Archive for February, 2009
Until a few years ago, only the most savvy spa worshiper had probably even heard of detoxing with salts. Now, however, bath salts, aromatic bath salts, along with Epsom salts have become well known.
Salt has long been used as a purifier. Salt was, and still is in some cultures, used as a preservative. Now, however, it is used for detoxification and cleansing.
Containing many different minerals depending on its origin, salt’s healing properties have been extolled for centuries. Its exfoliating action not only strips dead skin cells but actually draws out toxins upon contact with the skin. When mixed with organic oils, which also have their own healing properties, salt promotes rejuvenation of the skin through many layers.
Bathing in itself is relaxing and healing, perhaps taking us back to our time in the womb…, who knows?
Tis the season for colds and flu which makes taking a hot detox bath even more important for overall health. Add some aromatic bath salts and organic oils to your next bath and see if you don’t instantly feel better!
Americans spread MILLIONS of tons of toxic lawn chemicals in their yards every year. Obsessed with eliminating every pest, every weed, they ignore the fact that they are exposing their children and pets to POISON.
Advocating non-chemical remedies, I have never put chemicals down, and never will. I know too much. I’ve never really understood the obsession Americans have about having the perfect lawn. My lawn is green, I mow it, and that’s IT. Why poison yourself, your kids and the eco-system for a lawn?
I worked for Lowe’s in the garden center for 5 years. Each week I’d watch thousands of pounds of poison go out the door in this one store. People were fanatical about their lawns and didn’t even think about what they were doing! A common, and especially toxic product, 2-4-D is found in the popular brand WEED-B-GONE.
Ironically, part of my job was to sell lawn care products. I hated it. It went against everything I believe in. I’m an environmentalist and I jokingly refer to chemicals as being ‘against my religion.’ I would always opt for pitching the lowest toxicity remedy.
One day a man came in with his three children in tow, their approximate ages being 7, 5 and 3. He wanted Diazinon. I said it’s been banned for almost 10 years now, but the replacement was Triazicide. We walked over to where the bags were stacked and I answered his questions.
During the conversation, one of the kids started smacking the bag of Triazicide with her hand, like petting a big dog on the head. The father jumped forward, yanked the kid’s hand away and shouted,
“DON’T TOUCH THAT, it’s POISON!”
I wanted to reply in a calm but sarcastic voice…..
“Yes, it’s POISON and you’re going to take it home, spread it on your lawn and then your kids and dog are going to go out and play in it!”
Children are especially susceptible to illness resulting from pesticide exposure. Instead of rehashing the articles, I’ve included links below.
ALL lawn chemicals like TRIAZICIDE, WEED-B-GONE are DANGEROUS - PERIOD! (no, you can’t use them on your veggie gardens, folks!)
Not only are these substances dangerous for children, but they are dangerous for adults, pets and the environment. It’s time to end the love affair with toxins because the health of your family - and the planet - depends on it.
You can help speed the detox process by taking a detox bath on a regular basis, doing juice fasts and getting more exercise and having a regular massage. This will help eliminate toxins from your body.
WHAT’S ON YOUR LAWN?
Is the health of your lawn more important than the health of your children?
Every single aspect of our lives has in it artificial components of plastic, out-gassing (fumes) or toxins of some sort. The sad part about this is that the entire population of this world had no say - and is totally unaware that manufacturers, food producers, agribusiness and technology has contributed to it every day.
Chemicals surround us. Our computers are made from plastics which release chemicals into our environment. If we’ve sworn off caffeine, and drink decaf instead, chances are we’re getting a good dose of chemicals from the decaffeination process. Got that suit back from the cleaners? Guess what it’s been cleaned with? Dry cleaning fluid=chemicals.
If your kids play sports like football or soccer they’re probably rolling around on turf treated with herbicides, pesticides and other toxic lawn chemicals. Additionally, children are especially at risk for health-related illness from pesticide residues.
Think you’re safe at work? Your company probably has a contract with an extermination service and sometimes you’re even sitting at your desk when the guy comes through with the little sprayer tank! Millions of Americans go to work in environments chocked full of chemicals: manufacturing facilities with dust and fumes from chemicals, heavy metals, plastic compounds, cleaning solutions, paints, glues and pesticides. Even if your job does not put you in direct or daily contact, you are still at risk.
WHAT TO DO?
DETOX and eat the cleanest diet that you can. Make every meal a high quailty one of fresh (organic) foods, filtered water. Replace the toxins you introduce into your body in your own home with organic personal care products.
Make every day count!
Detox is an important facet of modern life. Our bodies cannot rid themselves of the modern compounds we are surrounded with.
Thousands of times a day we are exposed to toxins in the form of pollution, pesticides, chemicals in our food and personal care products. Additives in processed food, plastics (phthalates) leaching from containers into the food we eat, water bottles, from microwaving food in plastic containers. 80 % of coffee is decaffeinated with chemical solvents ( methylene chloride or ethyl acetate). Water processed organic coffee is the best bet for decaf. The clothes you’ve gotten back from the dry cleaners are laced with the chemical perchloroethylene. Nice, Huh?
An ancient remedy used in Ayurvedic medicine in India, turmeric, contains a wealth of healing properties. In recent publications by oncologists, turmeric has been touted as one of the best detoxifying agents available. Studies have shown that people in countries that consume it daily, cancer rates are extremely low.
In addition to adding beneficial herbs to your diet, a good detox regimen will help you cleanse your body of chemicals. The idea is to SWEAT - either in a hot bath or sauna but only if your doctor has advised it is safe for you. Mustard baths, long a remedy for amazing and effective cleansing are another method.
Relaxing in a hot detox bath is good for your mood as well as what ails you. It also helps to ward off those yucky winter bugs that are going around.
You can add aromatherapy bath salts in your warm bath for a more relaxing experience. The essential oils in the bath salts are infused better with the warm water so you can really enjoy the benefits. You can have an assortment of bath salts so you can choose which scent to have on different days.
There are other uses of bath salts aside from using them in the bath. You can also use them as a scrub for your body while in the shower. Making your own bath salts is very easy. You just need bath salts, your favorite essential oils and base oil. Just fill up a jar with the salts, a few drops of the essential oil and add the base oil. Shake the jar and it is ready to use.
You can do so many things to help save the environment. One way to do this at home is to have Sun Mar Composting Toilets. This technology begun in the late ‘70s and continues until today. There are different models available to fill specific needs. So, you can check out which model will work best for your home.
An average household with four people will use 25,000 gallons of water a year just for flushing. Imagine the amount of water that you save when you use a composting toilet. They are very easy to install, clean and maintain. All the toilets are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation ensuring that your toilet is approved by your local health department.
Composting doesn’t have to be a stinky unsightly mess! You can compost pest-free with a Sun-Mar composter.
If you have a problem with neighborhood dogs or other critters, the Sun-Mar composter is pest free! It’s easy to unload, too. No heavy lifting: the finished compost comes out the bottom.
Compost strengthens the plants by providing essential nutrients - instead of CHEMICALS. What you put on your veggie garden, goes into your food that you eat. If you use pesticides and chemicals - GUESS what you are eating!
Now is the perfect time to get started on compost for the spring planting!