April 2010

Well, spring has sprung, and along with spring cleaning at home, detoxifying and cleansing our body should not be neglected. In addition to eating a healthy diet, juicing, and exercise, there are many supplements that can assist in detoxifying and cleansing your body. To begin with, it is best to focus on the Kidney, Liver, and Colon, as these are the primary elimination organs in the body. Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, Artichoke and Turmeric are are excellent herbs to help cleanse the Liver. For the Kidneys, herbs such as Parsley, Stinging Nettle, White Kidney Bean, and Buchu have all shown to be beneficial in kidney cleansing. Cranberry juice or extract can also be added as well. For a good Colon cleanse, Oat Bran, Flax, Rhubarb, Cinnamon, Fennel, and FOS are some of the best.

The following is an extensive list of herbs that have proven to be useful in cleansing and detoxifying the body:

• Aloe Vera is a natural laxative that relieves bowel irritation and constipation.
• Artichoke protects the liver against toxins and infection. It stimulates bile secretion and is useful to reduce abdominal distension.
• Barberry Bark is a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects that encourages bile flow.
• Black Radish is useful in the treatment of constipation caused by liver dysfunction. It increases the production of bile and improves intestinal contraction and relaxation.
• Buchu is used to reduce colon inflammation and bloating during menstruation.
• Burdock Root improves bile production and increases digestive juices. Burdock Root purifies the blood, acts as a diuretic and restores the liver.
• Cascara Sagrada restores intestinal tonus and thereby cures constipation.
• Cayenne Pepper helps to get rid of waste through sweat and acts a blood purifier.
• Dandelion stimulates the flow of bile from the urea tract and helps to clean the blood. It supports the liver function and reduces eczema.
• Fennel is mostly used in the form of tea that acts as a natural laxative. It relieves flatulence and colic. It helps to maintain stasis and tone, and sterilizes the gastrointestinal tract.
• Garlic kills bacteria in the bloodstream and cleans the intestines.
• Ginger is a tonic that you can use to strengthen the digestive tract. Drink a bit of grated ginger together with a drop of lemon juice and honey in warm water before dinner. It is a softener and revitalizes the muscles and glands. It helps get rid of toxins through sweating.
• Ginseng detoxifies the whole body and reduces fatigue. Pregnant woman, people with high blood pressure and hypoglycemia should avoid it.
• Golden Seal supports the colon, liver and pancreas function. It stops intestinal swelling and kills bacteria in the waste.
• Grapefruit Seed kills strep, salmonella, staph, herpes, fungi and parasites.
• Green Tea is a potent detoxifier and has the best Herbs for colon cleansing. It is rich in vitamin C and catechins that make up about a quarter of green tea leaves. The cathechins combine with other molecules to detoxify the system. Green tea contains polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
• Kale helps to reduce bloating and contains the colon protecting glutamine that prevents cancer of the bowel.
• Licorice Root heals mucus membranes of the intestinal tract.
• Milk Thistle is used to clean and regenerate the liver.
• Parsley has diuretic qualities and helps to clean the kidneys. It facilitates oxygen metabolism.
• Peppermint relieves constipation, indigestion and cramps.
• Psyllium Husk softens fecal matter for easier stools by increasing the water content in the colon.
• Red Clover cleanses the bloodstream from toxins and rids the digestive system of bacteria. It helps the muscle lining in the digestive system to relax, is an appetite suppressant, and protects the body against bacterial infections.
• Rhubarb Root has a purgative action that reduces constipation.
• Seaweed provides essential nutrients and helps against constipation.
• Senna has powerful laxative qualities and helps to clean the lymphatic system.
• Spearmint relaxes the body and stimulates bile secretion. It relieves headaches, tension, and indigestion.
• Turmeric is has anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-fungal qualities. It acts a blood purifier.

We also have many cleansing kits that combine everything you need to cleanse and detoxify the 7 channels of elimination throughout the body (liver, colon, kidneys, blood, skin, lungs, and lymphatic system). When all of your organs of elimination are working efficiently, you are better able to deal with your day to day exposure to toxins.

Poor digestive health and high toxic load affect the overall health of many people and are the underlying cause of many serious health conditions. To achieve the full benefits of cleansing and detoxification, it is recommended you perform a 30 day cleanse 2 to 3 times per year. Come into one of our locations today and ask our staff about which cleanse is right for you.

February 2010

As with many health conditions, there are several natural options available to deal with low libido and sexual problems for both men and women. Rather than turn immediately to the quick pharmaceutical fixes, such as Viagra and Cialis, natural remedies offer another effective way to combat this problem.
  Some herbs that have shown to be useful are listed below:

Horny Goat Weed - Known to restore " sexual fire, " it combats fatigue, boost erectile function and alleviate menopausal discomfort.
Maca - Native to Peru, this herb was touted by the Inca people for fertility problems, sterility, and other sexual disorders. It has also been shown in clinical studies to enhance libido in both men and women, and improves physical stamina.
Ginkgo Biloba - This well known herb is not only good for the brain, but because of its ability to increase circulation, it can benefit the sexual organs as well..
Tribulus Terrestris - Many studies have confirmed this herbs ability to increase sexual performance and stamina..

A few of our top selling products:

Resurrexx is an excellent alternative for men, as it provides an relatively quick libido boost when that is what's called for. It contains a unique blend of herbs that with sexual stamina and vigor. For best results, take 2 capsules with warm water 40 minutes before an intimate encounter.

Eroxil ( For Men ) & Erosyn ( For Women )

For men, the major problem is sexual performance. For women, it’s desire. For years, women have searched the market place for a product that can enhance their libido and increase their overall interest in sex to no avail. Most men and women are surprised that Eroxil and Erosyn not only increase youthful performance and libido, they basically increase energy, improve muscle tone and youthful strength, thus putting more zest in your life all day and every day. Many men wrote that they take Eroxil mainly for improving their middle age (andropausal) years or Erosyn for women to improve their menopausal years, which all men and women go through starting at about 40.

SexEssentials

The nutrients found in SexEssentials help bring back desire, aid orgasm and improve lubrication while also providing overall strength and wellbeing. SexEssentials prosexual nutrients are designed for women who want the zest back in their sex life.

You can find these and other similar products at all our locations. Come on down and see what we have, and feel free to ask our helpful staff anything you would like to know!

December 2009

By now we've all heard about the H1N1 flu and it's awful, sometimes even deadly effects. Keeping your immune system up and at its best has probably never been more important. As bacteria and viruses keep mutating, the best possible thing we can do to keep healthy is to get adequate rest, manage our stress, and keep our immune system strong and at its peak. It's always a safe bet to stick with some of the more well known herbs and supplements. There is a reason why they have the reputation that they do.

A few of our favourites are:

• Vitamin C
• Garlic
• Echinacea
• Zinc
• Goldenseal
• Elderberry
• Wild Oregano

In addition, Vitamin D and Oregon Grape Root have gained recognition over the past few years. They have both proven to be helpful in the battle against colds and the flu. We also have many immune-boosting formula's to help protect yourself & your family.

Check with our helpful staff at any of our locations for information on these supplements. They welcome your questions, and will do their best to help you with all your health needs.

October 2009

Located on top of your kidneys are two small walnut sized glands, known as your adrenal glands. These glands can have a profound effect on your overall health if they are not functioning optimally. It can generally be said that the poorer your adrenal glands are functioning, the more stress will be placed on many organs of your body. This can then lead to a plethora of illnesses throughout the body.
What are the main causes of adrenal stress? The following have been shown to contribute to adrenal stress:

• Poor Diet
• Substance Abuse
• Bad sleeping habits
• Major life stress, such as death of a loved one or divorce
• Chronic Illness
• Overwork

Symptoms of poor adrenal function:

• Sleep disturbance
• Insomnia
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
• Craving salty and/or sweet foods
• Sensitivity to light
• Low stamina and slow to recover from exercise
• Slow to recover from injury or illness
• Difficulty concentrating, brain fog
• Poor digestion
• Irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS )
• Low immune function
• Menopause-like symptoms
• Low blood pressure
• Sensitivity to cold
• Allergies
• Frequent influenza
• Low libido, sexual drive or interest

The following herbs have proven to be helpful in restoring function of the adrenals: Ashwaganda : This herb is known as an “adaptogen,” and has been shown to be beneficial in reducing inflammation, treating tumors, decreasing stress, increasing mental activity, decreasing anxiety, and invigorating the body.
Blue Vervain : Used to relieve fatigue, leaving the body rejuvenated and energized.
Borage : An anti-depressant, strengthens adrenal glands and aids with removing stress, mental exhaustion and depression.
Licorice : Is an adaptogen, helps to reduce stress on the body, has anti-viral properties, and is known to be an adrenal restorative.
Avena Sativa (Milky Oat) : Nerve restorative, promotes good sleep, remedies sexual weakness including impotence.. This herb is also an effective remedy for children with ADHD, and has anti-depressant anti-anxiety qualities.
Siberian Ginseng : Ginseng has long been used in China for its adaptogenic properties. It is excellent for helping deal with stress, is an adrenal hormone stimulant, aphrodisiac, and a tonic for the immune system.
Thyro-Sense : A combination formula by Lorna Vanderhaeghe that supports optimal thyroid health while improving energy & metabolism. Also improves conversion of T4 to T3, supports proper hormone balance & improves sensitivity to temperature. This formula contains Ashwagandha, Guggal, Pantothenic Acid, Copper, Manganese & Iodine.

September 2009

Dealing with stress in our daily lives has become something that we're all used to by now. Unfortunately, our bodies are not used to dealing with ongoing stress. The following herbs have been shown to help our bodies adapt to stress:
Ginseng: used in Chinese medicine for centuries, Ginseng is probably the best known of all the adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens help our bodies to "adapt" to stress.
Chamomile: a soothing tonic used in teas and herbal baths, chamomile has tranquilizing effects (like Valium) and reduces stress chemicals in the brain.
Ginkgo Biloba : one of the oldest medicinal herbs, ginkgo increases oxygen to the brain promoting feelings of well-being and reducing stress and anxiety.
Passion Flower : a natural sedative that also has a calming effect. It can help treat general anxiety and restlessness.
Ashwagandha: also known as "Indian Ginseng, " this herb is known as an adaptogen as well. It is said to also help the body to stay free of disease. 
Rhodiola : also called roseroot, Rhodiola has anti-stress properties as well as anti-anxiety capabilities.

August 2009

The thyroid is a small gland, measuring about 2 inches across. It lies just under the skin below the Adam's apple in the neck and produces thyroid hormone that is used by almost every tissue in the body. It controls such things as body temperature, energy level, protein metabolism, metabolic rate, digestion, and how your body burns fat. It even affects how efficiently your brain thinks. In fact, if your thyroid slows down, you slow down. Low thyroid means slower healing, slower immune response, and delays in red blood cell formation. Low thyroid function also results in longer time taken for your body to absorb nutrients. Low thyroid means you will age faster, create more disease and suffering.
Supplements that are beneficial for the thyroid are: Kelp (Bladderwrack), Coleus Forskolii, Hops, and Selenium, and B vitamins. We also have natural combinations of essential nutrients proven to support proper hormone balance (ThyroSense by Lorna Vanderhaeghe & Thyro-100 by Aor.
Iodized salt is the worst thing to use if you want to keep your thyroid healthy. Even though the gland needs iodine, too much of a good thing can be a problem. Instead, use sea salt, which has a nice balance of minerals that will help support your body. Our most popular Sea Salt is Nature's Cargo which is natural, unprocessed, preservative and additive free, and is harvested from the most pristine coastal areas of Central America. It also contains more trace minerals so use it for all your cooking and seasoning needs to enrich the taste of your foods while adding vital nutrients to your diet.

June 2009

If you're like many people whom keep up on nutrition and health information, you may have heard about Vitamin D recently.
Few, if any other health supplement have received as much attention over the last couple of years.
Also called "The Sunshine Vitamin," it has been shown to help with the following conditions:

• Bone loss
• respiratory infections
• certain cancers
• depression
• chronic pain,
• cardiovascular disease
• and even MS.

The body produces vitamin D when exposed to the rays of the sun, but most people still need a supplement—between 800 to 1,000 IU daily—to reach recommended levels.
Vitamin D can also be consumed through supplements and food intake. Natural food sources of vitamin D include salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, and vitamin D-fortified foods including milk and some cereals.

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