Friday, March 15, 2013

Spring Cleaning: 10% Off Cleansing Products


As we enter into the month of March, we are greeted by a hint of spring and a chance to finally shed the winter layers we’ve been wrapped so tightly in. A cleanse is the perfect way to refresh your body naturally and go into the new season energized!

This months’ savings are focused on  excellent cleansing products to help you and your family. Para-Rid, our classic and very potent cleansing formula has recently been improved with a more potent form of Artemesia Annua.





As you choose a cleanse, keep in mind the importance of addressing any yeast overgrowth. The coating can create a protective cover for undesirable agents to flourish. Some natural health professionals believe these unwanted intestinal dwellers can be coated in the overgrowth, making them immune to a cleanse.


And, don’t miss the new weight control contest that is underway. It's not too late to start! You could win a trip for two to Israel!

May your spring be full of blessed new beginnings, 
from all of us at Mountain Meadow Herbs.



Thursday, November 29, 2012

5 Ways to Enjoy a Healthy, Active Winter



When winter settles in it's easy to slip into a pace of sleeping more and moving less as we avoid the colder weather by staying indoors. It’s not uncommon to feel lethargic and even a bit depressed by the drabness of the season.
 
 These tendencies can make us more susceptible to other challenges the season brings, such as winter flu bugs and viruses. Here are 5 simple steps to having more energy and staying healthy this winter: 

1. Brighten your space:  
Use color to add some cheer. Painting even just one room can make a difference. Choose green to bring a feeling of tranquility and better health.  Blue increases productivity. Yellow has been shown to instill more energy, and even boost your metabolism. For a room you want to relax in, such as the bedroom, a nice lavender shade will help calm anxiety.
 
2. Try Something New:
What winter activity have you always wanted to try ? Even if you dislike snow and cold, there are certain things like sledding with your child, ice skating, or snowshoeing that can only be done this time of year. Bundle up and try it. Chances are it will be enjoyable and refreshing!

3. Eat well:
Although we crave carbohydrates and sugar when it’s cold and dark outside, fresh seasonal fruits and veggies are a better choice to keep our bodies strong and healthy. Here are some favorites that reach their peak in nutritional value this time of year, and are easy to find at your local market:
  • butternut squash
  • sweet potatoes
  • turnips
  • grapefruits 
  • apples (great for the respiratory system, put try and choose organically grown, as non-organic one can contain up to 32 pesticides!) 
  • oranges
  • pears
  • tangerines
 
4. Get out of the house:
Cabin fever can be beat by visiting a friend, a trip to the library or coffee shop, or even just a walk down the lane and back. Some personality types are very energized by being around people, others find solitude to be just what is needed for refreshment. Whatever works for you, allow yourself time in the day to do something for yourself.

5. Be Prepared for the season: 
Don’t get caught without reliable remedies to keep yourself and your children healthy. Be sure to have a stock of Vitamin C and effective herbal remedies for the immune and respiratory systems on hand to use as soon as they are needed.

Have a happy and healthy winter!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Tips for a Healthy, Successful School Year


Summer has come to an end and school is back in session. As a parent, you want to do your part in making sure your child is able to learn and thrive in school. Below are some tips to help you and your child make the most of the school year.
  • Start the day out with a protein filled breakfast. Try to make time to sit down with your child to enjoy breakfast with them.
  •  Plan healthy, well-balanced lunches with plenty of lean protein and fresh fruits and vegetables. 

o   Foods for your brain:
§  Blueberries
§  Carrots
§  Pumpkins
§  Spinach
§  Strawberries
§  Chicken
§  Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil
§  Yellow, Orange and Green Vegetables

  • The following herbs have been proven successful in helping to improve learning and to boost the immune system:

o   American Ginseng root:  Used to ease anxiety, nervousness and improve learning.
o   Gingko Biloba leaf:  Boosts blood and oxygen circulation to the brain, increasing concentration and mental function. When combined with American Ginseng remarkable improvements were noted in an (1) attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder pilot study.
o   Gotu Kola herb: Studies show improved memory and learning in both humans and mice when a liquid extract of this herb was taken. In mice the effect lasted for 6 months ! (2)
o   European Elderberries: Contains an enzyme that helps break down viruses and helps keep the virus from reproducing.
o   Echinacea: Widely known for its benefits in stimulating the immune system. (1) J Psychiatry Neurosci.  26:221-228, 2001.( 2) Physiol. Behav.  86(4):449-457, 2005.

  • Encourage your child to get plenty of exercise (at least 20-30 minutes of continuous, rigorous exercise per day).  Fun ways to get exercise include taking family bike rides or walks, and playing outside games together. Try to limit their time spent watching television, playing video games, and using other electronics.
  •  Teach them healthy hand washing habits.
  •  Try to be involved with your child’s schoolwork. Let them know that you are there to help them and answer their questions.
  • Establish a regular bedtime routine. 10-11 hours of sleep per night is recommended for elementary-aged children.
  •  Most importantly, try to praise your children, encourage them, and use plenty of positive reinforcement.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Controlling Your Weight


  For some of us, our weight may seem out of control. We try difficult and torturous fad diets that may help us lose weight temporarily, but it’s only a matter of time before the weight we tried so hard to lose returns. What causes our weight to get out of our hands? There are some cases where genetics can truly have an impact our weight (hyperthyroidism, & hormonal and metabolic issues).  However, for most of us, it’s our behavior that dictates our weight.

  The first issue is our diets. Overeating, not consuming enough lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and overindulging in too many desserts and foods high in sodium and fat content, are all behaviors that contribute to weight issues. Less than 25% of adults and adolescents eat the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. The second issue is that most of us don’t get enough exercise. In fact, less than 50% get the amount of vigorous exercise necessary for health benefits.

  Having an overall healthy lifestyle is a great way to manage your weight.  An easy way to get on the right track is to make small changes in your diet and activity level so that over time, positive habits are formed and you look and feel your best.  In the paragraphs below, there are some ideas on how to improve your diet, exercise level, and how to use herbs to help control your weight.

  Suggestions from The Department of Agriculture’s “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” include building a healthy plate by making half your plate fruits and vegetables, making at least half your grains whole, varying your protein choices (try seafood twice per week), eating beans (a natural source of fiber and protein), keeping meat and poultry portions small and lean, and switching to skim or 1% milk. They also recommend cutting back on foods high in solid fats (butter, animal fat, shortening…), added sugars, and salt.  In addition, keep caloric intake in mind- limit your portions, stop eating when you are satisfied, not full, use smaller plates, bowls, and glasses, try to eat at home more often, and try keeping a food journal.

  As far as exercise goes, The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that the average adult should get at least:

 
  • 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking, swimming, mowing the yard) every week and muscle-strengthening activities (i.e., weight lifting, rock climbing, heavy gardening) on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

OR


  • 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging or running) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.

OR


  • An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.


  As a general rule, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you’re short on time, even short bouts of activity are beneficial. If you can't find the time for one 30-minute walk, try three 10-minute walks instead. The most important thing is making regular physical activity part of your lifestyle.

  Lastly, in addition to forming a healthy lifestyle by eating right and getting enough exercise, certain herbs can be very beneficial in helping you stay in control of your weight.
  • Guggul Gum Resin may help normalize thyroid function, your metabolism master.
  • Cha-de-Bugre herb- Is grown in Brazil, where it has long been enjoyed as a tea to reduce the amount of food needed to feel full. Most effective when taken 30 minutes before a meal.
  • Research indicates Pomegranate leaf may be the best new natural appetite suppressant and may inhibit intestinal fat absorption.
  • Evodia fruit- Helps delay empting of the stomach, increase body fat loss, and may suppress appetite.
  • Fresh Ginger root- Helps to decrease body weight through thermogenesis (the process of heat production in organisms).
  • Garcinia fruit- Contains hydroxycitric acid used to inhibit the conversion of carbohydrates to body fat and induce weight loss, 700% more effective when taken 3 times per day.
  • Malic acid, found in Horsetail herb and Cornsilk herb is used by the Krebs Cycle, which is the final and most essential step in making energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein available to the body.
  Don’t feel overwhelmed. Take small steps to improve your diet and increase exercise. Try using nature’s herbs to help you control your appetite, increase thyroid function, and aid in your body’s natural metabolic processes. Remember that consistency is key, small changes repeated over and over pay off!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Steps to Cleanse and Decongest Your Liver


Dr. Hulda Clark, (1928-2009) was a Naturopath, researcher of human disease, and practitioner of alternative medicine. She studied the human body’s reaction to certain invaders such as parasites, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, solvents… She then developed methods to rid the body of each type of invader.

The methods included the use of herbs, essential oils, orthomolecular therapy and frequency therapy, as well as the importance of dental health and an awareness of environmental factors. Dr. Clark wrote 7 books explaining her methods, results and conclusions. Her book, The Cure For All Diseases, explains the link between a compromised liver and multiple health concerns.

Flushing the liver can greatly improve overall well being. In fact, Dr. Clark found cleansing the liver bile ducts to be the most powerful procedure one can do. If we examine the liver under a microscope, we will see rows of liver cells separated by spaces which act like a filter or sieve, through which the bloodstream flows.

The liver filter is designed to remove toxic matter such as dead cells, microorganisms, chemicals, drugs and particulate debris from the bloodstream. The idea behind a flush is literally to flush out the filter, (by stimulating massive bile flow), resulting in better blood flow.

Flushes vary in intensity with Dr. Clark’s being the most intense. It should NOT be done during pregnancy or while fighting a flu. Completing a parasite and a kidney cleanse are highly recommended prior to the liver flush.

Here is a list of what is needed for her liver flush:

·         4 tablespoons Epsom salts  & 1/2 cup of light olive oil
·         1 large fresh pink grapefruit, enough to squeeze 2/3 cup juice
·         4 to 8 Ornithine capsules to be sure you can sleep
·         10 to 20 drops of Black Walnut Tincture
·         Large plastic straw and a pint jar with lid

Directions (per pages 553-556 of The Cure For All Diseases, by Hulda R. Clark):

“Choose a day like Saturday for the cleanse, since you will be able to rest the next day. Take no medicines, vitamins or pills that you can do without; they could prevent success. Stop the parasite program and kidney herbs, too, the day before.

Eat a no-fat breakfast and lunch such as cooked cereal with fruit, fruit juice, bread and preserves or honey (no butter or milk), baked potato or other vegetables with salt only. This allows the bile to build up and develop pressure in the liver. Higher pressure pushes out more stones.

2:00 p.m. Do not eat or drink after 2 o’clock. If you break this rule you could feel quite ill later.

Get your Epsom salts ready. Mix 4 tbs. in 3 cups water and pour this into a jar. This makes four servings, ¾ cup each. Set the jar in the refrigerator to get ice cold (this is for convenience and taste only).

6:00 p.m. Drink one serving (3/4 cup) of the ice cold Epsom salts. If you did not prepare this ahead of time, mix 1 tbs. in ¾ cup water now. You may add 1/8 tsp. vitamin C powder to improve the taste. You may also drink a few mouthfuls of water afterwards or rinse your mouth.

Get the olive oil and grapefruit out to warm up.

8:00 p.m. Repeat by drinking another ¾ cup of Epsom salts. You haven’t eaten since two o’clock, but you won’t feel hungry. Get your bedtime chores done. The timing is critical for success; don’t be more than 10 minutes early or late.

9:45 p.m. Pour ½ cup (measured) olive oil into the pint jar. Squeeze the grapefruit by hand into the measuring cup. Remove pulp with fork. You should have at least ½ cup, more (up to ¾ cup) is best. You may top it up with lemonade. Add this to the olive oil. Close the jar tightly with the lid and shake hard until watery (only fresh grapefruit juice does this).

Now visit the bathroom one or more times, even if it makes you late for your ten o’clock drink. Don’t be more than 15 minutes late.

10:00 p.m. Drink the potion you have mixed. Take 4 ornithine capsules with the first sips to make sure you will sleep through the night. Take 8 if you already suffer from insomnia. Drinking through a large plastic straw helps it go down easier. You may use ketchup, cinnamon, or brown sugar to chase it down between sips. Take it to your bedside if you want, but drink it standing up. Get it down within 5 minutes (fifteen minutes for very elderly or weak persons).

Lie down immediately. You might fail to get stones out if you don’t. The sooner you lie down the more stones you will get out. Be ready for bed ahead of time. Don’t clean up the kitchen. As soon as the drink is down walk to your bed and lie down flat on your back with your head up high on the pillow. Try to think about what is happening in the liver. Try to keep perfectly still for at least 20 minutes. You may feel a train of stones traveling along the bile ducts like marbles. There is no pain because the bile duct valves are open (thank you Epsom salts!). Go to sleep, you may fail to get stones out if you don’t.

Next morning. Upon awakening take your third dose of Epsom salts. If you have indigestion or nausea wait until it is gone before drinking the Epsom salts. You may go back to bed. Don’t take this potion before 6:00 a.m.

2 Hours Later. Take your fourth (the last) dose of Epsom salts. Drink ¾ cup of the mixture. You may go back to bed.

After 2 More Hours you may eat. Start with fruit juice. Half an hour later eat fruit. One hour later you may eat regular food but keep it light. By supper you should feel recovered.”


After completing the procedure, you should have passed hundreds to thousands of gallstones. Process may be completed every 2-4 weeks until approx. 2,000 stones have been passed. Dr. Clark recommends completing this procedure twice per year to improve digestion, which is the basis for overall health.