome. Learn how you can become a modern day mystic. We are dedicated to sharing the Teachings of the Ascended Masters® to help you bring in joy and peace to the world. Learn what the requirements are to make your ascension. See ad, page 28.

UNITY OF MESA

2700 E Southern Ave, Mesa 480-892-2700 • UnityOfMesa.org We are a progressive, New Thought, spiritual community, exploring universal principles and practices. We offer practical spiritual teachings for meaningful and prosperous living. Sunday services, youth programs and a wide variety of classes are available each week. ALL are welcome here. See ad, page 24.

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Your Business

Email PhoenixAds@NaturalAZ.com to advertise in Natural Awakenings

August 2020

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Tempe Meadows Farmers’ Market 1490 E Weber Dr Saturdays & Sundays 8am-2pm TempeMeadows.com The Barn at Power Ranch 3685 E Autumn Dr, Gilbert Wednesdays 4-8pm RaysMarket.com The Capitol Farmers’ Market 1700 Adams St, Phoenix Thursdays late Nov-Apr 10:30am-1:30pm ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com

NOTE: Please check market websites and ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com for more information on days and hours, and any restrictions.

Ahwatukee Farmers’ Market 4700 E Warner Rd, Phoenix Sundays Oct-May 9am-1pm Jun-Sep 8am-11am Facebook.com/AhwatukeeFarmersMarket Anthem Farmers’ Market 41703 N Gavilan Peak Pkwy Sundays Oct-May 9am-1pm Facebook.com/AnthemFarmersMarket Care 1st Farmers’ Market 328 W Western Ave, Avondale Tuesdays Jul-Oct 8am-noon ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com Carefree Farmers’ Market 1 Sundial Circle Fridays Oct-May 9am-1pm Jun-Sep 8am-11am Facebook.com/CarefreeFarmersMarket Downtown Chandler Farmers’ Market 3 S Arizona Ave Saturdays Oct-May 9am-1pm Jun-Sep 7am-10:30am Facebook.com/ChandlerFarmersMarket Gilbert Farmers’ Market 222 N Ash St Saturdays Oct-Mar/Apr 8am-noon Apr/May-Sep 7am-11am GilbertMarket.com Goodyear Farmers’ Market 3151 N Litchfield Rd Saturdays Oct-May 8am-noon ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com

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High Street Farmers’ Market 5415 E High St, Phoenix Sundays Oct-May 10am-1pm Facebook.com/Farmers-Market-on-HighStreet-2244771575799425

Uptown Farmers’ Market 5757 N Central Ave, Phoenix Wednesdays Oct-Apr 9am-1pm & May-Jun 8am-noon Saturdays Nov-Apr 9am-1pm & May-Oct 8am-noon UptownMarketAZ.com Verrado Community Farmers’ Market N Market Pl & W Main St, Buckeye Sundays Oct-Jun 10am-1pm Facebook.com/VerradoCommunityFarmersMarket

Mesa Farmers’ Market and Flea 526 E Main St Saturdays 8am-1pm (winter hrs) 7am-noon (summer hrs) MesaFarmersMarketAndFlea.com

Vincent’s Saturday Market 3930 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix Saturdays late Oct-early May 9am-1pm VincentsOnCamelback.com

Momma’s Organic Market Park West, 9744 W Northern Ave, Peoria Saturdays 9am-2pm MommasOrganicMarket.com

NORTHERN ARIZONA

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers’ Market 3806 N Brown Ave Saturdays 7am-11am ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com Phoenix Public Market 721 N Central Ave Saturdays Oct-Apr 8am-1pm May-Sep 8am-noon PhxPublicMarket.com Power Road Farmers’ Market 4011 S Power Rd, Mesa Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm | Sunday 9am-4pm PowerrdFarmersMarket.com Roadrunner Park Farmers’ Market 3502 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix Saturdays Oct-May 9am-1pm | Jun-Sep 7am-11am Facebook.com/RoadrunnerParkFarmersMarket Sun City Farmers’ Market 16820 N 99th Ave Thursdays Oct-May 9am-1pm Facebook.com/Sun-City-Farmers-Market631299790224049

Metro Phoenix & Northern Arizona Edition

NaturalAZ.com

Flagstaff Community Farmers’ Market 211 W Aspen Ave, City Hall Parking Lot Sundays May-Oct 8am-noon FlagstaffMarket.com Prescott Summer Farmers’ Market Yavapai College, Parking Lot D 1100 E Sheldon St Saturdays May-Oct 7:30am-noon PrescottFarmersMarket.org Prescott Winter Farmers’ Market Prescott High School, 1050 Ruth St Saturdays Nov-May 10am-1pm PrescottFarmersMarket.org Sedona Summer Community Farmers’ Market Tlaquepaque/Creekside, 336 Hwy 179 Fridays May-Oct 8-11:30am Sedona-Farmers-Market.com Sedona Winter Community Farmers’ Market Wells Fargo Bank Parking Lot 2201 W State Rte 89A, West Sedona Sundays Oct-May noon-4pm Sedona-Farmers-Market.com

123rf.com/lola1960

Local Farmers’ Markets

August 2020

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