How To SPICE Up Your Health

LOVING this time of year!!  If you step outside early one morning or  later in the quiet evening air you will see what I mean. I love the Fall and the way the air just smells more 'earthy'.   I find it extremely calming.  And it's no wonder, as our awareness of nature and the earthiness scent I'm talking about help us feel connected to something greater.

And since each season has it's own set of 'scents' I wanted to talk about some of the favorites that you will no doubt find yourself enjoying this time of year.


A few of my favorite spices come up quite a bit this time of year and holiday season.  Clove, Cinnamon and Ginger are used regularly in baking and holiday candies, beverages and goodies.  If I do use any or all of these in my baking, I always bake with healthier ideas in mind.  Less sugar and oils whenever possible.  Yet I will not skimp on taste. I also add to my coffee or different herbal teas for an added kick - and yummy on hot or refrigerated oatmeal.  Besides tasting these goodies in our food, the scents of them also are invigorating and health building.  I love using essential oils or the whole spice itself to simmer and scent the air.  

Ginger - We all know Ginger helps with upset stomach and motion sickness. If you need Ginger Ale for stomach issues...spend a little more and get some Ginger Beer (like Root Beer) in the health food section- Oh my, it's wonderful and you are really getting the good stuff!  Ginger also improves circulation, specifically in the hands and feet.  Ginger will also help with pain and inflammation of arthritis.  Many will enjoy Ginger as a tea.

Cinnamon - Many have heard that Cinnamon helps with blood sugars.  And it's true!  It does have to be taken regularly,  (capsule form is probably easiest), and of course you do have to keep track of your blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can also help with acid reflux and the scent can help with stimulating brain function. 

Cloves - Cloves have long been noted for their remarkable benefit of helping with the pain of toothaches and sore gums.  Apply directly to the area.  Cloves also can be a great bug repellant (essential oil in spray bottle with water)  Cloves are also anti fungal and can help with Yeast/Candida in the body.

Just a short list for each of these wonderful aromatic herbs/spices but since they are used so much this time of year I wanted you to know how much they can do for you.   Stock up or give as gifts - teas, cookies, essential oils or yummy ginger beer!  Many ways to enjoy!

Nature has us covered! ☺

 
 

 

The Good Witch and the Bad Witch  

Ah yes, those reading that title should have the movie the Wizard of Oz come to mind!  A good example of the wanted and unwanted!

Working with clients as well as in a natural store setting, I can't help but notice the huge increase in stomach and intestinal complaints.  So many of them are related to a similar issue but rarely treated appropriately, medically.  At least not with any lasting effects.  Today there is something I want to encourage even if you DON'T have any obvious issues, would be The Good Witch i.e. Probiotics. ☺

So what are Probiotics? Our bodies come prepared with our own!  Probiotics are live microorganisms residing in the intestinal tract helping to keep it functioning in a state of health.  They are considered the 'good' bacteria.  However when the unwanted bacteria becomes overpowering, symptoms start to show themselves.  Thus enters the Bad Witch.  Supplementing with additional Probiotics helps get this ongoing balance back on track. 


Sometimes you have to drop a house on the bad witch..what can I say?  lol  But seriously you have to go at this type of imbalance with diligence!  Stay with it for lasting results.  I know many have heard the concept of taking a 'probiotic' after using an Antibiotic (causes diarrhea for many) but this is not the only time to use a probiotic.  


Stress, numerous prescription meds, sugar/yeasty foods are the main offenders that bring about the lack of balance.  Some symptoms you may be experiencing that you may not attribute to Yeast overgrowth:  constipation, diarrhea, colitis, IBS, canker sores, muscle/joint pain, congestion, nagging cough, , numbness/tingling in the extremities, acne, night sweats, itching, fibromyalgia, vaginitis/vaginal yeast, eczema, depression................  So you see - many of these issues are treated as they are...not always realizing there can be an underlying cause!!  Which is why many things keep coming back. 

I like to mix things up a bit when it comes to tackling this problem.  You might see one or more of these my counter:  a good over the counter probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus), my Olive Leaf, my Liver Detox Tea, eating more fresh garlic or various products I have with garlic in them, and pure coconut oil are all very helpful to get things back in balance.

Stick with this as you would a multi vitamin...and just realize it does help to change things up every now and then so your body doesn't get used to one thing.  


For more information, you can comment here, or get in touch below.   :o)  

rt2health@yahoo.com or 716-400-0532