Clary Sage (Aromatheraphy)

Clary Sage or Salvia sclarea

Main Actions:

Strong action of the female reproductive system, particularly easing menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. Anti-depressant, brings wisdom.

Secondary Actions:
Sore throat, very good for stress and post-natal depression, strengthens physical and spiritual sight.

Applications:

Use only 1 or 2 drops of oil in the bath or for a massage to avoid skin irritation.

Caution:
Do not use during pregnancy. Excessive doses may bring on epileptic fits so always use sparingly. Do not use if prone to heavy periods, as this oil promotes menstrual blood flow.

Cell Phones linked to insulin snafu

Exposure to electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) - magnetic fields emitted by electrical equipment such as cell phones, computers, microwaves and TVs - can result in excess belly fat, warns Sherrill Sellman, N.D., a certified electromagnetic radiation-safety adviser.

EMFs cause internal stress that triggers a rise in blood levels of unhealthy inflammatory compounds, explains Dr. Sellma.

That rise in internal inflammation can lead to insulin resistance and the fat, fatigue, brain fog and low libido it causes. To limit exposure to EMFs: Leave the kitchen when the microwave is on; turn off cell phones when they are not being used and utilize a hands-free headset; place any cordless phone in the bedroom as far away from the bed as possible; and turn off or unplug electrical equipment that is not in use.

Fighting Food Allergies

As I noted before, it is a rare digestive problem that remains confined to the gut. One consequence of poor diet, stress, medications, infections or toxins damaging the balance of normal gut function is that our ability to tolerate food we normally eat is impaired - in other words, we become sensitive or allergic to certain foods.

All these factors can damage the delicate lining of the small intestine, which, in turn, will harm healthy bowel bacteria, creating injury and inflammation in that one-cell layer of gut lining.

When that happens, we develop a leaky gut. Because many of our digestive enzymes (the chemicals that break down our food) are located right on that delicate epithelial layers that is now damaged, we cannot digest our food particles from normally innocuous foods "leaking" into our circulation.

And, because about 60 percent of our immune system is located in the gut, beneath that one-cell layer, our bodies react by increasing our immune response and generating inflammation. Our immune system, normally used to seeing fully digested foods (like proteins broken down into amino acids, fats broken down into fatty acids and carbohydrates broken down into simple sugars), suddenly "sees" foreign (meaning partially digested) molecules.

So it does what it is designed to do: attack and defend! That is how we create antibodies and develop IgG allergies to common foods. This is what makes us sick and fat, toxic and inflamed, depressed and anxious.

Playing outside with friends.

Outside group play is important, both physically and socially, and it is a great way for kids to incorporate activity without feeling they are "exercising." Relying too exclusively on supervised and structured experiences - from soccer practice to piano lessons to play dates - can wind up limiting your kids' exposure to diverse activities they might really enjoy.

"Parents want their children to maximize their potential," says University of Minnesota social scientist William Doherty, Ph.D., author of Take Back Your Kids: Confident Parenting in Turbulent Times (Sorin Books, 2000), and this can wind up back firing on them. Doherty and other experts say there is nothing inherently wrong with structured sessions, but research shows that spontaneous play - preferably outside - no only encourages vigorous physical activity but also is a central part of healthy neurological growth.

Mckenzie says that children observed playing outdoors for 30 minutes got an estimated 12 minutes of the recommended President's Council - activity level. Plus, it stimulates creativity and imagination, relieve stress and provides kids with opportunities to collaborate and solve problems with their peers. School recess can provide these same benefits, but this childhood staple is in danger. Nearly one in three elementary schools in the United States provides no regularly scheduled recess.

Swimming

Learning to swim is important for both safety and fitness. It is a fabulous way to build cardiovascular endurance, and it is a necessary skill for boating and water sports. Plus, it is a no-impact sport, which means fewer breaks, bonks and bruises. Swimming also increases strength and range of motion.

Most kids will beg to go to a pool or lake in the summer, but their excitement wanes as temperatures drop. And is you don't have a good community pool or swimming hole in your neighborhood, even seasonal swimming can involve prohibitive amounts of drive time.

That is why, look into whether it offers kid-friendly aquatic programs that can help keep things interesting even in the off-season. Make sure your kids complement their summertime swimming with cool-weather sports or snow-based activities that deliver active-fun opportunities year-round.