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Posted by 'Swansen' in a topic 'purity of thought'. Join the discussion of this topic here:

...The world obviously has issues right now, and, the reason we are all mostly disconnected from everything, all the other energies, life, the spirit, is because of Cancer. Yes, cancer in the body here, but also cancer as a consciousness, which, is quite large at this point, it is the "dark forces" and, as i mentioned in the other post. Blame does not entirely fall onto people, and, what we find is all this business about "karma" and being "good" or "bad" as if there isn't an extraordinary amount of influence over our minds outside of ourselves as well as a complete lack of consideration for intent. This is why the majority do not have "purity of thought"...

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This section is devoted to the information that will be useful in the creation of a Kin's Domains.

Negative Effects of Internet Usage on Child Development

The Internet has some positive aspects but there are also negative aspects to the information highway. There is now some concern from educators and psychologist about the impact of the Internet on the physical, cognitive, and social development of children. According to the HomeNet study, it was found that teenagers are much heavier users than their parents (Affonso, 1999). The main use of the Internet for teenagers is to play games, to listen to music, and to meet new people.

Impact on Physical Development

Early childhood development emphasizes physical manipulation coordinated with observation and social interaction about the effects of manipulations (Pierce, 1994). The "hands on" experiences are vital to the developing concepts such as conversation and cause-and-effect relations. There is no evidence that virtual manipulation will generate the same intellectual skills and personal agency that come from physical manipulation.

The Internet consists of quick and easy access to a vast amount of information. In early child development it has been a practice to limit children's obtaining of information by simplifying messages and sequencing content. Given the reported negative impact of information overload on some adults, such as "information fatigue syndrome," it is likely this volume of information could be quite confusing to children with immature physical and cognitive structures (Pierce, 1994).

Impact on Cognitive Development

Information posted on the Internet is lawless. Young children depend on adults to validate what they see, hear and feel. The information on the Internet is uncontrolled and there is no way to check its reliability, and further, often no practical way to ensure referability (Pierce, 1994). Consequences children face by getting on the Internet are that they are less able to discriminate between what is and is not real, and they are unable to test reality in the virtual world.

Professor James Collins, a specialist in writing and teaching of writing at the State University of New York, at Buffalo, sees several educational problems surfacing among school kids that are directly traceable to their exposure to the online world. Students who are facing trouble in writing courses are plagiarizing research projects. Additionally, chattiness and informality considered appropriate in email communication is spilling over into the "formal" writings of high school students' essays (Gates, 1998). Such negative influences are not only a threat for younger children but also for those in college. At a large university in New York, the dropout rate among freshmen new comers rose dramatically as their investment in computers and Internet access increased. Administrators learned that 43% of the dropouts were staying up all night on the Internet (Wallace, 1999, as cited in Affosno, 1999).

Impact on Social Development

The Internet can enrich children and their school-based learning and can be a tool for creative and intellectual work with others. However, when abused, Internet usage can also take children away from doing important social activities such as homework, chores and spending time with family and friends. Michael A. Weinstein, professor of Political Science at Purdue University believes Internet users will "lose the savvy and skills and patience to conduct social relations in the corporeal world," and that the Internet will intensify the negative effect television has already had on our social skills (Weinstein, 1995, as cited in Affonso, 1999). Furthermore, there is a serious concern involving the proliferation of inappropriate content, such as violence, bias, hate speech, profanity, and pornography. The Internet gives children an easy way to find information and it permits unwelcomed messages to find their way to children.

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Helping Your Children Develop Social Skills

by Stormy Brain

Social skills for kids are needed to help them interact with other children their age and feel accepted by them. Parents play an important role in social skills for kids as they interact with them on a daily basis. You can do simple things to teach your children proper social skills at a young age. Start by teaching them the importance of sharing, controlling their anger, taking turns, and allowing others to talk while they listen. Self-control is a large aspect of social skills for kids. They learn their social skills by watching their parents and other people. They will imitate the responses they like from other people. Social skills for kids can come easy for some children, while it can be challenging for others. You may need to spend more time with your child to help them develop appropriate social skills.

Many parents use an effective discipline strategy called "time out" to teach their children proper social skills. They are helping their children to understand acceptable behavior and help them learn new skills. Parents do not need to focus on the misbehaviors of their children, but rather on the things they are doing correctly. Social skills are like any other skill. They are similar to learning how to count numbers, ride a bicycle, or play a musical instrument. Children that struggle with social skills may learn them from their parents, which may have some problems with their social behavior. Parents need to understand how their social behavior impacts their children, causing some parents to re-evaluate the way they interact with others.

Here are some tips for parents to teach good social skills for kids:

TIP 1 - You need to be an example for your child. You have to show them the appropriate behavior to follow. If your child constantly interrupts people, discuss a new way to help them get people's attention. Let them know it is not nice to interrupt other people. Discuss placing their hand on the person's arm to let them know they have something to say or that they need their attention. If you and your child practice this together, they will start to do this to others and it will help them avoid interrupting people. Teach them the importance of raising their hand in class and waiting until the teacher calls on them before they can talk.

When you are in public, be social with many people. Be courteous and kind to them and introduce your child to them. Over time, you child will be able to see how to approach new people and make friends. They will understand how to communicate with others and they will value other people.

TIP 2 - Recognize your child's accomplishments. When you notice your child demonstrating proper social skills, praise them. Let them know they are doing a good job and encourage them to continue the behavior. Do not allow them to do wrong behavior and get away with it. Incorporate a reinforcement system that rewards your child when they practice appropriate behavior. You can do simple things like giving them a hug or a high five when you observe them practicing good behavior. Do other things like reading a book together or playing a game together to let your child know you observed their good behavior.

TIP 3 - Teach them how to control their emotions. Several children lash out with temper tantrums when they do not get their way or when they are upset. Help your child find alternative ways to express their anger. Teach them that instead of yelling, screaming, biting, stomping their feet, or hitting, they need to take a deep breath and calm down. You can do other things to help your child calm down, like having them go into another room by themselves until they calm down. A popular technique used by anger management instructors is to have the person practice blowing bubbles. When your child starts having anger issues, tell them to start blowing bubbles. This will help them calm down and re-gain control of their emotions. If your child still struggles with anger issues, talk to their doctor to see if they have behavioral problems that may need some treatment.

When you are in a frustrating situation, avoid lashing out at your children and your spouse. Show your children how you handle frustrating situations by taking deep breaths to calm down before you talk to them or to their spouse. You and your spouse should never argue in front of your children. This promotes poor social skills and causes many children to repress their emotions. They may lash out at their friends or teachers because they feel like they cannot express their emotions at home.

TIP 4 - Don't be afraid to discipline your children. Children need rules and they thrive on structure. When you have set rules in the home, a child will feel safe and secure. They will be able to understand their limits and they know what is expected of them. Do not feel bad for reprimanding your child if they did something wrong. Parents need to be parents and not look at their children as their best friends. While you want to maintain a friendly relationship with your child, they need to understand that you are in charge and you are their parents.

TIP 5 - Encourage your child to participate in social activities. Keeping your child around other children their age will teach them social skills. They will understand how other children interact and they are able to make friends easier when they are around other children often. Friends will help them with their self-esteem because they will feel accepted by someone other than their parents. Enroll your child in extracurricular activities that teach teamwork and sharing. Sports are wonderful after-school activities for children because they are able to interact with other children their age and they get burn off some extra calories. Contact your city office to find out what groups are available for children. Swimming lessons are another great after-school activity because children learn how to be independent.

Encourage your child to make friends other than the children they interact with at school. Children that are reluctant or shy tend to open up to other children when they are enrolled in a group or team. The activities they do with other children will help them build relationships with these children and they will understand how to make new friends at school and in other places. Help your child make friends by inviting them over to play or going to a park with their family. Your child needs to make friends, not just acquaintances.

TIP 6 - Help your child overcome their fears of intimidation or shyness. Some children are hesitant to break free of their comfort zone and interact with other children. This often happens to children that are new at the school or in the neighborhood. You can help them by enrolling in local organizations or attending local churches. Go to social gatherings and introduce your child to other children that are their age. You may need to stay by their side for a little while until they become comfortable. Encourage them to talk to other children by taking small, simple steps. Ask your child to say "hi" to 5 new people each day. Encourage them to sit by other children during lunchtime or play with other children at recess. Small steps will help them work toward building a relationship with the other children. When they return home for the day, talk to them about the other children they interacted with during the day and find out if they want to invite them over to play.

TIP 7 - Work on your child's sportsmanship skills and help them become a team player. No one likes to be around someone that is selfish. Teach your child the importance of playing as a team and why they need to practice nice behavior even if they lose. Teach your child the activities that are popular at school so they can fit in if they are asked to play with other children. Encourage them to learn different games so they can invite their neighbors and other children to play with them.

Practice other skills with your child, like reading and math. Some children feel immense pressure to fit in with their peers and they may feel left-out if they cannot read as well as other children. Spending time with your child each day will help them practice their skills and they can keep up with other children their age. You also need to encourage fitness in your home. Take time each day to exercise with your child, go for a walk together and discuss things that your child learned at school. Teach your child how to ask other people questions to show them that they are listening and that they care about them.

TIP 8 - Don't embarrass your child. While you may want to keep your child young forever, you need to understand that they are learning and growing. A hug and a kiss in front of their peers may have been fine in the first grade, but it's embarrassing by the third grade. Notice your child's behavior and try your best not to embarrass them in front of their peers.

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Attachment Parenting

Why Does Eating Raise Metabolism?

By Jonathan Croswell

Your metabolism is influenced by many different factors, including weight, gender, activity level and diet. Because of this, the foods you bring in to your body can have a significant influence on how quickly and efficiently your body processes nutrients and calories and passes them through the digestive tract. You can improve your metabolism with a little understanding of how your eating habits affect your metabolism and weight.

Metabolism Function

Your metabolism is a term used to describe the processes that take nutrients brought into the body and digest them for use and application. All living creatures require these metabolic processes to occur, and your diet greatly influences how efficient the body is. An efficient metabolism is able to streamline processes and make the most out of a small amount of nutrients, which makes your body more effective at digesting the foods you consume and putting them to use.

Eating Schedule Effects

Consistency is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a high metabolism. Consistency allows your body to work efficiently and according to a set routine. Eating breakfast is one of the most influential factors in determining your body's metabolism because this meal jump-starts metabolic processes in the body and provides fuel to power the body. You can also improve your metabolism by eating more consistently throughout the day - for example, replace three large meals in a given day with five or six smaller meals. Doing so will keep your metabolic processes functioning, which will let them become more efficient.

Metabolism-Boosting Foods

Many different foods can influence your metabolism. These foods stimulate your digestive and metabolic processes in various ways, achieving an effect of boosting the metabolism. According to ShapeFit.com, soy products are an example of types of food that can boost the metabolism - soy contains lecithin, a compound believed to help break down fats and prevent them from being deposited in the body. Vitamins C is also believed to have fat-burning qualities. Other foods that can have an effect include garlic, hot peppers and foods containing essential fatty acids.

Considerations

Although some diet pills claim to increase your metabolism through herbal remedies, the effects of these are often overstated and insignificant. Some herbs can be helpful in increasing your metabolism, but the amounts of these herbs found in diet pills are much too small to create any effect. Additionally, your diet isn't the only factor that influences your metabolism - if you want to increase your metabolic rate, try integrating exercise into your lifestyle.

REFERENCES:
MayoClinic.com: Slow Metabolism
ShapeFit.com: Foods to Boost Your Metabolism
MayoClinic.com: Metabolism and Weight Loss
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/409477-why-does-eating-raise-metabolism/#ixzz1cXt4egM9

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Metabolism Boosting Foods – 14 Foods that Help

Lots of dieters are on the lookout for metabolism boosting foods and beverages. There is a lot of misleading information that gives lists of metabolism boosting foods without any scientific justification of the claims. Here is a list of some of the scientifically researched metabolism boosting foods. You may want to bookmark this page for future reference as you may need to keep coming back to these metabolism boosters.

How Metabolism Boosting Foods Work

Metabolism boosting foods work by stimulating the Sympathetic Nervous System(SNS). The SNS is the body's response to stressful situations that induce the fight-or-flight response. Lets assume you are walking down the street and suddenly come face-to-face with a tiger. Your SNS produces the bodily responses necessary for you to run from the tiger. The SNS also has a crucial role in the regulation of metabolic and cardiovascular processes.

Low SNS activity has been linked to a higher risk of weight gain as published in the Proceedings of the Nutritional Society in 1996. This was also reaffirmed in an article published in the Neuroscience BioBehaviour Journal in 2009. SNS activity increases thermogenesis which causes your body to expend excess energy as heat.

The 14 metabolism boosting foods

Metabolism boosting foods 1 – Coffee and caffeine

An article was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1980 that investigated the effects of coffee and caffeine as one of the metabolism boosting foods. In that study, researchers compared one group that consumed coffee with a control group took decaffeinated coffee. Both groups consumed a meal. Researchers concluded that the metabolic boost was significantly higher when participants took coffee with their meal. The researchers also found increased fat oxidation among the coffee drinking participants. The researchers further went to conclude that caffeine or coffee stimulates the metabolic rate.

Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1981 reinforced coffee as one of the more potent metabolism boosting foods. Researchers concluded that caffeinated coffee increased energy expenditure by 16% over 1 to 2 hour period compared with decaffeinated coffee.

Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1989 also had similar conclusions about coffee as one of the effective metabolism boosting foods. The researchers concluded that caffeine at commonly consumed doses can have a significant influence on energy balance and as one of the foods that help with metabolism.

Minimize milk, cream and sugar when having your coffee. These are filled with empty calories and can actually make your put on weight. There is a lot of supporting research which gives credence to coffee as one of the main metabolism boosting foods.

Metabolism boosting foods 2 – Green tea

Researchers at the University of Geneva investigated the efficacy of green tea as one of the metabolism boosting foods. Researchers concluded that participants that consumed green tea extract had a noticeable increase in metabolism compared to participants who took a placebo. The researchers also theorized that green tea compounds called polyphenols boosted fat metabolism in the liver.

Caffeine is another component that stimulates the metabolism. Green tea extract also contains caffeine. Researchers found that the metabolic boost in green tea was not solely attributed to the caffeine. This is because the metabolic boost attained by having green tea extract was greater than when participants took an equivalent amount of caffeine.

You should consider consuming 1 to 2 cups of green tea each day. Besides its role as one of the metabolism boosting foods, it also contains lots of antioxidants.

Metabolism boosting foods 3 – Capsium family or hot peppers

The capsicum family or hot peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. This substance plays the predominant role in giving hot pep its properties as one the very potent metabolism boosting foods. One interesting study was published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology in 1995 which gave credence to hot peppers as one of the effective metabolism boosting foods. Researchers found that participants who consumed 10g of red pepper with their meal had a metabolic boost for 30 minutes after the meal. There was an increase in thermogenesis as well as fat oxidation in these women.

A study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2009 that further affirmed the role of hot peppers as one of the metabolism boosting foods.

Hot peppers should be a staple of your weight loss regimen. There is a lot of research that validates it as one of the more potent metabolism boosting foods.

Metabolism boosting foods 4 – Water

Being adequately hydrated ensures that you have an optimal metabolic rate. Water is one of the most underestimated of metabolism boosting foods. Water does not boost your metabolic rate directly but instead ensures that it is not adversely affected by low hydration levels. Cell metabolism is adversely affected when hydration level in your body is low.

Metabolism boosting foods 5 – Cold water

You may have heard before that drinking cold water could help to give your metabolic rate a boost. A number of studies have been done on the subject. These studies have shown a positive effect of drinking cold water although the studies disagree on the extent of the metabolic boost.

Metabolism boosting foods 6 – Black Pepper

The findings of a study was published in the Proceedings of Experimental Biology and Medicine in 1988 where scientists made interesting claims about black pepper's effect on boosting metabolism. Researchers found that black pepper contained a pungent component known as piperine which induced body warming. Black pepper also has lots of other health benefits. For this reason, you should consider taking it regularly.

Metabolism boosting foods 7 – Ginger

The findings of a study was published in the Proceedings of Experimental Biology and Medicine in 1988 where scientists made interesting claims about ginger's effect as one of the metabolism boosting foods. Researchers found that ginger contained a pungent component known as gingerol which induced body warming. Another study published in the Journal of Life Sciences in 1994 also had similar findings.

Metabolism boosting foods 8 – Mustard

An article was published in the Journal of Human Nutrition Clinical Nutrition in 1982 that first espoused spices such as red pepper and mustard as metabolic boosting foods. Researchers found that there was an increase of 25% in the post-spicy meal resting resting metabolic rate.

Metabolism boosting foods 9 – Coconut oil

Medium chain triacylglycerol (MCT) is a type of fatty acid that is found in coconut oil. The findings of a study was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1996 that investigated MCT as one of the possible metabolism boosting foods. The researchers concluded that relatively low-to-moderate intake of MCT (15-30 g per day) as part of habitual diet could increase your body's daily energy consumption. In other words, the fatty acids contained in coconut oil gave your metabolism a boost.

Another article published in the Journal Obesity in 2003 also recommended MCTs in coconut oil as an aid to lose weight.

Metabolism boosting foods 10 – Food rich in B vitamins

The family of B vitamins play an important role in your body's metabolism. The most notable ones that have an impact on your body's metabolism include vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Other B vitamins such as folate, niacin and thiamin are also essential for a healthy metabolism. Metabolism boosting foods high in B vitamins include asparagus, spinach, fish, poultry, eggs and most beans.

Metabolism boosting foods 11 – Black tea

An article was published in the Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry in 2005. Researchers found that rats fed with black tea extract had significant reduction in food intake and body weight. The effect of black tea as one of the metabolism boosting foods is not as pronounced as coffee or green tea.

Metabolism boosting foods 12 – Food rich in magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral which plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in your body. Magnesium plays a critical role in energy production in the tiny power plants in your cells, called mitochondria.

Metabolism boosting foods 13 – Food rich in Coenzyme Q10

CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin that plays an important role in energy production in the mitochondria. 95% of the energy generated in your body is via a process known as aerobic cellular respiration. CoQ10 plays an essential role in this process. The importance of CoQ10 as a vital component in aerobic respiration is the reason why energy intensive organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys have high concentrations of it.

CoQ10 is produced in the body via the same process that produces cholesterol. It is for this reason that the use of statin drugs affect the production of CoQ10 within the body. CoQ10 is also affected by aging. According to an article published in the Journal of Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, meat, fish, nuts, and some oils are the richest nutritional sources of CoQ10. Lower levels of CoQ10 can also be found in most dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and cereals.

Metabolism boosting foods 14 -Multivitamin/Multimineral

A multivitamin is a form of nutritional insurance for any nutritional deficiency that you may have. The body has so many complex biochemical processes that a small deficiency in an essential mineral or vitamin can affect the efficiency of that process. It is for that reason that you should consume a quality multivitamin/multimineral. Most people who start taking a multivitamin will usually see a noticeable difference in their energy levels. Another reason for taking a quality multivitamin/multimineral is to ensure that you are getting the recommended dosage of B vitamins and magnesium.

You can verify the quality of your multivitamin/multimineral by ascertaining if it is validated by Consumerlab. Consumerlab is an independent body that verifies the efficacy of supplements.

Metabolism Boosting Foods Summary

In general, spicy food have been shown to have the biggest impact on the metabolism. As explained earlier in the article, these foods have an impact on the SNS. Although the current research is predominantly focused on a few foods, we can probably assume that all spicy foods would have a positive effect on the metabolism. These includes chillies and other pungent spices. Dieters who are on a reduced calorie diet may consider adding lots of these metabolism boosting foods to their regimen to ensure that their diet does not have a negative effect on their metabolic rate. These metabolism boosting foods should also be eaten regularly. This is because the pungent components such as capsaicin, piperine, gingero, mustard and MCT have lots of health benefits as well.

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Dr. Ann: Metabolism Boosters

Toxic chemical triclosan commonly found in anti-bacterial soaps, toothpaste products

by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
Editor of NaturalNews.com

A chemical called triclosan poses a health risk, as it is a toxic compound which can promote cancer. The most shocking thing is that triclosan is commonly found in everyday consumer goods such as antibacterial soaps, deodorants, body washes, creams, lotions, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, detergents, dishwashing liquids, and yes, mouthwash and toothpaste.

Toothpaste is supposed to help clean your teeth, but what it actually does just might horrify you. When tap water meets toothpaste, the triclosan reacts freely with the chlorine in the tap water to become chloroform (a chlorinated aromatic) and is similar to the dioxins found in the compound Agent Orange. It's a chemical reaction occurring right in your mouth while you brush your teeth. And don't think you are safe once you rinse it all out of your mouth: research shows that it can remain in your mouth after brushing for up to 12 hours, and can be easily absorbed into the tongue and through mucus into the body. (Children are at the greatest risk, as they tend to swallow their toothpaste more while brushing their teeth.)

According to the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (NCAMP), "Manufacturers of a number of triclosan-containing toothpaste and soap products claim that the active ingredient continues to work for as long as 12 hours after use. Thus, consumers are exposed to triclosan for much longer than the 20 seconds it takes to wash their hands or brush their teeth."

"These products produce low levels of chloroform, but that adds up over time. The amount of gas formed is very low but I think the key thing is that we just don't know what the effects are. However, manufacturers do have to list triclosan on their ingredients, so if consumers are worried the best advice is to avoid products with the chemical," said Giles Watson, a toxicology expert.

Triclosan is officially a probably human carcinogen

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union currently regulate triclosan, and the Environmental Protection Agency classifies this substance as a probable human carcinogen.

Toothpaste manufacturers claim that triclosan is used because it helps to reduce plaque and kill bacteria, but it actually aids in gum damage and can cause mouth ulcers, say some health experts. These companies like the chemical because it allows them to state the product is a "99.9% bacteria killer" and make claims about the product being a "medicated formula."

According to the chemical creator's website, Ciba Specialty Chemicals "invented triclosan more than 35 years ago and in this long time of application without any adverse effects it has proven itself as the 'aspirin' of the antibacterial actives - helpful without side effects.

"The popularity of triclosan is a reflection of its unique combination of efficacy against almost all types of bacteria and safety to man and nature which with the currently known substances used cannot be surmounted."

The toothpaste manufacturers haven't done any substantial studies that reach a decision on whether to take triclosan out of their products. They continue to say that it is safe and only harmful if ingested. Even then, they say it only affects the nervous system (as if that's something very minor to have harmed).

No good science supporting safety of triclosan

According to the American Medical Association: "Despite their recent proliferation in consumer products, the use of antimicrobial agents such as triclosan in consumer products has not been studied extensively. No data exist to support their efficacy when used in such products or any need for them... it may be prudent to avoid the use of antimicrobial agents in consumer products."

The chemical company states: "Ciba supports the use of triclosan only if there is a benefit to human beings."

So, what if it is shown to offer no benefit to humans? Will they pull it off the shelves now that evidence points to its danger from exposure? (Some toothpaste manufacturers, like Tom's of Maine, specifically state that they do not contain triclosan.)

Also found in toys, bedding, clothing and more

Triclosan is also used in plastics and fabrics, where it goes under the trade names Microban and Biofresh respectively. It is infused into or used as an additive in a number of consumer products like toys, bedding, trash bags, socks, kitchen utensils, textiles and plastics.

"Over 95% of the uses of triclosan are in consumer products that are disposed of in residential drains. In a U.S. Geological Survey study of 95 different organic wastewater contaminants in U.S. streams, triclosan was one of the most frequently detected compounds, and in some of the highest concentrations," according to the NCAMP.

According to Worldwatch Institute: "In the United States, 75% of liquid soaps and nearly 30% of bar soaps now contain triclosan and other germ-fighting compounds whose prevalence can foster the growth of bacterial resistance."

The widespread use of triclosan is now known to create the risk of breeding new, resistant superbugs that may be far more dangerous to human health than the original germs killed by triclosan in the first place. My advice to consumers is to avoid all products containing triclosan.

Action items

- Avoid all products that make "antibacterial" claims (unless they are using herbs to accomplish it).
- Be aware of the harmful environmental impact of consuming products containing triclosan. The ingredient is not only unhealthy for humans, it's also unhealthy for the environment.
- Read the ingredients labels of all consumer products in order to make sure they do not contain triclosan.

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Can toothpaste containing triclosan harm your thyroid?

By DeBiasi,Deborah

Triclosan is an antibacterial ingredient found in many common household products, including toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, deodorant, shaving cream and cleaning supplies. Triclosan is slowly increasing its resume, as manufacturers add it to a wider range of consumer products, such as kitchen utensils, trash bags, clothing, bedding and even children's toys. Today it is virtually unavoidable.

Chemically, triclosan is a chlorinated, organic molecule that resembles the synthetic plastic additive bisphenol A (BPA) and the long-lived dioxins, which are formed during incomplete burning and can cause cancer. In fact, heat and sunlight can transform triclosan into dioxins (Kanetoshi et al. 1987).

Because triclosan is in soaps and other products that are continually flushed down drains, it commonly enters the environment. It has been found at appreciable concentrations in wastewater effluent and surface waters.

Triclosan can also bioaccumulate in fish and amphibians. The antimicrobial can alter how their hormones function, including the thyroid hormone system.

Thyroid hormones play an important role regulating metabolism and during early development in many animals, including humans. Metabolism refers to the way cells use or store energy to maintain life. Food is broken down to create the energy used to grow or maintain tissue.

The thyroid gland makes and stores thyroid hormones. Spaces in the gland are filled with a substance called colloid. The colloid is rich in the raw materials that are needed to make thyroid hormones. It also serves as a reservoir for the hormones themselves.

Thyroid hormones contain iodine, which can be found in many foods. There are two primary thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Generally speaking, T4 is present at higher concentrations than T3.

In amphibians, thyroid hormones coordinate the metamorphosis of tadpoles into frogs. Laboratory studies find that triclosan interferes with this important transition and has other harmful effects in animals. Metamorphosis was altered in bullfrog tadpoles that were exposed to low concentrations of triclosan. The levels were 15 times lower than what the US Food and Drug Administration has reported in rivers across the United States (Hua et al. 2005).

Low concentrations of triclosan can also alter the genes responsible for producing thyroid hormones (Veldhoen et al. 2006). Other reported effects in fish and amphibians exposed to the antimicrobial include changes in activity level, behavior, sex-ratios, body mass and survivorship (Fraker and Smith 2004).

What did they do?

Newly weaned male rats were fed an oral dose of triclosan of either 0, 3, 30, 100, 200 or 300 mg/kg body weight. The rats were given the triclosan daily for 31 days.

The purpose of the experiment was to determine what effects triclosan would have on concentrations of thyroid hormones and the onset of puberty. Preputial separation (PPS), a separation of the foreskin from the glans penis, was used to measure puberty development.

Researchers measured blood concentrations of testosterone and several other types of hormones and weighed a variety of organs that are essential for rat development and puberty, including the pituitary gland, the testes, the prostate gland and the liver.

Liver enzymes were measured to gauge liver function, and the colloid region of the thyroid gland was examined.

What did they find?

There was a dramatic decrease in the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) in rats exposed to increasing concentrations of triclosan. Thyroxine was decreased by 47% at the 30 mg/kg dose and by 81% at the 300 mg/kg dose. There was not a significant difference in thyroxine at the 3 mg/kg dose.

Significant increases in liver weights were seen from the 100 mg/kg to the 300 mg/kg triclosan doses, although certain liver enzymes were not significantly different among groups. The pituitary weights were heavier at the 3 and 300 mg/kg exposure. Other measured organs were not significantly different in weight.

The colloid area of the thyroid gland was smaller in the 300 mg/kg dose group when compared to all other groups.

What does it mean?

Exposure to triclosan dramatically decreased thyroxine concentrations in young male rats. The hormone is critical for normal development and to a properly functioning metabolism. Too much or too little can cause a wide range of health problems before and after birth.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces lower than normal amounts of hormones. The condition can lead to obesity, goiter, infertility, neurological problems and other serious concerns. This long list is not surprising since thyroid hormones control metabolism, which can affect nearly every cell in the body.

The results of this study with mammals support previous research that finds the antimicrobial can affect the thyroid hormone system in animals.

Rats and most other vertebrates, including humans, produce and use thyroid hormones in quite similar ways. Given that triclosan is found in such a variety of household products and has been detected in human blood, urine and even breast milk, this study's findings raises concern for adverse effects on humans. Although this study used rats, the similarities in how the thyroid systems between rats and humans function raises concerns as to whether people could share the same physiological fate.

One thing dissimilar in rats and humans is how much of a compound is necessary to cause a negative result. Sometimes it takes a far greater dose of a chemical to alter a rat's biology than it would to change a human's. Therefore, although the concentrations evaluated in this study were higher than normal human exposure, it is still unclear the concentrations necessary to elicit the same effects in humans. It is possible that the low doses that humans are currently exposed to are enough to cause similar problems.

The colloid area of the thyroid gland was smaller in rats exposed to the 300mg/kg triclosan dose. The colloid is a repository for thyroid hormones and stores components to make more thyroid hormone. A shrunken colloid could indicate that thyroid levels were too low, and the rats were releasing the reserves to bring blood hormone levels back to normal. Using these would reduce the size of the colloid area.

Triclosan exposed rats also had bigger livers. The liver clears and removes toxins from the body. A larger liver may indicate excessive pressure on the liver to clear triclosan. Stressed livers enlarge to accommodate the higher production of the enzymes needed to detoxify substances.

If the liver accelerated its detoxifying activity in the presence of triclosan, the increased effort could account for the lower concentrations of thyroxine measured. The liver would have been clearing the hormone from the system faster. However, the researchers did not find a difference in an important toxin clearing enzyme called UDPGT. This indicates that some other mechanism caused the reduction in thyroid hormones. One way is that triclosan may act directly on the thyroid gland to interfere with hormone production.

There are critical times in development when exposures can permanently alter development. For instance, hypothyroidism during early development can change reproductive tract development, hormone concentrations and sexual maturation, including puberty onset. In this study, triclosan exposure did not change the onset of puberty, suggesting that exposure after weaning to triclosan is too late to affect the timing of puberty.

The effects seen in this experiment raise significant questions about the wisdom of allowing widespread use of triclosan in multiple consumer products.

RESOURCES:

Fraker, SL and GR Smith. 2004. Direct and interactive effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of organic wastewater contaminatns on Rana pipiens tadpoles. Environmental Toxicology 19:250-256.

Hua W, ER Bennett and RJ Letcher, 2005. Triclosan in waste and surface waters from the upper Detroit River by liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem quadruple mass spectrometry. Environment International 31:621-630.

Kanetoshi, A, H Ogawa, E Katsura and H Kaneshima. 1987. Chlorination of Irgasan DP300 and formation of dioxins from its chlorinated derivatives. Journal of Chromatography 389:139-153.

Singer H, S Muller, C Tixier and L Pillonel. 2002. Triclosan: occurrence and fate of a widely used biocide in the aquatic environment: field measurements in wastewater treatment plants, surface waters, and lake sediments. Environmental Science and Technology 36:4998-5004.

Veldhoen N, RC Skirrow, H Osachoff, H Wigmore, DJ Clapson, MP Gunderson, G Van Aggelen and CC Helbing, 2006. The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development. Aquatic Toxicology 80:217-227.

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Natural hair homemade shampoo

Keyhole garden and Mandala garden

by Fabrice

Keyhole gardens are generally raised beds and are rarely, if ever, dug up. Continually "feed" your garden by top-dressing it with compost and mulch (to retain moisture). Permaculture encourages the creation of healthy soils wherein worms and micro-organisms do the hard work for you.

A raised Permaculture key hole circular garden bed with bamboo sidings (see graphic) includes a variety of plant species. Permaculture is a no-dig system and by utilizing the keyhole shape, the soil in this raised garden bed need never be disturbed. This allows the micro-fauna to multiply and go about their work of building healthy soil, whilst the Permaculture gardener is allowed easy access for planting and maintenance.

Using a creative pattern in the garden will create more edges and often can increase diversity and productivity. The technique called "Keyhole Garden" is beautiful, simple and productive. It can be adapted to the specific needs of the gardener. One of the basic ideas is that it provides easy access with minimum path-to-bed ratio – a "least path" design. The horseshoe-shaped beds are sized so you can easily reach the entire area standing in the keyhole. The beds can be situated near the house for quick access, or along your main pathway.

The beds can be constructed in many ways. For perennials, the raised-bed method works well. For annuals, the sheet mulch method is a great alternative. Instead of tilling or double-digging to prepare the growing space, start with a weed barrier of wet newspaper (black ink only) or cardboard, layered over the entire area. On top of this, use sawdust or straw to define your keyhole pathway. Then around it, put a good layer of compost for your annuals. You can add a bit of soil or sand to hold your seeds. Cover it with straw or old hay to keep it moist. Now you can plant your seeds or transplant your seedlings and your garden bed is done.

One example is the "tomato-polyculture keyhole". The bed can be around six feet across and three rows deep, with basil/chives in the first row; then a row of tomatoes interplanted with marigold (tagetes) which reduce nematodes; followed by an outside planting of Jerusalem artichokes or sunflowers to act as a wind-shelter and reflect the sun, creating a good micro-climate for tomatoes.

The keyholes can be used along a pathway or they can be combined around a circle to create a beautiful mandala or circle garden. The center circle can be planted with herbs, flowers, a small tree or a shrub. The center is also a good place to have a small pond in the garden. It would be a great place to sit and enjoy a meal, surrounded by flowers and an abundance of food. And if you need a little more salad you can reach out and pick a few leaves. Enjoy!

This Mandala garden is based on the keyhole garden. It uses the combination of horseshoe shape to create a mandala like final shape.

Why Mandala Shape?

Besides its aesthetic appeal, non-linear gardens have greater productivity due to the fact that there is simply more gardening space when using non-linear geometry. Linear gardens have their origin in division and ownership of land (easier to mark and measure), and in use of mechanical soil cultivation (easier to drive a horse or a tractor down a straight row). Since neither one of these elements applies to our ecological garden, there is absolutely no need to make them straight! Any shape that respects the landform, works with the flow of water and with the way humans move make more sense.

Mandala Garden as a permaculture design approach is overused, just as is the Herb Spiral. The reason for this statement? Permaculture is not about cookie-cutter solutions that fit all conditions. If you are gardening on a gentle slope, your mandala will not look like mandala anymore (if you are paying attention to the flow of water, and your orientation towards sun) – the shape of the beds will follow the contours, resulting in a geometry both more beautiful and functional. Mandala Shape though is very beautiful.

The primary reason to build a Mandala garden is because it is a time saving as well as resource saving design for a vegetable plot. By having the bulk of your vegetable beds in one large circle, come summer, you only need to put a sprinkler in the centre of the circle and turn on the tap... Bingo, your vegetables are watered with no wastage around the edges and it has only taken one minute of your time.

A mandala garden incorporates several Permaculture practices:

keyholes for easy access to plants "no dig" principal to prevent disruption to soil ecology mulching for moisture retention and soil conditioning (it becomes one big worm farm!) planting in different patterns rather than the conventional rows.

Rotation cropping, to prevent excessive build up of certain pests in the soil (e.g. nematodes, phytophthora etc.) is made so much easier to plan and put into practice – you only need to rotate your planting regime by one segment each season.

WHERE should you build your mandala garden?

in a sunny spot not over-shadowed by trees or walls on a flattish piece of ground rather than on a steep slope preferably slap-bang in the middle of a wasteful piece of resource-draining lawn if you are adventurous, make your mandala vegetables garden the feature of your front yard, with companion plants like nasturtiums, marigolds and calendula to brighten it up.

How do you build a mandala garden?

1. Choose your site and decide on the diameter of your mandala (six to eight segments is convenient and the diameter of the circle made by your sprinkler on full pressure). Mark it out from the centre point – you can use tent pegs and some string lines for this.

2. Before setting out your segments with bricks/rocks/sleepers etc., sheet mulch the circle after throwing down weed seedy hay, kitchen scraps, lime (if required) and manure, using thick wads of overlapping wet newspaper or old organic carpet. Water it well.

3. Use the bricks/rocks/sleepers to form the segments, leaving enough space between the segments for a narrow walking/picking path.

4. From the centre of the mandala, form a keyhole radiating into the middle of each segment (or form a keyhole from the centre of the outer curved edge of each segment towards the centre of the mandala itself). These keyholes are invaluable for allowing easy picking of your vegetables as every part of the mandala should be at arm's length.

5. With most of the hard work completed, all there is left to do now is to barrow in top soil (if you have it), some well rotted manure and compost and top with the mulch of your choice – weed-free hay, lucerne hay, rice husks, straw or a sawdust/manure mix.

The paths and keyholes only need a layer of straw over the base sheet mulching, which can be topped up occasionally.

6. Sit back and wait till Spring before planting, to allow the worms to do their work, or even better, plant a green manure crop such as lupins or tick beans (nitrogen fixers) which will later be slashed and left to rot down before your Spring planting.

Handy Hints

1. If you wish you can mark out your mandala circle (taking care to leave your centre marker in place) and plant a crop of potatoes in mulch using the no-dig method. After harvesting the potatoes you will find the soil softened and enriched and worm-infested.

2. After each cropping season feed the mandala with manure/compost, lime, blood and bone, etc., to keep the worms happy and replace lost nutrients.

3. Make the centre of your mandala a useful feature in some way. Alternatively, drag up a chair and an umbrella and sit and enjoy the fruits of your labour and pray for a surplus!

Although the mandala garden will supply you with space for a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, you will probably still need extra beds for mass plantings of vegetables such as potatoes, onions, pumpkins, etc.

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Mandala Garden Design - Initial Layout

Companion Planting Guide

Companion planting is a method of planting different plants together so one plant can improve the growth of another. This is achieved by using a plant with strong defenses to boost the weakness found in other plants, or by attracting the pests away form the main crop.

Scent and Camouflage

Some plants produce scents or chemicals to protect themselves from pests, these can be useful if placed next to a plant that cannot defend itself from a pest attracted by it's own scent. A good example of this would be the Carrot, and the Carrot Root Fly. The Carrot Fly is attracted to the smell of the Carrots especially when you are thinning the crop out. The scent of Carrots is strongest when the leaves are crushed during thinning. So to stop the Root Fly from finding the Carrots place a smellier plant near the Carrots. There are various plants that can achieve this, Onions are a good example. The strong odour given off by the Onions will mask the scent of the Carrots.

Use a 'Honey pot'

If the plant to be protected does not give off a scent, or the pest isCompanion planting with French Marigolds attract hoverflysattracted using another means you could look to use a sacrificial plant to become the victim rather than the crop you are trying to grow. Slugs love Lettuce, but they love Marigolds even more, so use Marigolds as a border to any bed where slugs can be a problem.

Making Allies

Marigolds are also very good at attracting Hoverflys, and Hoverfly Larvae like to eat Aphids, in fact your average Hoverfly Larvae will eat around 800 Aphids before it pupates. Ladybirds are also very good at eating Aphids so attract them with plants like Dill and Fennel.

Repelling Pests

How about repelling the pests? Use plants like Tansy to get rid of Ants. I was trying to find a use for Tansy last month as I had a good crop of it in the front garden. After a bit of searching it turns out this is an ideal solution for repelling Ants, although it should be noted Tansy can be quite invasive, and you may want to keep it in a pot.

Poor Companions

Just as there are good companion planting combinations, there are also bad combinations. Some plants will actually restrict the growth of other plants either by competing for nutrition in the same way, or by excluding incompatible odour's, scents or chemicals.

Other Methods

Companion planting is not restricted to removing the threat of pests, there are also other benefits gained by using certain plants. Peas will build up nodules of Nitrogen on there roots, and when the plant has died the Nitrogen is left to enrich your soil. On and even more subtle level than this Green Manure or even Leaf Mould can also be looked at as a form of Companion Planting.

	Vegetables Common name scientific name Helps Helped by Attracts Repels / Distracts Avoid Comments Alliums Allium fruit trees, nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, etc), brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kohlrabi, etc) carrots carrots slugs, aphids, carrot fly, cabbage worms beans, peas, parsley Alliums include onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives, and others Asparagus Asparagus officinalis Tomatoes Aster Family flowers, Dill ,Coriander, Tomatoes, Parsley, Basil, Comfrey, Marigolds Onion, Garlic, Potatoes Marigolds will deter beetles. Brassicas Brassica geraniums, dill, alliums (onions, shallots, garlic, etc), rosemary, nasturtium, borage mustards, nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, etc) Brassicas are a family of species which include broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kholrabi, and cauliflower. Beans, Phaseolus Corn (see Three Sisters), Spinach, lettuce, rosemary, summer savory, dill, carrots, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry and cucumbers Eggplant, Summer savory California beetles Tomatoes, chili peppers, sunflowers, alliums (onions, garlic, etc), kales (cabbage, broccoli, etc) Hosts nitrogen-fixing bacteria, a good fertilizer for some plants, too much for others Beets, Beta Vulgaris lettuce, kohlrabi, onions and brassicas Catnip, Garlic, Mint Runner or pole beans Good for adding minerals to the soil through composting leafs which have up to 25% magnesium. Runner or pole beans and beets stunt each other's growth. Broccoli Brassica oleracea geraniums, dill, alliums, rosemary, nasturtium, borage mustards, Tomatoes, peppers Rosemary repels cabbage fly, geraniums trap cabbage worms, same general companion profile as all brassica (cabbage, kolhrabi, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc) Cabbage Brassica oleracea geraniums, dill, alliums, rosemary mustards, Tomatoes, peppers strawberries, and pole/runner beans Rosemary repels cabbage flies, geraniums trap cabbage worms, same general companion profile as all brassica (cabbage, kolhrabi, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc) Carrots Daucus carota Tomatoes, Alliums (onions, chives, etc), lettuce alliums (leeks, shallots, etc), rosemary, wormwood, sage, beans, flax assassin bug, lacewing, parasitic wasp, yellow jacket and other predatory wasps Dill, parsnip, radish Tomatoes grow better with carrots, but may stunt the carrots' growth. Beans (which are bad for tomatoes) provide the nitrogen carrots need more than some other vegetables. Aromatic companion plants repel carrot fly. Sage, rosemary, and radishes are recommended by some as companion plants, but listed by others as incompatible. alliums interplanted with carrots confuse onion and carrot flies. For the beneficial insect-attracting properties of carrots to work, they need to be allowed to flower; Otherwise, use the wild carrot, Queen Anne's Lace, for the same effect. Flax produces an oil that may protect root vegetables like carrots from some pests. Celery, Apium graveolens Cosmos, Daisies, Snapdragons corn, Aster flowers, these can transmit the aster yellows disease Corn / Maize Zea mays beans Sunflowers, legumes (beans, peas, soybeans etc), peanuts, curcubits (squash, cucumbers, melons, etc), amaranth, white geranium, lamb's quarters, morning glory, parsley, and potato Tomato, Celery provides beans with a trellis, is protected from predators and dryness by cucurbits, in the three sisters technique Cucumber Cucumis Sativus Nasturtiums, radishes, marigolds, sunflowers peas, beets, carrots, and Dill Beneficial for ground beetles Tomato, Sage Common name scientific name Helps Helped by Attracts Repels / Distracts Avoid Comments Eggplant Solanum melongena Beans, Peppers Marigolds, tarragon, mints Runner beans Marigolds will deter nematodes. Leek Allium ampeloprasum v. porrum Celery, apple trees carrots cabbage worms, aphids, carrot fly, others Legumes (beans, peas, etc) Same companion traits as all alliums (onions, garlic, shallots, chives, etc) Lettuce Lactuca sativa Radish, Kohlrabi, beans, carrots celery, cabbage, cress, parsley Mints (including hyssop, sage, and various "balms") repel slugs, a bane of lettuce and cabbages Mustard Brassicaceae, Sinapis alba Cabbage, cauliflower, radish, brussels sprouts, turnips various pests same general companion profile as all brassica (cabbage, kolhrabi, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc) Nightshades Solanaceae carrots, alliums, mints (basil, oregano, etc) beans, black walnuts, corn, fennel, dill, brassica (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc) Nightshade plants include tomatoes, tobacco, chili peppers (including bell peppers), potatoes, eggplant, and others Peppers Solanaceae, Capsicum themselves, marjoram tomatoes, geraniums, petunias beans, kale (cabbage, brussels sprouts, etc) Pepper plants like high humidity, which can be helped along by planting with some kind of dense-leaf or ground-cover companion, like majoram and basil; they also need direct sunlight, but their fruit can be harmed by it...pepper plants grown together, or with tomatoes, can shelter the fruit from sunlight, and raises the humidity level. Onion Allium cepa Tomatoes, Kales (broccoli, cabbage, etc) Carrots aphids, carrot fly, other pests beans, peas, parsley Same companion traits as all other alliums (chives, garlic, shallots, leeks, etc) Potato Solanum tuberosum Horseradish Sunflower, Tomato, Cucumber horseradish increases the disease resistance of potatoes Pumpkin Squash Curcurbita spp corn, beans Buckwheat, catnip, tansy, radishes Spiders, Ground Beetles Flea Beetles are warded off by radishes, Curcurbita can be used in the three sisters technique Spinach Spinacia oleracea Peas, Beans The peas and beans provide natural shade for the spinach Tomatoes Solanum lycopersicum roses, peppers, asparagus basil, oregano, parsley, carrots, marigold, Alliums, celery, Geraniums, Petunias, Nasturtium, Borage asparagus beetle Black walnut, corn, fennel, peas, dill, potatoes, beetroot, kales (kohlrabi, cabbage, etc), rosemary Black walnuts inhibit tomato growth, in fact they are allelopathic to all other nightshade plants (chili pepper, potato, tobacco, petunia) as well, because it produces a chemical called juglone.

	Herbs Common name scientific name Helps Helped by Attracts Repels / Distracts Avoid Comments Basil Ocimum basilicum tomato, peppers, oregano, asparagus, petunias chamomile, anise butterflies asparagus beetle, mosquitoes and flies common rue, sage is said to make tomatoes taste better, chamomile and anise are supposed to increase the essential oils in many herbs like basil Borage Borago officinalis Almost everything, especially strawberry, cucurbits (cucumber, gourds), tomatoes Predatory insects, honeybees many pests Borage is the magic bullet of companion plants Caraway Carum carvi Strawberries Parasitic wasps, parasitic flies Chamomile Matricaria recutita Basil, Wheat, Onion, Cabbage, Cucumber Hoverflies, wasps Growing near herbs will increase their oil production. Chervil Anthriscus cerefolium Radish, lettuce, broccoli aphids loves shade, fortunately it grows well with shade-tolerant food plants; will make radishes grown near it taste spicier Cilantro / Coriander Coriandrum sativum spinach beans, peas tachinid fly aphids chives Allium schoenoprasum Apples, carrots, tomatoes, brassica (broccoli, cabbage, mustard, etc), many others carrots cabbage worms, carrot fly, aphids beans, peas Same companion traits as all alliums (onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, etc)said to prevent apple scab after 3 years planting at base of apple trees Dill Anethum graveolens Cabbages, Corn, Lettuce, Onions, Cucumbers Hoverflies, Wasps, Tomato Horn Worms, honeybees, Ichneumonid Wasps Aphids, spider mites, squash bugs, cabbage looper carrots, tomatoes one of the few plants said to grow with fennel Fennel Foeniculum vulgare Dill Dill ladybugs, syrphid fly, tachinid fly aphids Almost everything Fennel is allelopathic to most garden plants, inhibiting growth, causing to bolt, or actually killing many plants Garlic Allium sativum Apple trees, Pear trees, Roses, Cucumbers, Peas, Lettuce, Celery Aphids, cabbage looper, ants, rabbits, cabbage maggot Deters rabbits, same companion traits as all alliums (onions, chives, shallots, leeks, etc) Hemp Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa Brassica (cabbage, brussels sprouts, other kales) Repels many types of beetles which attack cabbages. Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis Cabbage, grapes honeybees, butterflies Cabbage moth larvae, Cabbage Butterflies Stimulates growth of grapes. Lovage Levisticum officinale Almost all plants beans Ichneumonid Wasps, ground beetles (good) rhubarb Is thought to improve the health of almost all plants, like borage and geraniums, is considered a "magic bullet" of companion planting Oregano Origanum vulgare Tomatoes, peppers, many other plants basil aphids provides ground cover and much-needed humidity for pepper plants if allowed to spread among them Peppermint Mentha piperita Brassica (cabbage, kholrabi, broccoli, and the other kales) cabbage fly, ants, cabbage looper Repels cabbage flies, has same general companion properties as other mints Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis sage, cabbage, beans, carrots bean beetle Deters cabbage flies, repels many bean parasites Sage Salvia officinalis rosemary, cabbage, beans, carrots honeybees, cabbage butterfly cabbage flies, carrot fly, black flea beetle, cabbage looper, cabbage maggot Deters cabbage flies, repels many bean parasites Southernwood Artemisia abrotanum Fruit trees Controls cabbage moths and malaria mosquitoes. Spearmint Mentha spicata ants, aphids Controls ants and aphids, has same general companion properties as other mints. Summer Savoury Satureja hortensis Green beans, onions, also delays germination of certain foul herbs Tansy Tanacetum vulgare beans, cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, etc), corn, roses honeybees flying insects(Ichneumonid Wasps), Japanese beetles, striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs and ants Is reputed to generally repel insects (except for nectar-eating types). This herb should not be consumed, as it is quite toxic.

	Flowers Common Name Latin Name Helps Helped by Attracts Repels / Distracts Avoid Comments Geraniums Pelargonium spp. Roses, tomatoes, peppers, grapes leafhoppers, Japanese beetles A trap crop, attracting pests away from roses and grape vines, distracts beet leafhoppers, carrier of the curly top virus, away from Solanaceous plants like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and tobacco Marigold Asteraceae Calendula officinalis most plants, especially tomatoes and peppers, cucurbits (cucumbers, gourds, squash), brassicas (broccoli, kale, cabbage) nematodes, beet leaf hoppers, other pests Marigolds are a wonder-drug of the companion plant world, invoking the saying "plant them everywhere in your garden". French marigolds produce a pesticidal chemical from their roots, so strong it lasts years after they are gone. Mexican marigolds do the same, but are so strong they will inhibit the growth of some more tender herbs. Certain Varieties of marigolds (Tagetes) can help manage eelworms (Root-knot nematode) when planted the year before[1]. Petunia Petunia x hybrida cucurbits (squash, pumpkins, cucumbers), asparagus leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, aphids, asparagus beetle Is a trap crop almost identical to geraniums in function Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus Many plants, especially cucurbits (melons, cucumbers, gourds), beans, tomatoes, apple trees, brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc), radish predatory insects aphids, cabbage looper, squash bug, white fly, cucumber beetles radish, cauliflower Both work as trap crops for aphids, is among the best at attracting predatory insects Sunflower Helianthus annuus corn, tomatoes aphids Was grown as a companion for corn(maize) before modern Europeans arrived in the Americas, supposedly increases their production, ants herd aphids onto sunflowers, keeping them off neighboring plants Tansy Tanacetum vulgare cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, etc), raspberries and relatives, roses, corn sugar ants, Japanese beetles, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, mice Toxic to many animals, don't plant it where livestock browse Yarrow Achillea millefolium many plants predatory wasps, ladybugs, hoverflies, damselbugs May increase the essential oil production of some herbs. Also improves soil quality, use the leaves to enrich compost, or as mulch.

http://www.the-gardeners-calendar.co.uk/

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UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

Siberian Cedar Nut Oil is one of the most effective products for the prolongation of life. Just why is it so beneficial? The fact is that Siberian Cedar Nut Oil is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

It turned out that Cedar nut kernels contain more protein than in many types of meat. Moreover, the protein from the Cedar nut is assimilated by the body almost completely, which is also a great rarity. In addition, the nut contains almost all the amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins necessary for our body, as well as a wonderful collection of mineral substances and trace elements.

1. Unsaturated fatty acids constitute a prophylactic measure against atherosclerosis (the cause of one out of every two deaths!).

In the course of our entire lifespan a fatty substance is deposited on the walls of our vessels: bad cholesterol. At first, this results in the tissues and organs of our body receiving an insufficient amount of fresh blood, and the body begins little by little to become decrepit. In the end, the process may terminate with the complete obstruction of the vessels. At worst, the obstruction of the coronary arteries can lead to death from a heart attack; the obstruction of the vessels of the brain can lead to a stroke (cerebral hemorrhage); and the obstruction of the vessels of the extremities can lead to gangrene with the possibility of amputation. Unfortunately, heart attacks and strokes are affecting ever younger individuals.

You have no doubt heard that "like is dissolved by like." And so, there is a way to dissolve cholesterol deposits and to prevent cholesterol from being deposited in the future. To accomplish this, we need only to act on the fatty cholesterol with another, more active fat! These super-active fats include precisely polyunsaturated fatty acids.

In childhood I played table tennis. The success of the player in this sport strongly depends on the ability to put a spin on the ball - it makes it very difficult for the opponent to return. It is important here that the rubber covering on the paddle is perfectly clean and "clings" well. Over time, the covering becomes dirty and greasy, and putting a spin on the ball becomes impossible. My older friends suggested that I rub the covering with Siberian Cedar Nut Oil (an active fat), place the paddle in a plastic bag overnight, and in the morning wash the covering with soap. Indeed, after this procedure, the coverings were like new. This made a strong impression on me at the time, all the more so because good coverings were very expensive, and the ability to transform them in such a simple way seemed to be a miracle. But in principle, it was all very simple: the more active fat dissolved the fat on the coverings and, together with it, all the dirt. The situation is exactly the same with our vessels. The active polyunsaturated fatty acids of Siberian Cedar Nut Oil (omega-3 acids), taken regularly, dissolve cholesterol deposits on the walls of our vessels, and a person will never be taken ill with atherosclerosis!

2. Unsaturated fatty acids are the building material of the cells.

The casings of our cells, that is, the membranes, mainly consist precisely of polyunsaturated fatty acids. During the course of our vital activities, the membranes wear out, but are constantly renewed with the help of the "building materials" present in the organism. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are the most important of these. It is clear to everyone that, in the event of a lack of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the cells regenerate more poorly, and are more quickly destroyed and age. Especially dangerous is a deficiency of unsaturated fatty acids for the most delicate and vulnerable cells of the vessels of the brain and heart, and the heart itself.

3. Unsaturated fatty acids are prophylaxis against sudden death from cardiac arrest.

Cedar (Pine) Nut Oil

Scientists from the National Institute of Gerontology write: "At the present time, a connection has been demonstrated between the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids from natural products (Siberian Cedar Nut Oil contains unsaturated fatty acids - note R.D.) and so-called sudden death, which is usually regarded as a manifestation of acute cardiovascular pathology. In the USA, for example, it is well known that more than half of those who die suddenly did not have a history of cardiovascular disease, so therefore a practically universal prophylaxis is the most expedient course. It has been proven that even one dose of polyunsaturated fatty acids from natural products per week reduces the frequency of sudden death more than twofold. The presumptive influence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet is a prophylactic measure for ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial hypoxia, and balancing the electrolyte metabolism and acid-base equilibrium."

Indeed, numerous sources indicate that a large number of people who died suddenly from cardiac arrest did not have any suspicion about possible problems with their heart. It is evident that, if the one-time use of polyunsaturated fatty acids from natural products in a week reduces the risk of sudden death more than twofold, the regular use of Siberian Cedar Nut Oil will provide much more benefit!

In addition to the three effects listed above, polyunsaturated fatty acids possess an entire range of remarkable beneficial properties:

polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce the risk of many cancers; polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce arterial pressure (prophylaxis against dangerous hypertension); polyunsaturated fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect; polyunsaturated fatty acids strengthen the immune system (immunity is responsible for rejuvenation, etc); polyunsaturated fatty acids improve the viscosity of the blood (prophylaxis against blood clots, etc.); polyunsaturated fatty acids improve the condition of the skin, hair, etc.; finally, unsaturated fatty acids possess a moderate anti-oxidant effect.

In a word, the use of Siberian Cedar Nut Oil is extremely important, beneficial, and vitally essential for us. Many specialists regard Siberian Cedar Nut Oil as one of the most effective substances for the prolongation of life and preventive treatment for a variety of diseases! I will only add that polyunsaturated fatty acids are not synthesized in the body and, just as several dozen other elements, must necessarily come from the outside.

Siberian Cedar Nut Oil may be used at any age (the earlier, the better). The effective dose is up to several grams in a twenty-four hour period. There are no side effects or contraindications - this is, after all, a natural product. A course of treatment should last one to two months, with two to three courses of treatment in a year.

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PRESERVING THE HARMONY OF HEALTH AT MATURITY WITH CEDAR NUT OIL

by Dr. Maria Kazakova
Ural State Medical Academy, Ekaterinburg

"Health depends much more on our eating habits than on the physician's art."
D. Leybok

Today it has now been demonstrated that, in order to maintain the vitally important functions of the organism, the intake of a full set of all nutritional elements in their natural, organic form is necessary. This is exceptionally important in the period of age-related hormonally based physiological change in the organism, and requires special measures to maintain the high level of internal reserves that ensure stability in the interaction of the organism's systems.

Only natural, organic, "living" products, which provide us with the vital energy of biologically active substances, are capable of maintaining the harmony of life to the fullest extent.

The oil of the Siberian cedar has long been valued for its ability to increase endurance and strength, preserve youth, and maintain the reproductive functions.

Cedar oil possesses unsurpassed health-improving qualities that beneficially regulate fat metabolism in the human organism, and are effective for the prophylaxis of disorders of the fat metabolism, cholelithiasis, and atherosclerosis.

Cedar oil possesses high energy potential and chemical potential, contains a vitamin-mineral complex unique in the quality and quantity of its composition, the balanced combination of this complex provides the basis for its proper assimilation by the organism.

Having an anti-oxidant and membrane-stabilizing action, Siberian cedar nut oil strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves the blood supply to the tissues, facilitates the normalization of fat metabolism, improves the digestive organs, and maintains the functions of the nervous system.

Siberian cedar nut oil contains natural compounds that have the ability to maintain the balance of the human sex hormones, which is basic for the preservation of the physical form and quality of health at this physiological age. The ingestion of Siberian cedar nut oil will help to diminish the manifestation of the menopausal syndrome in women: sleep disturbances, irritability, tendency to perspire, fluctuations in blood pressure, bouts of palpitation, lessening of the ability to work.

5% Turpentine Balsam

The use of Siberian cedar nut oil makes it possible to slow aging and improve sexual function, and facilitates the prolongation of youth and attractiveness.

In women who are more than 50 years of age, the number of cases of ischemic heart disease increases in comparison to the previous period by 8 to 10 times, and is often complicated by myocardial infarction. The timely and regular ingestion of Siberian cedar nut oil makes it possible to maintain the balance of sex hormones (estrogens) and lower the risk of the development of coronary heart disease in this age group.

A frequent pathology at this age is osteoporosis. This means that, in your bones, there is a decrease in the quantity of calcium, which is essential for maintaining the strength of the bony tissue. Normal calcium metabolism in the organism is possible in the presence of magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins A, C, D, E, and a sufficient level of estrogens.

Siberian cedar nut oil provides you with all these vitamins and trace elements in biological form, which makes possible to prevent the development of osteoporosis.

Phytoestrogens in the composition of Siberian cedar nut oil also possess antioxidant and antitumor action, and strengthen the antisclerotic effect of all the components of the product.

The regular ingestion of Siberian cedar nut oil reduces the risk of the beginning of hormonally dependent tumoral processes (mastopathy, cancer of the mammary gland, cancer of the prostate).

An improvement in the quality of nutrition due to the regular inclusion in the food allowance of Siberian cedar nut oil makes it possible to create conditions that maintain the harmony and preservation of health.

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Used by permission.
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CEDAR NUT OIL FOR THE HAIR

Any oil, whether it is plant, olive, burdock, or sea buckthorn, can be successfully replaced by cedar nut oil. This only serves to intensify its effect. But it is difficult to replace cedar nut oil with anything else, since it contains much more vitamin E - which is simply essential for our organism - than does olive or coconut oil. And it also contains a large quantity of valuable vitamin F.

Cedar nut oil has practically no contraindications, and is in high demand in cooking, in medicine, and even in cosmetology. It is the basis for various creams, masks, scrubs for the face and hands, perfumes, and lotions.

Cedar nut oil is simply essential for the hair. After all, it provides very meticulous care for the hair, makes it manageable and strong. In addition, cedar oil restores the structure of the hair, protects it from splitting, gives it luster, and makes combing easier.

Cedar nut oil for the hair - Folk recipes

HAIR MASK BASED ON CEDAR NUT OIL

This mask is intended for dry and damaged hair. It is made as follows:

Beat one egg yolk well and mix it with one tablespoon of cedar nut oil. Place the prepared mixture on the entire surface of the hair, with the exception of the roots, and wrap the hair in a towel. The longer the mask is kept on the hair, the more thoroughly will the hair become impregnated with the wholesome vitamins and substances. A minimum of one hour. It is recommended that this procedure be repeated once a week, and in one month the hair will be completely restored.

HAIR MASK OF CEDAR NUT OIL DANDRUFF

Mix one tablespoon of cedar nut oil with one tablespoon of strong, freshly brewed tea, and add one tablespoon of vodka. Place the prepared mask on the hair, rubbing it well both into the roots and over the entire surface, and leave it for two hours. After completing the procedure, wash your hair with shampoo. In order to eliminate dandruff completely, it is recommended that this procedure be repeated twice a week for a month.

FORTIFYING HAIR MASK

Mix one tablespoon of kefir with one tablespoon of cognac, one tablespoon of cedar nut oil, one tablespoon of sea salt, and one tablespoon of honey. To this mixture add two tablespoons of onion juice, and place the resulting mask on the hair, rubbing it well into the roots and distributing it over the entire length of the hair. Place a heat cap over this, and leave it for one hour. After completing the procedure, wash the hair with shampoo, and rinse the hair with water to which apple vinegar has been added (in the proportion of 50:50).

CEDAR NUT MILK TO STRENGTHEN THE HAIR

Crush a handful of shelled cedar nuts very finely in a small mortar, gradually adding water a little at a time until a thick gruel is obtained. Pour the resulting gruel into a ceramic pot and place it into an oven preheated to 60 degrees C for one hour. The prepared milk should then be rubbed into the scalp each day over the course of two weeks. With regular use of this remedy, the hair can become twice as thick.

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Our Unique Production Technique:

Cedar Nut Sheller This equipment and method of shelling Siberian Cedar Nuts brings the difference in the quality of "RINGING CEDARS OF RUSSIA" Siberian Cedar Kernels and Siberian Cedar Nut Oil

Cedar Nut Oil Press This equipment and method of pressing Siberian Cedar Nuts brings the difference in the quality of "RINGING CEDARS OF RUSSIA" Siberian Cedare Nut Oil

The brand name "THE RINGING CEDARS OF RUSSIA" stands for business integrity, decency and the highest possible quality of product. All products marketed under this brand name convey the primordial power of Nature and the warmth of our hearts. We offer:

A variety of high-quality cedar products, including cedar nuts and cedar nut oil.

Huge plantations of cedar trees grow in the Siberian taiga, said to be the ecologically purest area of the world. The virgin forest of the taiga has never been treated with any chemicals or artificial fertilisation, nor abused by agricultural machines.

Cedar nuts (the seeds of the cedar tree) take two years to mature, during which time the tree accumulates a huge volume of positive cosmic energy. Crops of nuts are harvested manually by people lovingly devoted to this task, working in a pleasant environment without undue haste to create unique products full of positive energy reflecting the infinite powers of Nature. Specific preparations include:

We pick only cedar cones which fall naturally from the trees, thus ensuring that only ripe cones are selected. We always avoid hitting the trees to shake unripe cedar cones down (as happens with some other commercial operations) -- a practice which causes the nuts to lose their healing power.

Cones are then manually shelled with the help of wooden shell-removers. Nut centres are separated from their shells using wooden rollers.

Cedar nut oil and cedar nut flour marketed under our brand name are obtained by the cold-pressure method, using manual wooden oil-presses.

Cedar nut oil is then stored in special containers and packed in a small village near Novosibirsk by name "Kandayrovo" using unique technology to avoid any contact with metal. The whole process is strictly supervised to ensure it complies with all sanitary requirements.

Final products are placed in special packaging to prevent daylight penetration, and stored at a temperature of 0C to +5C to better preserve the product's natural components. The resulting product is a bright gold-coloured liquid with the pleasant smell of cedar nuts. It is a 100% natural product with strong healing powers.

SIBERIAN CEDAR NUT OIL

Siberian Cedar nuts (cedar nuts) contain about 60% oil. They are therefore pressed to obtain Cedar nut oil, which is available on the market as a very expensive gourmet cooking oil. Cold pressing in all-wooden presses is preferred to retain the nutritional properties of nuts and derive the oil of highest quality.

The Cedar nut oil bearing "The Ringing Cedars of Russia" brand comes exclusively from wild-harvested Siberian Cedar nuts - one of the most nutritious Cedar nuts in the world. In comparison, other Cedar nut oils are usually pressed from the Italian pignolia Cedar nuts, which are not nearly as potent and are often harvested from trees growing in plantations. Our Siberian Cedar nut oil is extra virgin (100% cold pressed from freshly shelled raw Siberian Cedar nuts), whereas most Cedar nut oils on the market are either not cold pressed or even pressed from roasted (!) Cedar nuts, which significantly decreases the oil value. Finally, "The Ringing Cedars of Russia" Siberian Cedar nut oil is the only one which is available on the market anywhere in the world pressed with wooden presses in accordance with traditional techniques described in Vladimir Megre's life-changing book "The Ringing Cedars of Russia". In contrast, all other Cedar nut oils are pressed using steel presses, which immediately degrades them (contact with steel oxidizes some of the Cedar nut oil's most important ingredients such as vitamins, and is known to remove the 'life force' from the oil).

Cedar nut oil has also traditionally been used in ancient Russian and European natural medicine to cure a wide array of ailments - ingested (decreasing blood pressure, boosting immune system resistance, etc.) or applied externally (a range of dermatological disorders). It is also used in expensive cosmetics.

Cedar nut oil contains pinolenic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and is marketed in the U.S. as a means stimulate cell proliferation, prevent hypertension, decrease blood lipid and blood sugar, and inhibit allergic reactions.

Copyright: http://www.RingingCedarsOfRussia.org/

ASPARAGUS SALAD

Ingredients:
12 spears of thick asparagus, sliced into 1/4-inch thick coins
5 - 6 broccolini (or broccoli) florets, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
big pinch of salt
1 small shallot, chopped
3 tablespoons cedar nut oil
1/4 cup cedar nuts, toasted, and coarsely chopped
7 tiny radishes, washed trimmed and very thinly sliced
zest of one lemon
a bit of shaved parmesan

Preparation:

Wash the asparagus and broccolini well and set aside. Make the dressing by whisking together the lemon juice, salt, shallot and cedar nut oil. Stir in the cedar nuts. Set aside.

To cook the asparagus, place a splash of cedar nut oil along with a couple pinches of salt in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot add the asparagus and broccolini. Toss well and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for one minute. Stir again, taste a piece, and cover again for another minute - but only if needed. You don't want to overcook the vegetables here, they should be bright and with a bit of bite to them. When the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the heat and stir in the radishes and lemon zest. Taste, add a bit of salt if needed. Toss with 1/3 of the cedar nut dressing, adding more as needed.

Turn everything out onto a platter and finish with some shaved Parmesan.

Serves 2 - 3

TROPICAL COUSCOUS

Citrus juices, mango, fresh ginger, and herbs give a tropical flair to couscous. This pasta dish is incredibly fast and easy to make. It is served at room temperature so it's a great choice for buffets and parties.

Ingredients:
2-1/4 cups fresh orange juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1 box (10 ounces) couscous
2 Tbsp cedar nut oil
2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp dried
2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 mango, peeled, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup cedar nuts, toasted

Preparation:

Bring orange juice and cumin to boiling in a medium-size saucepan. Add couscous and cover. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Remove to a large bowl; cool.

Mix cedar nut oil, soy sauce and lime juice in a small bowl. Stir into couscous. Stir in cilantro, basil, chives, ginger, mango, and orange. Sprinkle with cedar nuts.

Yield: 8 servings

CEDAR NUT AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA

Pasta is stir-fried with the rich flavors of pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan for a quick meal. You can have this easy pasta dish on the table in less than 30 minutes. Good as an entree with a salad and bread or use as a side dish. Be sure the pasta is well-drained. The oil will spit and pop when it contacts water.

Ingredients:
12 ounces pasta (fusilli or rigatoni) cooked al dente and drained well
5 Tablespoons cedar nut oil, divided use
2/3 cup toasted cedar nuts
2/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/8 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of the cedar nut oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the well-drained pasta and stir-fry until pasta begins to brown at the edges. Remove to a large bowl.

To the skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cedar nut oil. Stir-fry the cedar nuts and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute. Add to the pasta along with the parsley, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings

www.101cookbooks.com/; http://homecooking.about.com/

For Educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
These articles come directly from researchers and are passed on to everybody. The company assumes no liability for any content in these articles.

For more great articles go to http://www.ringingcedarsofrussia.org/cedar_nuts_and_ringing_cedars_information.php

ESSENTIAL-OILS.PRO

History of Aromatherapy

For millenniums humanity has been discovering mysterious properties of plants. Knowledge obtained through experiments and researches and its systematization resulted in a new science - Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is an art of healing by means of plant aromas. Aromatherapy emerged long before it was thought as a science. Have you noticed how easily you breathe when you are walking in a forest? How nice it is to feel piny wood scent and redolence of green pine needles and resin! This is a natural aromatherapy.

According to the first manuscripts with fragrance recipes aromatherapy has been used for 6000 years! In Egypt the use of aromatherapy is confirmed by earthenware tablets that described embalming process by means of aromatics.

Ancient people perfectly understood aromatic and therapeutic properties of plants. Contemporary civilization just begins to uncover the value of aromatherapy hidden treasures.

In the ancient times aromatic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties of essential-oil plants were known and widely used from Babylon and Persia to India and China. In the old medical texts of these countries, written around 3000 years ago, many herbs and their utilization were described. Plants whose aromas were able to impact on consciousness were burned during religious ceremonies.

The resins that were used for incense were highly therapeutic; they influenced on respiratory system and immersed priests into meditative state. Egyptians applied fragrances from perfumery and cosmetics to medicine and mummification. Some perfume jars still smell with fragrance that was kept there 3200 years ago. Also Egyptians used aromas for skin care, washing clothes, added them into vine and food. Frankincense oil used to be burned in honor of Egyptian God Ra, it also was a great component in skin care recipes. Cedar and Myrrh oils were used for embalming. As it turned out essential oils of cedar and myrrh contained elements with strong prophylactic and antiseptic properties, which allowed mummies be preserved for a very long time. Egyptians acquired a reputation of perfume experts; however, they were not familiar with essential oil extraction methods and used only infusions and ointments.

Greeks continued researches in aromatherapy. They found new uses for essential oils in medicine. Ancient thinker and pharmacologist Pedanius Dioscorides wrote a book about healing with herbs "De Materia Medica". This book had been very popular in Europe for 12 centuries. Many recipes offered in this book are still useful today. Another Greek physician Hippocrates - the founder of contemporary scientific medicine composed a work where 236 plants and their medical use were described. Reflecting Greek philosophy of his time, Hippocrates approached patient as a unified whole and as a part of nature. He believed that plants contain medical elements in optimal combination and thus they heal better when unprocessed or as natural juices.

Romans based their knowledge on Greeks' aromatherapy achievements. Their innovation was in bringing aromatic plants and ingredients from Aravia and Eastern India. With new plants more deceases could be cured. Romans paid a lot of attention to the aromatic properties of plants. In antique Rome and Greece perfumery with floral scents was booming, the essential oils were widely used in steam baths as a daily ritual. Many Greek doctors served in Roman army and carried their aromatherapy knowledge through different countries. Ancient Greek philosophers believed that essential oils were given to people by Olympus Gods as a means of supreme light, awakening love.

After the collapse of Roman Empire, Arabic perfumers improved aromatherapy knowledge. They were the first who applied steam distillation for extracting essential oil from rose petals. This invention is believed to belong to Avicenna, philosopher and a physician of Middle East. He described more than 800 medical means that were mostly of botanical origin. In his book "The Canon of Medicine" he described steam distillation method which is used nowadays as well.

European aromatherapy was developing in medieval times. During crusades Arabic fragrances were spread over entire Europe. Plant's medical properties were intensively studied at the times of pestilence spread. Branches of lavender and cypress were burned on the streets. It was the only protection against Black Death that people knew.

In the ninetieth century with the development of synthetic pharmacology the importance of aromatherapy began to decrease. However, when it was noticed that synthetic products caused multiple complications the interest in aromatherapy arose again.

In 1930, French scientist-chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse put into practice a term of Aromatherapy. His family owned a perfumery fabric, and, according to the legend, Maurice, working in a laboratory, burned his hand badly. By reflex, he dipped his hand into lavender oil that was standing by. Later he was so amazed watching mystical recovery and disappearance of scars on his hand. As a result he dedicated his live to researches about essential oil cosmetic and dermatological properties.

French physician Jean Valnet significantly expanded uses of aromatherapy. He was using essential oils for disinfection of wounds and for internal organs spasms relieving. In 1964 he published a book "Practice of Aromatherapy" triggering the aromatherapy practice in Europe. Homeopathic clinics, practicing aromatherapy were build in Paris, Sveden and England where obvious rejuvenation properties of essential oils were studied.

Contemporary aromatherapy is first of all a prophylactic and healthful method of maintaining good psycho-emotional and physical fitness. It is a therapy that relieves everyday stress and prevents development of infirmity. In Canada, US, Europe and Japan thousands of aromatherapy clinics operate, aromatherapy books are published and scientific laboratories are working, continuing the tradition of aromatherapy use.

With the growing popularity of aromatherapy many people get familiarized with therapeutic properties of essential oils and start using them at home on a daily basis.

On the current market the world leading Essential Oil company is Young Living Essential Oils. Young Living's line of pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and essential oil blends are sourced from the world's finest plants. They are not diluted with chemical and synthetic additives and are carefully prepared to maintain plant integrity. This commitment to purity makes Young Living products the world's highest-quality essential oil line.

Part of the proceeds go to the creation of an Eco-Village.

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For Educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
These articles come directly from researchers and are passed on to everybody. The company assumes no liability for any content in these articles.

For more great articles go to http://www.ringingcedarsofrussia.org/infoE.php#articles

Message submitted from: Radha Theresa,

Address: 83 Cassilis St Coonabarabran NSW Australia Phone number: 0268424778
Email: capricorndancer@live.com.au
Title: Vedruss Kins Oasis
User classifieds ad:
Calling Vedruss! A Kin's Village is called into being in Coonabarabran, Australia. If you feel called to participate, please email Radha or Chris for more details - capricorndancerlive.com.au

Shambhala-Shasta

SUCCESS!!!
The Anastasia Eco-settlement project has found its home in North America on Sacred Motherland!

Many great thanks to all of you who contributed to this success and to many who have supported this dream and vision with your love from near and far.

Shambhala-Shasta community has taken back 466 acres of prestine motherland. Free and clear. No debt. No Encumbrances. No liens. Free and clear!!!

To freedom, independance and sovereignty!!!

The community will steadily grow out from here as we are bordered on the east and north by national forests.

More to come soon after our visit to our motherland in the next few days.

We have several settlers who have begun the intake process and purchased their domains. If you are ready and feel the beat in your heart, come and join!!!

http://shambhala-shasta.org/become/

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