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Please enjoy or back-issues of the e-mail newsletters.  Your comments are welcomed.  If you, or anyone you know, would like to be added to the mailing list, please send a quick e-mail to Alchemist@FitnessWitch.com

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Copyright ã 2003 - 2008     FitnessWitch BotanicalsÔ      All Rights Reserved

 

Sixth Edition - Winter 2006

HH www.FitnessWitch.com HH

Greetings and welcome again to our seasonal newsletter!
Our focus for this issue is on Chakras.  As always, your comments are solicited and welcomed.
 
The website has a whole new look.  Please let us know what you think.  Also, the new order form is attached.
 
SPECIAL REQUEST - WE NEED YOUR HELP
The back issues of this newsletter are now available on the site.  We need your help in locating the first issue.  We had a hard drive failure earlier in the year and, unfortunately, the very first issue is completely garbled and difficult to reconstruct.  The first person who sends us a copy of that first issue will be able to pick an essential blend (or other item) for free.
 
 
SPECIALS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
HHAny items ordered between now and January 15, 2007, will receive free gift packaging.
HHContact us for particulars.  Don't forget to ask for samples.  Never be afraid to ask for a custom blend.  It's what we do!
 
Just as a reminder, our essentials oil blends are 100% pure, undiluted and certified organic. We do not use chemicals or unnatural products, nor is any testing done on animals. Our sources include only ethical producers and we remain pesticide and chemical fertilizer free.
 
WHAT ARE your CHAKRAS?

Energy!  It is what propels us and moves through us in one continuous flow.  Chakras are seven energy centers which govern physical, emotional and spiritual health.
 
Root (Muladhara) is located at the base of the tailbone.  It connects us to the earth and to reality.  Root is a grounding and nurturing chakra.  The color associated with this chakra is red.
 
Sacral (Svadhisthana) is located just below the navel.  This chakra is considered to be our sexual center as well as the source of our creativity.  The color associated with this chakra is orange.
 
Solar Plexus (Manipura) is located between the chest and navel, at the "v" where the lower ribs meet.  This chakra is the seat of our ego and intuition -- the one associated with "gut feelings" that signal for us to take action.  The color associated with this chakra is yellow.
 
Heart (Anahata) is located in the center of the chest.  The heart chakra houses feelings of love, heartbreak, grief and fear.  The color associated with this chakra is green.
 
Throat (Visuddha) is located in the center of the neck.  This chakra houses our communication center, our ability to speak and listen to others.  The color associated with this chakra is turquoise.
 
Brow (Ajna) is located between the yes, above the eyebrows.  This is what is often referred to as your "third eye." This chakra governs our thoughts and mental processes, allowing us to distinguish reality from fantasy or delusion.  The color associated with this chakra is indigo blue.
 
Crown (Sahasrara) is located on the top of the head.  This chakra allows us to achieve spiritual openness.  Through this chakra, we invite spiritual energy to enter into our minds and bodies.  The color associated with this chakra is violet.
 
We carry a wide variety of pure essentials as well as blends that will stimulate your Chakras and revitalize your body and mind, designed specifically to facilitate those energy centers and to let your natural energy flow.  We also carry a small assortment of Ayurvedic Blends blends that are formulated in India, using organic herbs, pure essentials and oils to balance the doshas in the ancient Indian Vedic Tradition.  Our Ayurvedic Massage Blends are ready for use without an additional carrier oil although you may combine them if you wish.  They are best applied warm, without excessive pressure.  A complete list of ingredients for each is available upon request.
 
Never be afraid to ask us for a custom blend....for anything.  For example, pure Shea Butter on its own is very heavy, but when mixed with some Rosehip oil and lotion, it becomes a heavenly soft and fluffy cream, which disappears almost instantly.  Add a small amount of Coconut Oil to any oil and you increase the "staying power" of that oil. Tell us about your skin type and preference and we will develop a blend just for you.
 
Finally, we choose our topics based on our readers' requests.  If you have any questions about botanicals and would like us to research and report on these in a future issue of our newsletter, please drop us a line at Alchemist@FitnessWitch.com.
 
OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER will be released next year.  
 
Energies and Blessings to all!
 
 
Fifth Edition - Fall 2005

Greetings!  This is our fifth newsletter.  Your comments are solicited and welcomed.
Our focus is on Essential Fatty Acids found in Flax Seed Oil, Walnut Oil and Olive Oil,
all of which are high in wholesome Omega 3 oils.
 
NEWEST ITEM AND SPECIAL FOR FALL/WINTER
H"triumvirate" Flax Seed, Walnut and Olive Oil salad dressing mix  Tasty "vinaigrette style" can be used alone or you can add your own spices to taste.  We use the highest quality organic high lignan Flax Oil, roasted Walnut Oil and extra virgin Olive Oil, red wine, golden. balsamic and fruit vinegars, lemon, mustard and other flavors and spices.  Keep as cool as possible since flax seed and walnut oil do not tolerate heat well.  (A salt free version is also available.  Please specify when you place your order.)  $10.00 
 
HYou can take it with you wherever you go!  Your first order comes in a four ounce Blue Cobalt bottle along with your choice of Amber or Blue Cobalt one ounce take-along bottle with dropper. 
 
HContact us for particulars.  Don't forget to ask for samples.  Never be afraid to ask for a custom blend; it's what we do!
 
Just as a reminder, our essentials oil blends are 100% pure, undiluted and certified organic. We do not use chemicals or unnatural products, nor is any testing done on animals. Our sources include only ethical producers and we remain pesticide and chemical fertilizer free.
 
 
WHAT IS A GOOD FAT?

Essential Fatty Acids, also known as EFAs, are truly ESSENTIAL to your health.  The very best kind of EFAs are Omega-3 fatty acids.  These are the "good fats" as opposed to the cholesterol building, heart-clogging kind of "bad fats" found in fried foods, animal fat and processed foods like cookies, cakes and most salad dressings.  
 
Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides, and prevent clots in arteries, which may result in strokes and heart attacks.  They help protect the body against high blood pressure, inflammation, water retention, sticky platelets and lowered immune function.  Two new studies have shown that a higher intake of Omega-3s appears to preserve bone mineral density, regardless of your age, body or lifestyle.
 
Unfortunately, our diets rarely come close to meeting our daily EFA requirements. The richest sources of EFAs such as flax seeds, cold-water fish, soy and canola oils aren't typically found in our regular meals. In addition, foods like red meats and egg yolks can actually encourage the body's production of bad prostaglandins.

HEART-HEALTHY OILS
Hydrogenated fats and oils raise the LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower the HDL (good) cholesterol. Some polyunsaturated oils tend to reduce blood levels of both HDL and LDL. Flax oil and monounsaturated oils, like olive and canola oils, reduce only the bad cholesterol without lowering the good cholesterol.

USE SPARINGLY
Remember that oils are liquid fats. Even oils that rank high on the "best oils" list still average 120 calories per tablespoon. Use even these oils sparingly. Pour the oil into a spoon first, and then sprinkle it on your salad or put it in the stir-fry pan. You'll use less oil if you don't pour it directly from the bottle.

ORGANIC!
It's definitely worthwhile to pay extra for organic oils. Many oils come from plants that are sprayed with pesticides, which are usually fat-soluble, and thus concentrate in the oil portion of the plant. One of the safest oils is extra virgin oil, which is not refined or deodorized, and may even be organically grown.
 
High Lignan Flax Seed Oil is considered to be nature's richest source of omega-3 essential fatty acids.  It provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil. It also contains omega-6 and omega-9 EFAs along with B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc.  Flax is 100 times richer in lignan than most whole grains!  Unfortunately, it doesn't have much of a taste.
 
Mildly Roasted Walnut Oil retains a mild, pleasing aroma and the flavor of crushed walnuts.  Unlike flax, it has a wonderful taste.  Like flax, it is unstable at higher temperatures so should not be heated.  It is perfect for cold dishes and salads.
 
Extra Virgin Olive Oil of good quality has a beautiful color, aroma and bouquet, similar to a fine wine.  Olive oil has always been placed somewhere between food and medicine. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, recommended the juices of fresh olives as a cure for mental illness and poultices of macerated olives for ulcers. In the Middle Ages, it was used to treat gynecological complaints.  In the Mediterranean, it was used as a treatment for earaches, as a purgative, as a treatment for stomachaches, gastritis, gastro-duodenal ulcers and to soften calluses. Olive oil was thought to have a very positive effect on atrophy of the gallbladder and to inhibit hepatobiliary secretion during gallbladder emptying time.  It's o.k. to cook olive oil at a medium temperature.
 
Make sure to keep your salad dressing in the refrigerator to help extend its shelf life.
 
Energies and Blessings to all!
 
 
Fourth Edition - Spring/Summer 2005

www.FitnessWitch.com H

Greetings and welcome to our fourth newsletter!  As always, your comments are solicited and welcomed.  Please let us know what you think.

Our focus for this issue is on AyurvedaThe website is updated and constantly being enriched, so please make sure to check back for new information.
 
 
NEWEST ITEM AND SPECIAL FOR SPRING!
HTested on actual humans, this spring, at 8,000 feet!  100% organic and natural bug repellent spray.  It works!  Smells awesome!
Two ounce spray bottle only $10.00 ($2.00 off) from now until August 31, 2005.
 
HContact us for particulars.  Don't forget to ask for samples.  Never be afraid to ask for a custom blend.  It's what we do!
 
Just as a reminder, our essentials oil blends are 100% pure, undiluted and certified organic. We do not use chemicals or unnatural products, nor is any testing done on animals. Our sources include only ethical producers and we remain pesticide and chemical fertilizer free.
 
WHAT IS AYURVEDA?

Ayurveda is to India what Traditional Chinese Medicine - herbal medicines and acupuncture - is to China. Both countries, even today, use their traditional medicines along with western or allopathic medicine.  It is not a young science at all.  Histories are not very accurate, but it has been determined that this type of medicine is between two and five thousand years old.  It is based in sound tradition and has survived through the ages.

As a medical science in India, Ayurveda includes a comprehensive study of anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic systems and treatment strategies. An Ayurvedic physician in India must undergo a 5 ½ year postgraduate degree program (Bachelor's of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) to become qualified. Ayurveda is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective, traditional health science.
 
One of the elegant features of Ayurveda is that, with a minimum input of effort and study, we can learn some simple, valuable practices that enable us to manage our health and change our lives for the better. We can learn from Ayurveda how to understand our individual constitution and our current condition. This can help us understand what an appropriate diet and lifestyle is, and which herbs or remedies may help us gain or maintain optimum health in our bodies and minds.
 
The concept and importance of constitutional variety is fundamental in Ayurveda. This is the notion that we are all different and that what may be medicine for one person might harm another. There are as many unique constitutions as there are human beings.
 
For the sake of practicality, Ayurveda has categorized three main constitutional types. These types (or doshas) are called Vatta, Pitta and Kapha, very roughly translated as Air, Fire and Water/Earth, respectively.  It is important to note that everyone does not fall in to each one particular type.  For example, my type is considered as "steam" so I am a combination of all three doshas.


The word dosha literally means a fault.  Vata, Pitta and Kapha are positive forces in the body but they are also faults, in a way, because they can change. They can increase or decrease beyond what is appropriate for our constitution. This vitiated dosha causes an imbalance in the body or mind, creating an environment for disease to flourish. It is comforting to know there are ways to bring an increased dosha back into balance through diet, lifestyle and herbal supplements.
 

Ayurvedic herbal supplements are used to reduce or pacify one or more doshas that have increased in our bodies. So, for example, if you have too much Pitta or fire in your body, this may manifest as a hot, red, burning rash. You would then choose an herb, or a combination of herbs that are cooling, and thereby reduces or pacifies Pitta.
 

To understand more about your basic, underlying constitution, your current condition, the natures of Vata, Pitta, Kapha, how to balance them with herbs, lifestyle, massage and diet; give us a call or send us an e-mail and we will happily share our resources with you.
 
We carry a small assortment of Ayurvedic Blends blends that are formulated in India, using organic herbs, pure essentials and oils to balance the doshas in the ancient Indian Vedic Tradition.  Our Ayurvedic Massage Blends are ready for use without an additional carrier oil although you may combine them if you wish.  They are best applied warm, without excessive pressure.  A complete list of ingredients for each is available upon request.
 
Stress Relief   one dram $10.00 / one ounce $20.00.  Sida cordifolia, alhagi pseudalhagi, aegle marmelos, clerodendrum multiflorum, tribulus fructus, cedrus deodara, rubia cordifolia santalaam album, hemidesmus indicus, sassuria lappa, valerana wallichii, trigonella foenumgraecum, beirhavia difffusa and more.   

Sensuous   one dram $10.00 / one ounce $20.00.  Asperagus racemosus, jaempferia galaga, phyllanthus emblica, terminalia belerica, terminalia chebula, recinus communis, sida cordifolia and more.

Revitalizing   one dram $10.00 / one ounce $20.00.  Sida cordifolia, withania somifera, alpimea galaga, satalum album, glycyrrhiza glabra, anethum sowa, saempferia galanga, hemidesmus idicus and more.

Pain Relief   one dram $10.00 / one ounce $20.00.  Sida cordifolia, asperagus racemosus, moringa oleifera, punica granatum, calotropis procera, ricinus communis, baleria crisftata and more.

Never be afraid to ask us for a custom blend....for anything.  For example, pure Shea Butter on its own is very heavy, but when mixed with some Rosehip oil and lotion, it becomes a heavenly soft and fluffy cream, which disappears almost instantly.  Add a small amount of Coconut Oil to any oil and you increase the "staying power" of that oil. Tell us about your skin type and preference and we will develop a blend just for you.

Finally, we choose our topics based on our readers' requests.  If you have any questions about botanicals and would like us to research and report on these in a future issue of our newsletter, please drop us a line at Alchemist@FitnessWitch.com.
 
OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER will be released soon and will include a discussion of Salad Dressings and Omega 3 oils.  
 
Energies and Blessings to all!
 
This newsletter is being sent to you either because you expressed an interest in our products or you are already a customer.  You may opt-out at any time simply by sending a reply to this e-mail along with your request. 
 
Our site is not automated to the point where we accept credit card transactions; however, we now accept PayPal if you have an account. Since custom orders are our specialty, simply send us an e-mail with the items you want, along with your mailing address.  A phone number is helpful, but not necessary.  We can calculate the shipping cost and contact you with the exact amount as well as expected ship time.  We will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
 
Third Edition - Winter 2004
 

Greetings and welcome to our third newsletter!  As always, your comments are solicited and welcomed.  Please let us know what you think.
Our focus for this issue is on Herbal Blends and Carriers.  The website is updated and constantly being enriched, so please make sure to check back for new information.
 
 
HOLIDAY SPECIALS (STILL) ABOUND!
HTen percent (10%) off on all multiple orders of three or more, from now until the end of 2004.
HFrom now until December 31, 2004, order an essential blend and get a small Carrier free of charge.
Contact us for particulars.
 
 
Just as a reminder, our essentials oil blends are 100% pure, undiluted and certified organic. We do not use chemicals or unnatural products, nor is any testing done on animals. Our sources include only ethical producers and we remain pesticide and chemical fertilizer free.
 
 
WHAT ARE HERBAL OILS AND CARRIER BLENDS AND HOW DO THEY DIFFER FROM ESSENTIALS?

The main difference between an herbal oil and an essential oil is the presence or absence of a distinctive scent.  An herbal oil is typically extracted from an "herb" plant and an essential is extracted from a flowering plant, bush or tree.  Many herbal oils, with Rosemary being a great example, are actually both an essential oil and an herbal oil.  The method of extraction is similar and they can be used in much the same way. Herbal oils like Arnica and Calendula have virtually no scent so we mix many of these with aromatic herbals such as Yarrow and Chamomile.  An example of the theory behind the mixtures is that while the herbal oil is transferring the anti-inflammatory properties as it is being rubbed into the skin for your physical side, the aroma, as well as the additional individual properties of the essentials, creates a feeling of well-being for your spiritual side.
 
Carrier oils do exactly what the name implies: they carry the essential oil in a form that best suits your purpose.  Essentials and herbals are extremely concentrated so we recommend that you do not use them directly on the skin in their concentrated form.  Always start out by testing with one drop of the essential or herbal and add to it about ten drops of a carrier oil.  This ratio is a good start for even the most sensitive skin.  Wait twenty minutes to an hour after applying to a small area of skin (near the inside of the elbow is good) and if you don't experience any irritation, increase the amount of essential or herbal.    
 
Some carrier oils, like Rosehip or Vitamin E oil have their own healing properties.  At the very least, the emollients serve to soothe skin and form a protective layer from environmental hazards.
 
Some of the Herbal Oils we use are:

Arnica (Arnica Montana) relieves pain and reduces inflammation of sprains and bruises both internally and externally.  Our blends are formulated for external use only;
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is renowned for healing many kinds of skin maladies, including burns, cuts, bruises, infections, rashes and stings;
Hops Flowers (Humulus Lupulin) have a long and proven history of herbal use, employed mainly for their soothing, sedative, tonic and calming effect on the body and the mind. The hairs on the fruits contain lupulin, a sedative and hypnotic drug.  When given to nursing mothers, lupulin increases the flow of milk; the seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that is said to have many important functions in the human body and is rarely found in plant sources;
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an excellent plant for skin ailments, including burns, wounds, sores and bruises.  St. John's is also used to treat mild depression;
Yarrow or Achillea is an ancient herb, legendarily said to be used on the battlefields of Troy, with countless healing properties;
Wild Chamomile, German and Roman, is also an ancient herb with roots in early Egyptian and Roman cultures.  Its soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities are excellent for calming allergic reactions and dry, itchy skin.
 
Some of our Carrier Oils are:
 
Apricot Kernel Oil is a healing and soothing oil, easily absorbed, good for sun damaged and aging, dry, sensitive or inflamed skin.  Naturally contains oleic acid, linoleic acid and Vitamin A;
Almond Oil is easily absorbed, protects and nourishes chapped and irritated skin.   Constituents are Oleic acid and Linoleic acid,
Butters avaliable as Body Butter, pure Shea Butter or a light lotion.  A super hydrating treat for all types of skin;
Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature and is an excellent humectant.  Daily application keeps the skin soft, smooth and moist.  It is an excellent hair and scalp conditioner and is useful for removal of stretch marks.  Suitable for dry, sensitive skin.  Constituents are fatty acids, Lauric acid and Myristic acid;
Jojoba Oil contains natural collagen, which is almost identical in structure to the collagen present in our skin.  It is used to both prevent and remove wrinkles and adds moisture to the skin.  Jojoba is actually a wax that is rapidly absorbed by the skin;
Rosehip Oil (rosa rubiginosa) is pressed from the small orange/red fruit that sits behind the flower. The result is a light blush wine colored oil. This unique oil is extremely high in essential fatty acids (contains equally high amounts of alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids) and can benefit a wide range of skin imbalances. It is commonly recommended for scaring, mature skin and applications that call for skin rejuvenation;
Rosewater & Glycerin is a superb smooth enrollment and skin protectant with a soft, viscous texture and a light, slight fragrance of rose.
 
Never be afraid to ask us for a custom blend or a mix of carriers.  For example, pure Shea Butter on its own is very heavy, but when mixed with some Rosehip oil and lotion, it becomes a heavenly soft and fluffy cream, which disappears almost instantly.  Add a small amount of Coconut Oil to any oil and you increase the "staying power" of that oil. Tell us about your skin type and preference and we will develop a blend just for you.
 
Finally, we choose our topics based on our readers' requests.  If you have any questions about botanicals and would like us to research and report on these in a future issue of our newsletter, please drop us a line at Alchemist@FitnessWitch.com.
 
OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER is scheduled for the first part of 2005 and will include a discussion about Ayurveda.  
 
 
Second Edition - Fall 2004
 
Greetings!  This is our second newsletter and your comments are solicited and welcomed.  Please let us know what you think.
Our focus for this issue is on Aromatherapy also known as Essential Oils Therapy, as well as the newest essential blend we call "DREAM"   We also include details about the Lunar Eclipse tomorrow!
 
HOLIDAY SPECIALS ABOUND!
Because we are coming close to "the holiday season" in many cultures,
we have some great gift specials.
For example, you get ten percent (10%) off on all multiple orders of three or more,
from now until the end of 2004.
Contact us for particulars.
 
OUR ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS come in one dram, dark glass vials with droppers
Just as a reminder, our essentials are pure, undiluted and certified organic. We do not use chemicals or unnatural products, nor is any testing done on animals. Our sources include only ethical producers and we remain pesticide and fertilizer free.
 
"DREAM" is our newest creation with the addition of a nonessential oil of Hops Flower.  This is combined with proven sleep-enhancers of Chamomile, Jasmine, Rose Damask, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.  $20.00*
 
The "dream" blend is best utilized when mixed with Shea Butter (or a Carrier oil) and massaged into the neck and shoulder area before retiring.  
 
We are also in the process of creating a very special, exotic, nonessential blend of essences and oils we hope to release soon. The ingredients have been very difficult to acquire, but we're almost there.  We will keep you posted!
 
TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE  http://www.griffithobs.org/lunareclipse.html

The Southwest will be treated to a total eclipse of the Moon this Wednesday, October 27. The eclipse begins when the Moon's orbit carries it into the Earth's shadow, creating a dent on the Moon's edge. The dent will gradually grow larger over the next hour until the start of totality at 19:23 PDT.  For the next 1 hour 22 minutes, the Moon will be completely within the shadow and indirectly illuminated by sunlight filtering through the Earth's atmosphere. During totality, the Moon may range in color from yellow to dark brown. The Moon's brightness and color are difficult to predict and will depend on the amount of dust in the Earth's atmosphere. After totality, the Moon will slowly emerge from the shadow until the eclipse ends at 21:54 PDT.

If the weather is clear, the eclipse should be visible to the unaided eye. The see it, look in the East beginning at 18:14 PDT. For observers on the West Coast, the Moon may be anywhere from just below the horizon to just above it when the eclipse begins.
 
WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY (Essential Oil Therapy) AND WHY IS IT GOOD FOR ME?

Aromatherapy, or essential oils therapy, is the term used to describe the therapeutic use of aroma-producing oils (essential oils) extracted from plants. Essential oils are extracted from the entire plant: flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with another substance (such as our Carrier oils) and then applied to the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. The oils can also be massaged into the skin or poured into bath water.
 
Aromatherapy originated in Europe and has been practiced there since the 1920s.

The philosophy behind aromatherapy is that specific plant oils produce fragrances that either stimulate or relax the body. Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that fragrances in the oils stimulate nerves in the nose. Impulses are then sent to the part of the brain that controls memory and emotion. Depending on the type of oil, the result on the body may be calming or stimulating. The oils are thought to interact with the body's hormones
and enzymes to cause changes in blood pressure, pulse, and other body functions. Another theory suggests that the fragrance of certain oils may stimulate the body's glands to produce pain-fighting substances.

What is aromatherapy used for? 
 
Practitioners of aromatherapy have used essential oils to treat a wide range of physical and mental conditions, including burns, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure.  Essential oils may promote relaxation and help relieve stress. Although there is much practical evidence on the benefits of aromatherapy, there is very little formal scientific evidence to support claims that aromatherapy effectively prevents or cures illness.
 
Is aromatherapy safe?
 
Practitioners of aromatherapy are not licensed in the United States. A wide range of health professionals, such as massage therapists and nurses, may have experience and training in aromatherapy.

Do not swallow the oils used in aromatherapy. Many of the oils are potent and can be dangerous if taken internally.  People with certain chronic illnesses or conditions should not use aromatherapy without first consulting a health professional. These illnesses and conditions include asthma, 
respiratory allergies, or chronic lung disease. Volatile oils may cause airway spasms. Some oils may cause skin irritation, especially in the membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.  Some oils, such as juniper, rosemary, and sage, may cause uterine contractions, so pregnant women should avoid these. Aromatherapy should be avoided in children under the age of five, since they can be very sensitive to the oil.
 
There is a lot more information available on all the health benefits of Aromatherapy.  Please let us know if you'd like more resources in order to learn more.  The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), within the National Institutes of Health, is a government agency that provides information about and sponsors research in complementary therapies.
 
Finally, we choose our topics based on our readers' requests.  If you have any questions about botanicals and would like us to research and report on these in a future issue of our newsletter, please drop us a line at Alchemist@FitnessWitch.com.
 
OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER will discuss the specific benefits of HERBAL OILS.
 
Blessings!
 
First Edition - Late Summer 2004
 
WHAT IS FLAX SEED OIL AND WHY IS IT SO GOOD FOR ME?
 
Flax, Linum Usitatiissimum (Linaceae) commonly known as Linen, is a pretty, distinctive light blue flowering plant that grows in the U.S. , Canada and Europe.  Fibers from the stalk

are spun into linen.  Seeds can be eaten whole, ground and added to salads and other dishes or made into oil for either commercial (paint and linoleium) or medicinal use.

 

Flax Seed Oil is highly recommended for general well-being and whole body nutrition.  It is considered to be nature’s richest source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, or EFA’s, which are required for the health of almost all your body systems.  Flax Seed Oil provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil.  It also contains omega-6 and omega-9 EFAs along with B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc.  Flax is 100 times richer in lignan than most whole grains!

 

Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides, and prevent clots in arteries, which may result in strokes, heart attacks and thromboses.  They help protect the body against high blood pressure, inflammation, water retention, sticky platelets and lowered immune function.

 

Some specific health benefits are:

.  Shortens recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion.

.  Increases the body’s production of energy and increases stamina.

.  Accelerates the healing of sprains and bruises.

.  Eases weight loss.

.  Stimulates brown fat cells and increases the metabolic rate making it easier to burn off fat.

.  Improves the absorption of calcium.

.  Can improve eyesight and perception of colors.

.  Can often improve the function of the liver.

.  Can relieve the side effects and stop development of many forms of cancer.

.  Helpful in the treatment of Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dandruff.

.  Can relieve the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis; it can relieve the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus.

.  Helps prevent Arteriosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the blood vessels, especially the large and medium-sized arteries that may people experience during the aging process.

.  Lowers high blood pressure.

.  Has been scientifically proven to treat some cases of depression.

.  Can help in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

.  Can relieve some symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome.

 

Our diets rarely come close to meeting our daily EFA requirements.  The richest sources of EFAs such as flax seeds, cold-water fish, soy and canola oils aren’t typically found in our regular meals.  In addition, foods like red meats nd egg yolks can actually encourage the body’s production of bad prostaglandins.  Flax Seed Oil can help restore the body’s natural balance of good and bad prostaglandins.

 

It is important to purchase only the highest quality flax seed oil, as it is unstable.  We use only 100% organic, high lignan flax seed oil and we keep our stock refrigerated.  We will ship it to you in the quickest way possible to preserve the freshness, in dark bottles, as these are most resistant to light and oxygen, which breaks down the essential fatty acids.  Make sure you refrigerate your flax seed oil to help extend its shelf life.
 
 
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