Plagued with Sinus Problems?

Sinus and Allergy Sufferers fear no more!  Neti Pot to the rescue...Rinse your nasal passages twice a day to flush out pollen and other irritants. Put saline solution (a 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 cup warm water) into the Neti Pot (a spouted container that allows you to pour water directly into your nose). The solution should fill your nasal cavity and spill out the other nostril. Gently blow your nose afterward.  Ahhhh...Relief :-)

Keep Echinacea Close

If you feel a cold coming on, consider reaching for this age-old remedy. A 2007 meta-analysis showed that the herb can reduce cold symptoms. Aim for three grams daily of Echinacea in tincture or capsule form, starting at the first sign of symptoms.

Try Tea Tree Oil

For athlete's foot, reach for tea tree oil, an extract of the leaves of an Australian tree. It appears to have antiseptic properties and may work as well as or better than over-the-counter antifungal products. Apply a light coating of the oil to affected areas two to three times a day; continue for a week or two after symptoms disappear.

Benefit From Bilberry

Studies are mixed, but some have found that bilberry, a relative of the blueberry, may improve night vision. During World War II, fighter pilots reported better night vision after eating bilberry jam. Take 25 to 50 milligrams of bilberry extract; expect best results within the first few hours.

Pop a Probiotic

To keep yeast infections at bay, head for the Probiotics. Supplementing with "good" bacteria (for example, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium) may help restore the balance the of bacteria living in the female genital tract and inhibit the growth of yeast in women with recurrent infections. Foods such as naturally fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir, as well as yogurt with active cultures, also contain these beneficial bacteria.

Got Dry Eyes?

If you suffer from dry eyes, up your seafood intake. Salmon, sardines, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which the body uses to produce tears, among other things. Research suggests that people who consume higher amounts of these fats are less likely to have dry eyes.  If fish isn't your thing, be sure to supplement with good for you (and your heart) Omega-3.

Rosemary for Improved Memory

According to research, catching a whiff of this aromatic herb may increase alertness and improve memory. To stay sharp, try smelling fresh rosemary before a test or meeting.  Or if fresh isn't convenient, try inhaling the scent of rosemary essential oil - keep a bottle handy in your desk drawer and you'll always bring your "A" game!

Pesticides Linked to ADHD in Children

New research published in Pediatrics has found an association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and pesticide exposures. Pesticides break down into compounds that can be measured in urine. Almost universally, the study found detectable levels of pesticide's in children's urine. The compounds turned up in the urine of 94 percent of the children.


Researchers said people can limit their exposure by eating organic food. Frozen blueberries, strawberries and celery had more pesticide residue than other foods in one government report. A 2008 Emory University study found that in children who switched to organically grown fruits and vegetables, urine levels of pesticide compounds dropped to undetectable or close to undetectable levels.  More

Congested? Enjoy Ginger

The volatile oils in ginger have long made it a useful herbal remedy for nasal and chest congestion. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over a 1-inch piece of peeled, grated ginger; steep for 10 minutes; and strain. Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to the water and drink as needed.  Ginger also relieves tummy aches and aids in digestion :-)

Tame Tension Headaches

Tame tension headaches by rubbing peppermint oil, Tiger Balm, or white flower oil into your temples. All three remedies contain menthol, which has analgesic properties.  Other Tiger Balm uses include headaches, rheumatism, arthritic pains, and muscle strains and sprains. (Also see: Can I Use Tiger Balm on Dogs?)

Got Varicose Veins? Go Herbal....

For varicose veins, try horse chestnut, an herbal extract that's been shown in studies to strengthen veins and reduce swelling. The herb is also available in topical creams, though there's not as much evidence for these.

Cancer Panel Report Urges Pres. Obama to Support Organic

The latest President’s Cancer Panel Report exhorted consumers to choose food grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, antibiotics and growth hormones, to help decrease their exposure to environmental chemicals that can increase their risk of contracting cancer.

“Organic production and processing is the only system that uses certification and inspection to verify that these chemicals are not used on the farm all the way to our dinner tables,” said Christine Bushway, executive director of the Organic Trade Association (OTA). “Consumers should know that organic foods have the least chemicals applied in their production and the least residues in the final products. Thus, those seeking to minimize their exposure to these chemicals and follow the recommendations of the President’s Cancer Panel, can look for the USDA Organic label wherever they shop.”

The panel, in a letter to President Obama, urged him to “strongly use the power of [his] office to remove the carcinogens and other toxins from our food, water and air that needlessly increase health care costs, cripple our nation’s productivity and devastate American lives.”

Sip Oolong Tea for Healthy Skin

Research suggests that people with mild eczema who drink oolong tea three times a day may show improvement in itching and other symptoms. Compounds in the tea called polyphenols appear to be responsible.

Happy Mother's Day, moms. We love you!

A salute to all moms out there - motherhood is the most challenging (and rewarding) job you'll ever have. Hope every mother out there has the special day she deserves!

A Mother's Day Gift Mom Will Love

Mom's surveyed often wanted a gift from the heart - coupled with a BIG hug - this Mother's Day. Does mom like flowers, go to an open field or meadow (not a neighbor's yard) and pick her a fresh bouquet from the heart. Or make mom an herbal mask and put on some relaxing music she can pamper herself and a spa day at home. Here's a mask mom will love:

SOFTENING LAVENDER MASK

Oats, almond and flax soften and smooth a tired complexion, while lavender calms and cleanses the skin. This one’s a bit messy but fun!

1 teaspoon flax seed

1 tablespoon lavender flowers

1 tablespoon rolled oats, lightly ground

1 tablespoon almond meal

Pour 1 cup boiling water over the flax seed and lavender flowers. Simmer for one minute, turn off the heat, stir, and cover. Steep for about 15 minutes. Strain, reserving the liquid. In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats and almond meal. Add enough of the reserved water to make a paste.

Happy (Healthy) Cinco de Mayo!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy (and safe) Cinco de Mayo! If you plan to cook for your fiesta, experiment with small amounts of the distinctive Mexican herbs and spices (enhance dishes rather than overwhelm them). If you're not sure how to use coriander, cumin and chilies in your cooking, then take some help from already prepared Mexican Seasonings.

Save Your Face

Use organic cotton balls free of chlorine bleach. Organic Essentials uses only Virgin Staple Fiber for our cotton balls.