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Room!
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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.
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
H 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 Ayurveda. The 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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