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http://www.naturalnews.com/027622_herbs_herbal_tea.html

(NaturalNews) It is well documented that drinking herbal teas can benefit health as well as contribute to a feeling of relaxation. Herbs can be used fresh or dried. Drying them at home will generally mean cheaper and fresher herbal tea than teas that are shop bought. All herbal teas have health benefits - they may soothe stress, relieve indigestion and lower rate of cancers by serving as antioxidants, and most contain some vitamins or minerals. Caution does need to be exercised, however. Do not overdo quantities and consult a qualified homeopath if pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Tips on How to Dry Herbs

All herbs, including barks, rinds and stalks must be dried properly or they will rot. Over-dried herbs, or herbs left out too long in relentless sunlight will lose their flavor and properties. The ideal spot to dry herbs is a dry, airy place out of the direct sunlight.

Binding a bunch of herbs and hanging them upside down to dry is a method that has been used successfully for centuries. Another method is to lay the herbs flat on a clean towel or absorbent paper, where the air can still circulate.

The herbs should be dry after a period of two to three weeks and should still retain some color although dried out. For a quick solution, herbs can also be oven-dried by arranging the herbs on absorbent paper, turning the oven on to the lowest setting and allowing to dry out. Keep the oven door open and check every ten minutes or so to ensure that the herbs are not cooking or burning.

All teas should be used within three months, discard after this time since they will become stale after long storage. When storing, use an airtight container.

The following recipes can be used with fresh or dried herbs:

Relaxing Bedtime Herbal Tea Recipe

4 cups water
3 tsp linden flowers
3 tsp chamomile
1 tsp orange zest (no white pith)
1/4 tsp stevia or 1/2 tsp honey

Brew, discard herbs and enjoy.

Cold and Flu Tea (serves one)

3 slices fresh ginger
5 - 10 leaves chopped fresh sage or 2 tsp dried sage
2 - 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp raw honey
juice of half a lemon
dash of cayenne pepper

Brew, steep herbs for a few minutes, discard herbs and add the lemon, honey and pepper.

Soothing and Refreshing Teas

Experiment with a flavor that suits you for the following recipes:

English lavender flowers and lemon grass. Brew for a gentle, stress relieving tea

Lemon grass and peppermint with a little dried grated orange rind (avoid the pith). Brew for a drink after a hot and stressful day.

Parts Bergamot leaves and a few Bergamot flowers, 1 part lemon verbena leaves, a little dried grated orange rind. Brew for an enlivening start to the day.

http://www.herb.co.za/herb-gardenin...
http://www.herbal-meds-online.com/H...
http://www.ageless.co.za/ginger.htm

http://www.naturalnews.com/027621_consciousness_foods.html

(NaturalNews) As talked about in "Understanding Consciousness" part 1, a large part of our consciousness comes from our thoughts and thought patterns. But a large part of our consciousness also comes from what we put inside our bodies. The foods we eat literally affect our consciousness and probably more than most realize.

Dr. Richard Anderson tells us in Cleanse and Purify Thyself about 1960s studies that took a look at the behavior of worms after they had eaten other worms. First, the researchers trained a group of worms to do various tricks. Then, they fed those trained worms to a different group of worms that hadn't been trained to do those tricks. Within a short period, the untrained worms were - without any training - doing the tricks that the trained worms they'd eaten were able to do.

Dr. Anderson explains that the consciousness of the trained worms passed onto the untrained worms. From a larger picture perspective, it tells us that we absorb the consciousness of what we eat.

The problem with this is that most of the population regularly eats animals. At a minimum, the animals are fearful at the end - when they are murdered. And that murder infuses them with the consciousness of fear, anger, and likely hate.

These days, the animals that people eat are also horribly mistreated. They're fed diets that are totally inappropriate for their biological design. These diets produce disease and toxicity in the physical body, which can directly influence disease and toxicity in the mental and emotional bodies.

Many animals are forced to live in crowded conditions that resemble concentration camps and physical abuse is common. This makes the animals fearful, and it's sad to see a population that largely doesn't think twice about consuming them. It's worse to see a population that doesn't understand they're slowly taking on fear-based consciousness in this manner - or that such consciousness will affect them in ways they likely can't imagine.

Consciousness is a tricky thing. We can't see it; we can't touch it. But we can feel it, and it affects everything in our world. Our consciousness affects our own reality intimately, and our collective consciousness has produced exactly the world we live in.

However, many people are better understanding the reality of the world we're living in. It's war-torn, greed-oriented and fear-driven, and far too many people are complacent about the suffering of others - as long as their own needs are met.

World governments are currently under the impression that they can poison whole populations with mandatory and toxic drugs, while they steal basic human rights and actively destroy our food supply with poisons and genetically corrupted crops. At the same time, world governments are working to make herbs, nutrients, and accurate information about them difficult to access.

When understanding this reality, many don't like where our collective consciousness has gotten us and where it's taking us. If you're one of them, one of the best places to start for change is with yourself. After you've elevated your own consciousness out of fear and into a standard love-based consciousness, you'll be in an excellent position to help others, who want to upgrade their consciousness, do the same. Because, when masses of the population are living in the consciousness of love, we simply won't have the problems that are so evident today.

More:
Cleanse and Purify Thyself (book 1), Dr. Richard Anderson, N.D., N.M.D.
"Memory Transfer Through Cannibalism in Planaria", Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 1962; Volume 3, Supplement 1, pg S42-48.
Molecules of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine, Candace B. Pert, Ph.D.

http://www.naturalnews.com/027624_deodorant_aluminum.html

(NaturalNews) Most consumers don't know it, but antiperspirant deodorant products often contain extremely toxic chemicals and heavy metals that can cause severe harm to the human nervous system. To rub such products under the arms is inviting the absorption of these harmful chemicals, which many believe will inevitably lead to cancer or neurological problems (such as Alzheimer's disease).

Here, we present a rather alarming collection of information from some of the industry's top health authors who discuss the toxic chemicals commonly found in antiperspirants and deodorants. Don't rub another product on your skin until you read this information!

Aluminum is common in antiperspirant / deodorant products
The use of antiperspirant deodorant formulas has been subject to a lot of controversy due to the aluminum base and parabens (chemicals used as preservatives) - among other harsh and toxic substances such as solvents and some fragrances - that are used in many commercial products. Aluminum compounds - particularly aluminum chlorohydrate - are easily absorbed through the skin and have, in the only reported trial to date, already been linked with higher risks of Alzheimer's.
- Toxic Overload: A Doctor's Plan for Combating the Illnesses Caused by Chemicals in Our Foods, Our Homes, and Our Medicine Cabinets by Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton

Nature's Gate Spring Fresh deodorant, which is aluminum-free, still contains DEA. Nature's Gate Spring Fresh deodorant also includes propylene glycol, a common solvent in toothpastes, deodorant, mouthwash, and other personal care items, that is a penetration enhancer and best to avoid. Another kind of ingredient in deodorants and anti-perspirants that may contribute to breast cancer are hormone-disruptive parabans.
- Toxic Beauty: How Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Endanger Your Health . . . And What You Can Do about It by Samuel S. Epstein, Randall Fitzgerald

I prefer their unscented Nature's Deodorant (you may initially catch a mild whiff of coriander when first putting it on), which has the rare characteristics of being both highly effective and safe. But, naturally scented versions of these are also available. Be cautious of "natural" deodorant crystals as they may contain aluminum, and would therefore not be something you would want to use. Most good health food stores, like my local one, Sunseeds, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, are very helpful and can get most things in for you if they don't already have them in stock.
- Toxic Overload: A Doctor's Plan for Combating the Illnesses Caused by Chemicals in Our Foods, Our Homes, and Our Medicine Cabinets by Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton

Use deodorant instead of antiperspirant, since sweat is normal and blocking the pores is not. Especially avoid aluminum, which is found in high levels in the brain plaques linked to Alzheimer's disease. And with deodorants, avoid phthalates, which are plastics used to help the fragrance stay on our skin and block endocrine function, especially in the male fetus. Parabens, which are used as preservatives in these products, should also be avoided since they could be linked to breast cancer.
- You: Staying Young: The Owner's Manual for Extending Your Warranty by Mehmet C. Oz., M.D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D.

Read your deodorant label carefully to see if it contains this substance. Not all of them do, especially those made from natural substances. Even though we all know that good personal hygiene is important, you may want to switch to a personal care product that does not contain aluminum hydroxide.
- Reversing Multiple Sclerosis: 9 Effective Steps to Recover Your Health by Celeste Pepe, Lisa Hammond

During the two decades prior to the first world war, an unprecedented number of creations were unveiled that would transform the formulations of cosmetics, and create a personal care products industry: A deodorant invented in Philadelphia and marketed as "Mum" was followed by other deodorants and anti-perspirants containing aluminum chloride as the active ingredient. The first synthetic hair dye, called "Aureole," was created in the lab of a French chemist. Another chemist, in New York, formulated a synthetic mascara and named the product Maybelline, after his sister Mabel.
- Toxic Beauty: How Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Endanger Your Health . . . And What You Can Do about It by Samuel S. Epstein, Randall Fitzgerald

Most contain aluminum zirconium, which is toxic to the nervous and reproductive systems, a chemical called BHT, which is believed to be a hormonal disrupter and neurotoxin, and various chemicals that give your deodorant stick that distinctive smell. You'll also get another dose of propylene glycol, which helps the deodorant go on so nicely but is linked to irritation and immune toxicity.
- The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps by Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith

Think about the last time you drank a canned beverage, put on deodorant, ate fish, or had a cavity filled at the dentist. Any one of these typical activities potentially exposes the body to toxins from metals. The canned drink and deodorant both contain aluminum, and mercury is a component of dental fillings, and both are extremely toxic metals.
- Health Begins in the Colon by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN

Buying organic food, refusing vaccines with mercury, and buying deodorant without aluminum will create a ripple effect throughout our economy and environment. You can make changes in your life and in your world with the choices you make. What's more, you can make changes in your personal health. You can heal yourself from brain damage by improving your diet, limiting your exposure to toxins, and changing the way you live. You can reverse the effects of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism, Alzheimer's, ADHD, and more - if you know how to.
- Ultra-Metabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss by Mark Hyman

The following conditions can inhibit or impede your body's absorption and/or utilization of phosphorus: too much iron in your cookware or your diet; aluminum deposits from your deodorant, antacid, or cook-ware; vitamin E deficiency; diuretics; alcohol; coffee, tea, or cola; stress; X rays, thyroid medication, cortisone, and aspirin; any other drug; too little vitamin D, or too much; too little calcium, or too much; too much sugar; too much protein; diabetes; starvation; and excess exercise. Whew!
- The Complete Guide to Health and Nutrition by Gary Null

Look for aluminum-free deodorant. As with everything else on this program, finding new products and your rhythm with them may take time. You may have to try one or two shampoos before you find one that works for you. Do 45 minutes of restorative exercise, preferably outside. Practice one core-strengthening exercise today. If you decided to include licorice root and salt in your program, continue taking them.
- Spent: Revive: Stop Feeling Spent and Feel Great Again by Frank Lipman, Mollie Doyle

Eliminate all conventional home care and personal care products from your life: Shampoo, deodorant, soap, cleaners, detergents, dryer sheets, air fresheners, hair spray, hair dye, cosmetics, etc. Replace them all with "green home" and "green personal care" products. Stop eating out of plastic, styrofoam, Teflon and aluminum foil. Eat out of Pyrex or glass containers. For cooking, use iron or stainless steel. Clean your air and water. Never drink tap water. Invest in a good water filter (Lotus Water Treatment System at www.Tersano.com).
- Natural Health Solutions by Mike Adams

Most deodorant products in health food stores are made without aluminum. They contain natural ingredients that fight bacteria, such as tea tree, clay, coriander, lichen and chamomile. One product to look for is Lavilin. It contains calendula and arnica, which kill bacteria.
- Natural Health Secrets From Around the World by Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.

You expressed surprise that someone might use milk of magnesia as an underarm deodorant. I have been using milk of magnesia for several years. Despite my initial skepticism, I've found it to be a remarkably effective antiperspirant. I apply it directly from the bottle using my fingers. It is inexpensive (a bottle lasts months), goes on quickly and easily, has no odor, dries clear, does not stain clothing, and is completely effective in stopping odor and perspiration. It contains no aluminum.
- Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy by Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.

A typical deodorant contains an ingredient that inhibits odor-causing bacteria on the skin, such as triclosan chloride. Most also contain some sort of fragrance to help mask odors. And some contain moisture-absorbing powders such as cornstarch or talc. Antiperspirants, however, contain an additional ingredient that inhibits sweat secretion. "A common sweat-stopping ingredient is aluminum chlorohydrate, which seems to work simply because the pasty material plugs up sweat glands," says Donald R. Miller, Pharm.D., an associate professor of pharmacy at North Dakota State University in Fargo.
- Home Remedies: What Works: Thousands of Americans Reveal Their Favorite Home-Tested Cures for Everyday Health Problems by Gale Maleskey, Brian Kaufman

She doesn't use aluminum kitchen utensils, and she won't use any deodorant that has aluminum mentioned on the label. There has been a lot of controversy in the past few decades over whether aluminum plays any role in the development of Alzheimer's. Scientific studies have come down on both sides of the question. Until this debate is settled once and for all, there's no harm in avoiding aluminum, says Dr. Park. "It's absolutely unclear what the cause and effect is," she says. "Personally, although I seriously doubt there is a connection, I nevertheless threw out my aluminum pans."
- Home Remedies: What Works: Thousands of Americans Reveal Their Favorite Home-Tested Cures for Everyday Health Problems by Gale Maleskey, Brian Kaufman

Antiseptics may be incorporated into deodorant soaps. Deodorants, formerly called "unscented toilet waters" and "sanitary liquid preparations," once contained formaldehyde or benzoic acid, which have been replaced with quaternary ammonium compounds. Deodorant-action, liquid antiperspirants today usually contain aluminum chloride, urea, propylene glycol, and about 75 percent water. Deodorant-action, cream antiperspirants contain aluminum chlorhydroxide, sorbitan monostearate, polox-amers, stearic acid, boric acid, petrolatum, perfume, propylene glycol, and water.
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients by Ruth Winter, M.S.