April v 2 & may 2018 pdf

April v.2 / May 2018

WELLNESS RISING M NTHLY

April: Holistic, Herbal, and Homeopathic Healing Top 11 Culinary and Medicinal Herbs

Chamomile Properties: Contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluoride, folate, and vitamin A, plus traces of several other nutrients.

Benefits: Stomach upset; sleep aid; anti-rheumatic; anti-inflammatory; immune support; clams anxiety; allergies; cancer preventative; improves liver function; reduces muscle spasms; good for diabetics; hyperglycemia; treats most skin conditions; eczema; laxative; menstrual cramps.

Tip: There are two main species of chamomile: Roman chamomile and German chamomile. These plants are used interchangeable to make a tea with similar calming effects. Use tired in salves, steams, and teas.

By: Konni Vukelic

Basil Properties: Provides vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, manganese, magnesium, folate, calcium, and potassium. Loaded with flavonoids, basil helps prevent cell damage from radiation and oxygen.

Benefits: Helps with relaxation; increases energy levels; anti-aging; anti-microbial; anti-inflammatory; heart healthy; strengthen bones; helps prevent anemia; natural bug repellant.

Tip: Fresh basil can be stored in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel. Dried basil can be stored up to 6 months.

Cayenne Properties: Richest source of vitamin A among spices, also a rich source of vitamins B and C; contains capsaicin which has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties.

Benefits: Aids with digestion; weight loss; anti-fungal; anti-septic; detoxifying; headache prevention; heart health; joint & pain reliever; prints blood clots; wards off cold and flu; remedy for strep, toothache, and possible anti-cancer agent.

Tip: Buy fresh, whole pepper pods instead of powder since oftentimes it may contain some adulterated spice substances. Once at home, they should be stored inside the refrigerator in a plastic bag where they will stay fresh for about a week. Dried peppers can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature in a cool, dark place, for several months. They can be milled to powder using a handbill as and when required.

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Lavender Properties: High in calcium and caffeic acid which has great effects on the cancer prevention.

Benefits: Aids with sleep, digestion, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, pain, and respiratory; treats most skin conditions; helps prevent growth of harmful gut bacteria; natural bug repellant; reduces risk of stroke; muscle pain; menstrual cramps; respiratory treatment; anti-bacterial; circulation; acne; eczema; fatigue; clears sinuses Tip: Use dried lavender in sachets; keep a bottle of lavender water in the fridge for cuts, scrapes, bug bites, overheated bodies and emotions; use dried in salves, steams, and teas.

Mint Properties: Contains small amounts of potassium, folate, riboflavin, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin A. Benefits: Digestive aid; cold and flu; cough and congestion; oral health; pain relief; insect repellant; boosts immunity; helps with weight loss; asthma; cleanses blood; bad breath; boosts energy; relieves headaches; depression; anti-inflammatory; anticancer; improves circulation Tip: Frequent harvesting is the key to keeping mint plants at their best. Young leaves have more flavor than old ones, and mint can be harvested a s soon as it comes up in spring. Although fresh is best and sprigs keep for a few days in water, mint leaves can be frozen or air-dried in bunches.

Oregano Properties: Considered one of the works healthiest foods, high in vitamin K, manganese, iron, fiber, and calcium Benefits: Anti-bacterial; potent natural antibiotic; antioxidant; anti-fungal; aids in digestion; expectorant; boots immune system; detoxifying; speeds up metabolism; cold and flu prevention and relief; anti-parasitic; anti-viral; treats depression, asthma, candida; tumor reduction Tip: Infuse into olive oil and use on food and as a medicine. If you won’t be drying your oregano by the bunch, and you only need the leaves, simply grab the stem about 2/3 down the length of the plant and run your fingers along the stem. The leaves will collect in your hand, and then all you’ll have to do afterwards is trim the now-leafless stem.

Parsley Properties: Another herb that is considered among the worlds healthiest foods. It is a good source of protein, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, and zinc, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese Benefits: Anti-bacterial; anti-inflammatory; anti-microbial; antioxidant; anemia prevention; kidney health; blood tonic and purifier; immune support; reduces hair loss; supports hearty health; cancer preventative; manage diabetes; prevents UTI; antiarthritic; diuretic; supports bone health Tip: Use it regularly and trim often to prevent leggy growth.

Rosemary Properties: Contains iron, potassium, fiber, copper, calcium, magnesium, and an abundance of B vitamins, such as pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and folates Benefits: This herb, especially the flower tops, contains anti-bacterial and antioxidant rosmarinic acid, plus several essential oils such as cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl acetate, and âą­-pinene that are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. Aids with memory; pain relief; digestion; immune support; kidney health; mouthwash; diuretic; menstrual cramps; mood enhancer; anti-aging; antiinflammatory; anti-septic; cancer prevention; imports blood flow; great for hair health.

Tip: Avoid washing until you are ready to use as it tends to remain excessive moisture which will cause it to turn bad quicker; use in vinegar as a natural cleaner or hair rinse.

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Sage Properties: Good source of vitamins C & E, thiamin and copper, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, K, and B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese.

Benefits: Aids focus and concentration; anti-inflammatory; anti-microbial; antioxidant; supports bone health; astringent and anti-septic qualities help with cough and sore throat; immune support; cognitive health; supports gut health; aids digestion; strengthens nervous system; bug repellant; sedative Tip: Use dried to cleanse your air; infuse honey to make a homemade cough suppressant; use in vinegar as a hair rinse.

Tarragon Properties: Excellent source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium.

The herb is rich in vitamins A, C, and B6. Tarragon contains antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals in the body.

Benefits: Anti-bacterial; anti-septic; anesthetic; helps digestion; regulates metabolism; helps circulation; enhances vision; promotes healthy hair and skin; detoxifying; antiaging; aids with weight loss; relieves anorexia; constipation; arthritis; anti-parasitic; fights fatigue; relieves stomach cramps; antidote for poisonous snake bites.

Tip: Thyme Properties: An excellent source of vitamins A, C, and B6, fiber, riboflavin, iron, copper, manganese, calcium, folate, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Benefits: Anti-fungal; antioxidant; prevents diarrhea; stomach ache; arthritis; colic; sore throat; cough; including whooping cough; bronchitis; flatulence; as a diuretic, to increase urination; lowers blood pressure and cholesterol; prevents food poisoning; boots mood Tip: The flavor of the thumb plants benefits from active neglect. Growing thyme in poor soil with little water will actually cause the thyme to grow better.

Aromatherapy: Understanding Smell - What is Olfaction?

By Lisa Rising

What is Olfaction?

The olfactory system can detect and identify many thousands of odorant molecules. Odorants are small molecules that easily evaporate and become airborne. When we breathe or sniff the air, odorant molecules are drawn into our nose to enter the naval cavity, entering a complex system of nasal passages.

Lining a portion of the nasal cavity is the olfactory epithelium, a thin sheet of mucus-coated sensory tissue that contains the olfactory receptor cells, along with supporting cells and basal (stem) cells.

Odorant molecules can reach the olfactory epithelium either via the nose, a process known as orthonasal olfaction, and also from the mouth, referred to as retronasal olfaction. The odorants dissolve into and pass through a layer of mucous overlying the olfactory epithelium.

The Olfactory Receptors The millions of olfactory receptor cells have thin threadlike projections (olfactory cilia), which float in the nasal mucus. Olfactory cilia contain the molecular machinery for detecting the arrival of odorants and subsequently generating an electrical signal to be sent to the brain.

Olfactory receptor cells have several unique characteristics: They are nerve cells. Unlike other sensory receptor cells such as the rods • and cones of the visual system, which receive sensory input and then transmit this information to an adjacent nerve cell, the olfactory receptors are located on nerve cells directly connected to the brain. This special connection speaks to the evolutionary importance of olfactory information.

Unlike other nerve cells, these specialized cells regenerate throughout the • lifespan, with new olfactory receptor cells arising from underlying basal (stem) cells.

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How Do We Identify Specific Odors?

Olfactory receptor cells in the nose send their electrical messages via the olfactory nerve to the olfactory bulb, the brain’s first processing station for odor information.

Millions of receptor cells, each containing one of hundreds of possible olfactory receptors, are scattered randomly throughout the nose. Each receptor is believed to contain only one type of olfactory receptor.

Nerve axons from these cells reorganize as they travel to the olfactory bulb, where the nerve endings gather to form tiny spheres called glomeruli. Each glomerulus receives axons from nose cells containing the same type of olfactory receptor.

From the olfactory bulb, odor information travels to the limbic system, an ancient part of the brain involved with emotion and memory. Other connections go to olfactory cortex, which is where conscious awareness of an odor takes place. Cross-connections between cortex and the limbic system may be essential in forming lifelong, emotionally-laden, olfactory memories. Olfactory information also travels to orbitofrontal cortex, which receives input from other sensory systems.

Source: http://www.monell.org/research/anosmia/how_smell_works

5 Essential Oils for Your Holistic First Aid Kit: Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): stimulates the immune system; neutralizes airborne microbes; encourages cell regeneration Lemon (Citrus limon): stimulates the immune system; neutralizes fungi; helps maintain kidney action Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata): aids in the expulsion of mucous; stimulates the bronchi; neutralizes airborne microbes Peppermint (Mentha piperita): stimulates the digestive system; aids in the expulsion of mucous; lessens headaches due to congestion Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): calms; promotes sleep; helps to relieve stress Thyme (Linalool) (Thymus vulgaris c.t. linalool): This linalool chemotype is Source: http://tisserandinstitute.org/safety/safety-guidelines/

Above is an age-related table for recommended dilutions. For the three younger age groups (up to age 6) this applies to any topical application. For the older two age groups (6 to adult) the percentages are for full-body applications. More concentrated dilutions can be used for local applications (small areas of skin).

Suggested reading material:

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

by Valerie Ann Wormwood

Aromatherapy vs MRSA by Maggie Tisserand

Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals

by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young

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How to choose essential oils: There is no standard for grading essential oils, therefore the use of terms such as ‘therapeutic grade’ are merely for marketing purposes. More effective ways to choose your essential oils include: - Compare prices of oils between companies. If the cost of an essential oil from one company in particular is much cheaper compared to the cost at most other companies, chances are the quality of the oil in question is not the best. Pricing can fluctuate from company to company by a few dollars here and there, but the cost shouldn’t be significantly cheaper.

- The label should include both the common name and Latin name of the oil.

- Are the oils GC-MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry)* tested, and is a certificate of analysis available to view?

- Is the company in question known for quality products?

- Essential oils should be in dark colored glass bottles such as amber, cobalt, green, and violet.

Always store your essential oils in a dark cool place.

Source: http://slideplayer.com/slide/7594135/25/images/52/Smell+(olfaction).jpg

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May: The Nature of Nurturing: Ma’ams, Massage & Moms Our first featured wellness educator was April Gutierrez from Simple Balance Health Center. She specializes in treating patients with spine conditions and women's health issues, and has been a physical therapist for 11 years. Also, April has been a manually certified therapist for ten years and earned the Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy (CAPP-Pelvic) through the American Physical Therapy Association. Her belief in alternative therapies led to the completion and certification of the Mercier technique for infertility.

Our second featured wellness educator was Carol Hayes of HandsOn Massage & Bodywork. Carol is an Illinois licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist, and is also a member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP).

Both of these speakers have been invited to return to a future event to give their presentations. In the meantime, you can visit their respective websites to learn more about them or consult with them.

See you in June!

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