Hand and Foot Scrub

granulated sugar scrub

You don't have to spend $25 for a bottle of expensive body scrub. Look around in your kitchen, and you are sure to find the ingredients for making great body scrubs. Sugar, cornmeal, lemon juice, and cooking oils aren't just great for cooking, they are also great cleansers for the skin.

pumice stone

Here are a couple of recipes to pamper your hands and feet from the book Secrets of the Spa by Catherine Bardey.

Apricot Oil & Sugar Hand Exfoliator

1/2 cup granulated sugar
 2 tbsp. apricot oil
juice of 1/2 lemon

Combine ingredients and immediately rub the mixture on hands. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry and moisturize.

Lemon juice

Cornmeal & Pumice Foot Scrub

1/2 cup dry cornmeal
2 tbsp. avocado or olive oil
1 pumice stone

Mix cornmeal and oil. Spread on feet and rub skin with a pumice stone, concentrating on heels and callused areas. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

You are always welcome to try different oils and exfoliating ingredients, like oatmeal, clay, jojoba oil, almond oil, avocados, and essential oils. I personally love brown sugar in my sugar scrubs, and a little bit of citrus essential oils. Do what you like, and what feels and smells good to you!

Sciece Supports Health Benefits of "Mindfulness-Based Practices"

Yoga meditation pose at "The Bean" in Chicago

According to ScienceDaily.com, there is new evidence that supports the health benefits of mindfulness-based practices like Zen meditation for those with health problems. This scientific review focused on Zen meditation, yoga, Buddhist stress reduction techniques, and cognitive therapy as practices that helped many issues, particularly those suffering from depression and chronic pain.

Of course, the study reminds people that these practices should be used in conjunction with conventional treatments. I agree that one suffering from mental health issues or chronic pain should not entirely rely on mindfulness practice, but I also think that the study did not give those who truly practice mindfulness to its greatest extent enough credit for the benefits that can be had from this practice. Of course, practicing mindfulness, in whichever way you choose, requires a change of our conventional lifestyles in the United States, in its pace, structure, and consumerist nature.

Have any of you found that mindfulness practice, whether it was yoga, meditation, breathing practice, Alexander technique, or other practice, has helped with mental or physical health? Why would you choose or not choose to use these practices to treat ailments?

I'm curious to hear about other people's experiences. For me, yoga and breathing techniques that can be used at work often help me to cope with stress which can reduce the onset of chronic headaches, along with drinking water and chiropractic adjustments. I believe that more research should be done to continue looking into the benefits of mindfulness for those who suffer from depression and chronic pain.

American Herbalist Guild in Chicago

I just received my first American Herbalist Guild Journal in the mail. I'm still working my way through its content. There is so much to learn! I've just become a  general member of the American Herbalist Guild (AHG), and I'm looking forward to reaping its benefit now and in the future.

What is the AHG, and why would I want to become a member even if I am not currently a practicing herbalist?

First off, it is important to realize that herbalism in the United States is not recognized by or certified by the government. Technically, it is an unregulated practice.So, anyone could potentially call themselves an herbalist in the eyes of modern medicine no matter their experience, right? Herbalists know that calling yourself an herbalist doesn't make you a GOOD herbalist. Obtaining a professional membership from the AHG helps to recognize those that are competent in botanical medicine and offers a form of regulation.

But hey, I'm not a practicing or professional herbalist. How did I sneak in there and get a membership?

AHG is more than a regulating body. It is also interested in promoting herbalism in many ways.Its goals are to promote the health of people and of the earth, to help form a network of experienced herbalists, and to assist those interested in herbal medicine to obtain a high quality education.

Anyone who is interested in herbal medicine is welcome to become a general member of AHG. This will allow you to receive a copy of the AHG's biannual Journal, discounts to their symposium and access to library of recorded lectures on their website. 

Also, there are AHG chapters all over the U.S., including a new one just forming in Chicago. I recently attended their second meeting, and becoming a part of a chapter is the best way to connect with other herbal enthusiasts. I met so many knowledgeable and excited student and professional  herbalists! Becoming a member of AHG allows you to become a counting member of your local chapter (although you can still attend meetings without a membership, with a membership your chapter will be able to receive more funding to plan events!). Our chapter is currently planning a symposium for 2012. I'm looking forward to helping make it happen.

Other reasons to visit AHG's website besides to see what they are about?

They offer links to many credible websites offering information about herbal medicine. They have a section dedication to herbal education resources. They have links to webinars about interesting topics, including "Herbs and Emotional Health" by Steven Horne. They also offer information on how to choose a good herbalist for your own health.

I recommend checking this organization out even if it is to keep their website bookmarked for your reference.

our golden girl, goldenseal

Goldenseal is an herb I've been familiar with for years, if only because it happens to appear in many herbal remedies and concoctions. My mom has snuck it into many a tea and salve, and I carry a little tin of Golden Salve containing goldenseal root with me in my travel first-aid kit. I'll be heading to the store to find it in a dried root form for some tea I'll be making later today.

Goldenseal is prized for its yellow, knotty root. From this root grows a hairy purple stem from which two leaves with 5-7 lobes grow. One plant will bear a single white flower which later matures into a fruit which is reminiscent of a raspberry, which carries 10-30 seeds inside. It is a humble, slow-growing plant which is definitely not showy but which is very valuable nonetheless.

Why is it so prolific and valuable in Western herbal medicine?

 

goldenseal in bloom

First off, goldenseal is known traditionally to act as an antimicrobial agent. It contains berberine, which has been found to kill many kinds of bacteria, including those that cause diarrhea, yeast and urinary tract infections, and and various parasites such as tapeworms.  This substance also activates white blood cells, strengthening the immune system. Berberine can also be found in Oregon grape, yellow root, phellodendron, and barberry, and those herbs can sometimes serve as a substitute if you are looking for a dose of berberine.

Goldenseal is also an alterative which affects our mucous membranes. This is a new word to my vocabulary too! Alterative means that it either lessens excess mucous flow or increases deficient flow. According to a scientific study by Rabbini, this helps to increase healthy fresh mucous flow which contains its own antibodies. Goldenseal itself does not actually affect bad bacteria on its own but helps the body to fight bad bacteria with its own defense system.

Goldenseal can be used to boost the benefits of other herbs even in small amounts. It has a bitter taste and aids in digestion and stimulates the appetite.

!!!!CAUTION!!!!:  According to Paul Bergner, goldenseal should be used with caution. It should be used in circumstances where there is yellow or green phlegm. It should not be used in early stages of an upper respiratory infection or when there are more chills than fever. It should not be used for longer than two weeks. Goldenseal can reduce the absorption of vitamin B, an important vitamin for daily health. Also avoid goldenseal during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

As always, make sure that you know what an herb does and never over-do any kind of herbal treatment. Herbs are good, but moderation is a must!

goldenseal berry-looks like a raspberry!

Now, goldenseal root is the part of the goldenseal plant that is used for herbal treatments, and I'll have to admit, it is rather expensive as I discovered when I tried to purchase some dried root at the nearest natural food store. Instead of getting a bag of loose root, I ended up purchasing a box of $12 tea which I'll dole out according to when I need it.

Goldenseal is so expensive for a couple of reasons, according to research done by the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State. First, it takes years for the root to mature, making prices unstable depending on the year. Also, wild-growing goldenseal has become an endangered species due to over-harvesting and habitat destruction. It's important to learn about the source of any goldenseal you purchase. Always purchase certified organic cultivated goldenseal because it is so scarce.
 

 this is not a neti pot... but nice try Dwight!

As for goldenseal recipes, it is always best when mixed into other remedies. This week, I used goldenseal in a remedial tea for a yeast infection along with mullien, raspberry leaf, and sage. These three herbs were mixed 2 parts each to 1/2 part goldenseal root. However, instead of searching for the dried root I recommend purchasing a good goldenseal tincture for times when a spalsh of goldenseal may serve you.

Try goldenseal tincture in your Neti pot when suffering from a sinus infection. Herbalist Jim McDonald  5-15 drops 2-3 times a day in your Neti pot for a stuffy nose. I'm going to try this one this winter for sure!

If you need some additional resources, try these:

University of Maryland's Complementary Medicine Program- Goldenseal
Wikipedia-Goldenseal
Jim McDonald-Surviving Sinitus

And remember, goldenseal is best in small doses and in moderation! Enjoy!