There are so many ways to use crystals in your life. You can use them for divination, protection and love, or simply wear them as a piece of jewelery. And if you have a problem, crystals can guide you towards the correct course of action.

With so much information widely obtainable, you can easily find the right crystal for you and start programming it to attract what you really want into your life.

Unsure of which crystal to use? The truth is the right one will select you. This is because crystals transmit energy levels and will resonate with your deepest feeling as soon as you first pick one up. As you hold it in your hand you will immediately feel an immense energy. If it feels right then this is the one for you. You must simply trust in your intuition.

When you are sure you have the crystal for your purpose it will need to be cleansed and purified. Since crystals absorb energy from their surroundings this is important as you do not want someone else’s energy imprinted onto your crystal. The best way to do this is by immersing it in a non-metallic container filled with water and dissolved sea salt. You can also cleanse your crystal by holding it under a running tap.

However, with some crystals, contact with water is best avoided and care must also be taken not to scratch any polished crystals. Check with where you purchased your crystal to be sure. When it is cleansed, leave it to dry naturally, preferably in the sun. But again, make sure that this is OK because some crystals are sensitive to sunlight and may crack.

You will then need to programe your crystal. It is essential that you are calm and won’t be disturbed. First, hold it in your hand and state that it will only be used for the highest good. Sit quietly as you focus on your desire. Visualize it clearly. Try to create an image using all your senses. By feeling, hearing, tasting, touching and smelling an imaginary experience, it has all the more chance to manifest itself in the real world.

When you feel that the programming is complete (again, trust your intuition) put down the crystal. Then, depending on its purpose, you can then wear it, carry it in your pocket, put it under your pillow or by your bed at night.

Remember – it is important to keep a positive mind in all creative visualization work; you are programming your crystal to change your life positively. You do not want it to attract any negativity. Just remain focused and believe. If you do get a negative thought, quickly replace it with a positive one. Soon you will see amazing results!

Here are some crystals to get you started:

Amber: For bringing wisdom, balance and patience as well as helping draw disease from the body. It also helps heal the nervous system and promote self-healing.

Amethyst: For enhancing psychic abilities and spiritual awareness. Helps to clear auras and negative energy, stimulate throat chakra and heal obsessive behavior.

Aquamarine: For reducing stress, sharpening intellect and reducing fear. Good for clearing blocked communication by cleansing the throat chakra.

Blue agate: For easing phobias and panic attacks.

Clear Quartz: For psychic awareness and eliminating irrational fear. Good for healing and communication. Before going to sleep, try holding it in your hand and thinking about any problems you have. Then place the quartz under your pillow while you sleep. You may dream of a solution.

Rose Quartz: For attracting love and healing the heart, opening the heart chakra, and promoting self-love.

Sapphire: To bring serenity and tranquility , aiding spiritual growth. Also relieves tension.

Tiger’s Eye: For helping you achieve goals, bring clarity, creativity and balance yin and yang energy. It also inspires the imagination and enhances psychic abilities.

Turquoise: For clearing away negative energy. It also encourages affinity with others and eases arthritis and rheumatism.

About the author

Marie Seymour is a freelance writer, copy-editor and novelist. She has written articles on writing, music, the mystic arts and health. Her first novel Dreams is self-published and she is currently working on a new novel about vampires. She lives in London but dreams of escaping all the pollution, litter and noise to live in the countryside where she can write novels for a living in peace.

Quartz crystals have been used since ancient times as powerful healing objects and meditation tools, and to make medicinal elixirs. Wise adepts have long known about their qualities and have used crystals for powerful talismans and amulets. Throughout history people have valued the beauty of quartz crystals and have used them for ornamental decoration. References to crystals are found in both the Old and New Testament, and in many other sacred teachings throughout the world.

How can minerals or stones have any influence or value? It is because there is a consciousness inherent in all forms of matter. Even rocks have their own consciousness! We use these crystals of the mineral kingdom to aid us in attunement with different aspects of ourselves.

Crystals have their own particular vibration of a precise and measurable intensity. This vibration attunes itself to human vibration better than any other gem or mineral. Quartz crystal is used to amplify, clarify and store energy. When you create a thought, you can amplify and clarify it by using a crystal. Quartz has long been recognized for its ability to produce electrical impulses. (Pressure on quartz crystal generates a minute electrical charge called piezoelectricity.)

You can learn how to handle and work with crystals to heal yourself, others, and the Earth. Crystals have long been revered for use in magick, for psychic development, and to see into the “hidden dimensions” that permeate physical reality. It is said that crystal has the ability to rebroadcast energy from the Universal Mind so your “inner self” can pick it up, granting you heightened perception. A crystal is a focus for this knowledge and help, and it magnifies and transmits psychic energies and healing powers.

Crystals have a hexagonal, symmetrical shape. This is a basic form in geometry, physics and atomic theory, and is a universal, perfect form in the structure of matter. The energy that radiates from clear quartz, the piezoelectric effect, amplifies healing abilities.

As a rose has been called the most perfect representation of beauty in the plant kingdom, the quartz crystal is the essence of perfection in the mineral kingdom.

The use of any form of quartz crystal will benefit you. What can you do with these gemstones and crystals to help yourself? Use them in your reflexology treatments. Meditate with them. Place them on a part of your body that needs healing. Carry them around in your pocket.

Wear them as jewelry or use them as a keychain. Sleep with them under your pillow. Put them on your desk, kitchen table, coffee table, anywhere that you will be near them and enjoy the benefits of their vibrations. They are just like a good friend – one whose companionship you delight in. Love them. Look at them. Enjoy them. They help you by their very presence. It’s a gift they freely and lovingly give to you.

Ingredients:

* 3 cups powdered milk
* 1/4 cup oatmeal
* 1/4 cup dried orris root (has a soft violet scent)
* 1/3 cup almond meal*
* 1 capsule vitamin E (break open into dry ingredients)
* 1/3 cup cornstarch

Directions:

Makes enough for a few baths. Combine ingredients make sure its completely mixed. Store in a container. When you are ready to add it to your bath, scoop the desired amount of the mixture and tie securely in a muslin bag or even a facecloth will do. Tie to the faucet allowing the warm water to run over the bag.

* To make almond meal: Using a blender, grind up blanched or slivered almonds to a powdered consistency.

Anorexia nervosa is classified as an eating disorder where sufferers have an obsession with food and are overly concerned with being thin. They are often so terrified of gaining weight that they go to extreme measures to lose or maintain a body weight that is below normal for their age and height.

Anorexic individuals restrict the amount of calories they consume, sometimes to the point of self-starvation or purging by vomiting the small amount of food they do eat. They also use laxatives excessively or over-exercise so that their bodies burn more calories than they eat.

However, anorexia is more than simply the need to be thin or to restrict food intake. It is often psychologically tied to the lack of control the person may be experiencing in other aspects of their lives. On a subconscious level, anorexic individuals may feel a sense of accomplishment that they have control over something in their life. The constant mental pre-occupation with food and their weight means that mental anguish or other emotions are avoided and not dealt with.

People with anorexia nervosa are often overly sensitive to world issues, and often take the worries of the world onto their shoulders. The strict restriction of food may be used as a measure of how good they are at restraining themselves, taking willpower to an extreme degree. They can see it as a great feat, and inwardly applaud their determination.

Who Suffers from Anorexia and is it Serious?

Anorexia is much more prevalent in Western Societies than elsewhere in the world. This can be attributed to the commonly held Western notion that a slim figure is attractive – a notion that is perpetuated by the media and fashion.

Anorexia affects mainly young women; the most common age of onset being between 15 and 19. Approximately 90% of all cases are female. This can also be linked to a societal ideal that encourages women to be thin and men to have a strong muscular body type.

Anorexia is a very serious disorder with a high mortality rate, and often results in severe medical consequences if left untreated. Most people with anorexia do not believe that they have a disorder and usually view their weight loss as an accomplishment.

For this reason, they seldom seek help for themselves and are usually brought into treatment by a concerned parent or friend. There is hope, however, as there are successful treatments available, and many anorexics are able to overcome their disorder and regain a healthy body-weight and sense of self.

What are the Effects of Anorexia on the Body?

Inadequate amounts of food results in malnutrition, which adversely affects all the body’s organs. Many anorexic girls permanently damage their vital body systems and functioning, which often includes the reproductive organs, heart, and kidneys.

Anorexic girls commonly experience loss of menstruation (amenorrhea). Anorexia can have serious medical complications and severe symptoms, as the effects of self-starvation and purging take a serious toll on the body’s health.

Some of the many consequences of anorexia include:

* Loss of menstruation (amenorrhea)
* Dry skin and brittle nails
* Brittle and thinning hair
* Sensitivity or intolerance to cold temperatures
* Cardiovascular problems such as chronically low blood pressure and heart rate, palpitations, and in extreme cases, heart failure
* Electrolyte imbalances: low potassium, sodium and magnesium
* Kidney stones or kidney failure
* Changes in brain chemistry, often resulting in depression
* Lowered immune system functioning
* Constipation and bloating
* Headaches due to malnutrition
* In severe cases, nerve damage such as numbness or mild paralysis in the feet or leg can occur

When Should I Worry About Anorexia?

Signs of anorexia nervosa include obsessive thoughts of food and being frantically concerned with body image or weight gain. People exhibiting signs of anorexia typically feel less anxious when they have control over their strict diet and disciplined weight loss. Other signs of anorexia include feeling hopelessly unsatisfied with your figure every time you look into the mirror, even though your family and friends comment on how thin you are.

Many anorexics fail to see that this is a problem, or their fear of weight-gain overshadows their fear of health complications and physical discomfort.

Anorexia is a serious condition and has been identified as the psychological disorder with the highest mortality rate, with 10% of all cases being fatal due to resulting medical complications. It also has a very high suicide rate, as it often co-exists with depression.

Parents who are concerned that a child has anorexia should seek professional advice and assessment. While many teenagers develop picky eating habits, anorexia is a serious condition requiring medical treatment. Anorexic girls and young women often must be treated in medical facilities where they are monitored 24 hours a day.

What are the Symptoms of Anorexia?

* Severely low body mass index in relation to age or height that is self-induced
* Refusal to maintain normal body weight
* Unhealthy obsession with food and the amount of calories taken in compared to the amount used
* An intense fear of gaining weight
* Distorted body image – will often think she or he is fat even though noticeably thin
* Often feels self-worth is dependant on body shape
* Misses at least three consecutive menstruation periods
* Increased downy hair on face and limbs (lanugo)

Disorders that May be Related to Anorexia

* Bulimia nervosa is closely related to anorexia, and in many cases anorexics become bulimic.
* Depression is high among individuals with anorexia
* Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is closely related
* Substance abuse is also common among anorexics

Tips for Coping with Anorexia

* Talk to your dietician or medical doctor about necessary supplements. It may take time before you change all your old eating habits, and until then, you need to ensure that your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs.
* Stick to your treatment and meal plans. It will be difficult at first, but focus on the fact that you are on the road to a healthy body and mind.
* Try not to push supportive people away. Understand that caring friends and family who push you to stick with your treatment have your best interests at heart, and they only want to see you get better.
* Buy a journal. Keeping a record of your thoughts and feelings can be very helpful. You can track your progress and note when and why negative eating thoughts arise. Try to uncover the emotional reasons behind your eating disorder.
* Resist the urge to constantly weigh yourself or check yourself in the mirror. These habits only serve to encourage an unhealthy lifestyle.
* Adopt a loving relationship with yourself. Treat your body with love and respect by implementing a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, and enough rest. Set aside times where you pamper and treat yourself.
* Try to stop criticism as soon as it enters your mind. Judging yourself is an unhealthy habit at the heart of eating disorders. Accept yourself as well as those around you as beautiful inside and out – just as is. Do not buy into media’s view of the unrealistically skinny figure.
* Remember that while you may feel a sense of control when self-starving or controlling your weight, you are in fact out of control – it is the anorexia that is in control until you make the decision to change.
* Recognize the influences in your life that promote your disorder. Avoid too much TV and reading beauty magazines, as they give a distorted view of beauty. You may need to avoid certain friends if they encourage your old habits, or address the people that put pressure on you to be thin.

There is much more information in the ebook “Natural Help for Anorexia“. To save this ebook and read it later, please right click HERE and choose “save as”.

One of the biggest benefits of skiing is that it is a full-body exercise. You will work out every major muscle group from head to toe. It gives you an excellent cardiovascular workout while strengthening your heart. Skiing also improves the circulatory system and releases oxygen to the muscles.

Did you know skiing can help regulate your cholesterol levels? It sure can! Exercise helps a skier burn fat and lose weight, and that has to have a positive effect on cholesterol. In fact, skiing helps regulate the HDL (good) cholesterol which affects the LDL (bad) cholesterol.

As with any exercise, taking time to properly warm up will keep you from getting injured. You’ll also want to stretch all of your muscles before skiing since all of them will be in use. Pay particular attention to the leg muscles as they will take the brunt of the activity. Proper warming up and stretching may help you avoid tearing a ligament or spraining something. Don’t forget to stretch after you’ve finished skiing to help minimize any pain you might feel.

If you normally live closer to sea level, you’ll want to be aware of the danger of developing ski sickness, also called altitude sickness. Symptoms include having headaches, being nauseated, fatigued, not having an appetite, not being able to sleep, and vomiting. It is caused by climbing to an elevation without giving your body the opportunity to adjust. The quicker you ascend a mountain, the worse the symptoms may be. It’s best to take your time reaching your skiing destination, particularly if you’re new to the sport.

It doesn’t matter if you’re skiing the slopes or cross country skiing. Both activities will get you out of doors and help tone your entire body. People who have had prior knee injuries may want to give cross country, or Nordic, skiing a try first. This is non-jarring and less taxing on the knees. The important thing to remember is that if you’ve never skied before, neither activity is one to rush into.

All of the benefits of skiing aren’t physical, although they are some of the most compelling. What about the benefit of being outdoors instead of cooped up indoors? There’s no reason anyone should have to stay indoors when the temperatures dip. Bundle up, get the skis ready, go outside and enjoy the crisp clean air. Then hit the slopes or the cross country ski trail and enjoy the beauty of the snow upon the trees.

What is detoxification?

Detoxification is the process of removing toxins or poisons. We all know that toxins are harmful and cause damage, potentially even death if taken in certain levels. Living cells, whether in plants or in the body, are constantly in the process of bringing nutrients and fresh substrates in while eliminating by-products and waste that is not useful to the organism. Therefore, detoxification is a natural, ongoing process in our bodies.

Keeping your body healthy requires maintaining all of its systems in good working order. Minimizing the amount of toxins you take into your system is one way that we can detoxify our bodies. Benefits of detoxification may include increased energy and improved health, better breath, reduced allergies, and potentially fewer aches and pains.

Wastes leave the body in the form of gases, solids, and liquids. Carbon dioxide is the gas that we exhale. We excrete other waste from the body after it accumulates in the bladder and in the bowels.

Other organs that play a major role in detoxification include the:

- skin
- liver
- kidneys
- lungs

Blood also plays a critical role in the detoxification process. It carries dissolved gases like carbon dioxide to the lungs, and then it is traded for oxygen through respiration. Both the liver and kidneys help to detoxify the blood by removing wastes and sending them to the urine. In the form of stool, unused solids are carried away.

Benefits for your skin via detoxification

Your skin is a barrier but it is not impermeable. Just as products that you use on your skin are able to enter your body through this physical barrier, toxins are also able to leave your body through the skin. Free radicals and UV light in the environment also damage the skin which over time cause it to show signs of premature aging.

How can detoxification help your skin? By minimizing the number of chemicals in your body, you help you body to function more efficiently. Eating well is one way to maintain healthy skin with a smooth texture, elasticity, and a proper level of moisturization. Skin complexions troubled by acne and imperfections can also benefit from the inside out with detoxification methods. For example, vitamin A reduces the amount of sebum produced by the skin cells and therefore pores are less likely to become blocked.

Ways to detoxify your body

Some of the best ways to detoxify include:

- eating a balanced diet
- juicing organic fruits and vegetables
- exercising regularly
- exfoliation
- using organic products for personal hygiene

Before trying any detox method always be sure to check with your doctor. People with serious medical conditions should also consult a doctor as these methods are not recommended. Pregnant women should not try these methods.

Eating a balanced diet

Nutrients in foods contain many elements that can help your body and especially your skin to remain in good condition. When your body is ‘happy’ and ‘efficient’, through detoxification, it will show on the outside.

Your skin needs:

- essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) found in oily fish and flax seeds
- antioxidants vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene to retaliate against the damaging effects of UV light and free-radicals
- minerals zinc and selenium to build tissues and heal wounds. Find these minerals in foods like seafood, nuts, grains, and vegetables
- vitamin B6 to balance hormone levels, particularly for women that have pre-menstrual break-outs
- vitamin A to help reduce sebum levels on the skin
- potassium to help maintain elasticity, water to maintain hydration and flush toxins from the body
- water to maintain hydration and flush toxins from the body

Juicing organic fruits and vegetables

Have you ever tried freshly squeezed juice? It is delicious and nutritious. You get a truckload of vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. The enzymes contained in vegetables and fruits help to digest your food so try drinking these natural cocktails with meals.

One important thing to remember is that you should always start with organic fruits or vegetables. Because most fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides, using non-organic products means that you will be ingesting harmful pesticides too. Keep these toxic chemicals away from your cells in order to maintain their proper functioning.

Exercising regularly

Oxygen is vital to life. Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle brings this element into your body and skin. Studies at the University of Wisconsin have shown that oxygen reduces the effects of free radical damage and premature aging.

Sweating encourages the release of toxins from the skin. Working up a good sweat during your exercise program will help in the detoxification process. You could also try saunas and steambaths to encourage the excretion of toxins.

If you are not currently exercising choose something that you enjoy doing. Walking is a great way to increase your heart rate and pump oxygen through your lungs. Other ideas include yoga, swimming, cycling, and running. Whatever you do, choose an activity that you will be motivated to do on a regular basis.

Exfoliation

Shedding skin cells is a continual process. Dead skin cells sit on the uppermost level of the epidermis and they make the skin look dull and less healthy. Our clothes play a big part in helping to remove cells on a daily basis. By sloughing off dead skin cells from time to time, you can stimulate the skin renewal process. Try any of the following methods once a week to naturally exfoliate your skin:

- briskly towel off after a shower
- use an organic scrub during your shower
- use a washcloth during your shower
- use a loofah (Important: keep it dry when it’s not in use to minimize bacterial count)

Using organic products for personal hygiene

Decreasing the number of synthetic chemicals entering your body through your food and personal products is yet another way to help detoxify. Modern research at the Herb Research Foundation found that the skin absorbs up to 60% of the chemicals in products that it comes into contact with directly into the bloodstream. This means that chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens, are entering your body and potentially causing unnecessary harm.

The next time you need to stock up on personal hygiene products, look for alternatives to the chemically items offered in most stores. Using organic products decreases the number of preservatives and chemical additives your skin comes into contact with and therefore, that may enter your body.

References:

- www.meriam-webster.com, accessed October 26, 2004.
- www.detox.org/skin.aspl, accessed October 26, 2004
- www.saga.co.uk/health_news/article/D2164785-92E3-11D6-B8AC-00508BAEC55C.asp?bhcp=1, accessed Oct. 26, 2004.
- Farley, Josephine. Organic beauty: look and feel gorgeous the natural way. Dorling Kindersley, London, 2001, page 66.

About the Author

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences

Scientific studies have proven that bathing in Dead Sea salts not only improves such skin ailments as psoriasis and eczema, but also stimulates circulation and encourages the skin to renew itself. In addition, subcutaneous penetration helps relieve aches and pains in joints and muscles, providing much relief for those who experience rheumatism and arthritis. Enjoy a hot, relaxing soak in the tub, or use the salt soap to treat your skin when you take a shower.

Dead Sea skin care products� unique ingredient � mineral mud � is the key to unlocking your skin�s natural beauty. The remarkable absorbency of this mineral and oxygen rich substance gives it the ability to reach deep into the skin. Dead Sea mineral mud thoroughly cleanses clogged pores while using reverse osmosis to tighten them. Mineral mud�s natural ingredients revitalize and nourish, helping the skin to look and feel its best.

More About the Dead Sea . . .

The Dead Sea, also known as the “Sea of Salt”, is located near what was once the western edge of the “Cradle of Civilization”; the land that lies between the Tigris River to the north, the Euphrates River to the south, the Persian Gulf to the East and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. This area was known as Mesopotamia and held our planet’s earliest settlements in its palms in about 3500 BCE. It now houses most of modern day Iraq.

Going forward about 2500 years, King Solomon set out to make peace in this region that had become entangled by many enemies. King Solomon is known as a peaceful king, in part because he worked to make peace by diplomacy, creating external quiet surrounding his kingdom. With peace achieved, he then set about industrializing his kingdom. Perhaps as part of his move to industrialize, the beneficial effects of the Dead Sea were put into production. And just maybe King Solomon provided all of the people of his kingdom access to the Dead Sea and made its many healthy and beautifying products affordable, creating an environment of relaxed, peaceful, and beautiful neighbors!

Just a mere 900 years later, not too far from the Dead Sea, Cleopatra enters history�s stage and among her accomplishments charms two powerful rulers, Mark Antony and Julius Caesar. She does this on her way to becoming the last pharaoh of Egypt. Cleopatra’s legendary beauty will probably never be confirmed, but it lies somewhere between her unflattering profile on the eighty drachma coin used during her rule to the few still exisiting sculptures that show a flawless beauty with a small nose and full lips. Regardless of Cleopatra�s actual features, we do know she used them well. It is reputed that she went to great lengths and expense to obtain exclusive rights over the Dead Sea area.The remains of pharmaceutical and cosmetic factories that she had built near the Dead Sea can be seen on the western bank in Ein Bokek and Ein Gedi.

And now travel 2000 years forward and we find that on both the Israeli and the Jordanian shores of the Dead Sea there are many spas and medical programs to which thousands of people flock annually. These spas and medical facilities make use of the health promoting environment of the Dead Sea. Only now what was once known intuitively has now been researched and documented.

The Dead Sea contains, according to the Dead Sea Research Center, “a unique solar irradiation, an increased oxygen density, a high density salty sea with an unusual salt composition, thermo-mineral springs and a special natural mud”. The synthesis of these unique properties that occur only at this location that is the lowest point on earth and that has greater solid content than any other body of water has been critically evaluated, “in terms of types of diseases treated, modes of therapy, and mechanism of healing”. In addition, the “increased attenuation of a specific spectrum of ultra-violet radiation provides unusual therapeutic properties with an impressive impact on a number of diseases. The air is denser here at sea level, rich in magnesium and bromine, unpolluted, and almost totally free of allergens.

There is a high salt concentration in the Dead Sea. One can fly low over the sea and see the salt clumps floating in the water. The hot, dry air and high evaporation rate have attributed to this phenomenon that does not exist in other salty bodies of water. The Dead Sea’s water contains 32% salts and is high in magnesium, calcium, bromide, potassium, and other minerals. For example, exposure to this water has been proven to nourish skin, ease discomfort from rheumatoid symptoms, activate the circulatory system, and relax nerves. Walk in to the Dead Sea, and you�ll find yourself able to float endlessly without effort.

The Dead Sea’s black mud is a homogeneous mixture of its organic elements that are retrieved from the shoreline and mixed with the earth. This mud is not only good for cleaning, and softening the skin; when applied to the skin and permitted to dry before washing off, the mud’s thermopoxic properties improves and stimulates blood circulation, especially in the affected areas of joint diseases (Dead Sea Research Center, www.deadsea-health.org).

The thousands of people who fly to Israel and Jordan each year stay at hotels and spas to undergo a few weeks of treatment that significantly and naturally, without pharmaceuticals, improves their health.

However, without taking time out from work, leaving family, and spending thousands of dollars, similar results can be obtained by spending significantly less money, staying home, and using products with Jericho Spa and Dead Sea Secrets labels. The products made with Dead Sea black mud, salts, and minerals are of the highest quality and excellent for both healthy skin and circulation as wel as for skin that needs improved circulation and has been damaged due to disease or the side effects of disease.

Aventurine Stimulates the heart chakra to aid in healing on the physical plane, place in a purse or pocket to attract money. Venus, Uranus. Joy, balance, clarity.

Agate Earth, For grounding & balance. For strength, protection and support. Aids strength and courage. Compels truth, promotes good manners, happiness, intelligence, prosperity, longevity, fertility, and good health. Assists in making and keeping friends, helpful to farmers and those interested in growing plants. Aid in restoration of energy, used in healing, and believed to bring wearer happiness, wealth, health, and long life. Increases ability to ward off self-induced anger and inner bitterness.

Alexandrite Stimulates sexual powers. Stimulates happiness, good fortune, sucess. Warm and loving stone.

Amazonite Regulates thinking faculties. Hope stone. Strengthens physical stamina.

Amber Mercury. High electrical charge for positive energy. Harmonizes Yin and Yang. Reduces fluid retention and helps to detoxify the urinary system. Filters germs and infections and has the power to disinfect. Worn around the neck to help fight infection and respiratory diseases. Lifts the spirits.

Amethyst Venus,Jupiter, Pluto. Eases compulsive/obsessive behavior (desire for food, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, etc) calms an overactive mind, increases self-esteem, aids sleep. Relieves headaches. Enhances your mind, intuition and insights concerning practical things. Assists those to maintain faithfulness, gives wearer the gift of tongues, increases spiritual awareness, has calming and soothing influence, has ability to transmute negative into positive, very effective as a healing stone.

Aquamarine Neptune. Tranquility, sooths the heart, inspires compassion. Assists inspiration, favorable for travelers; helps to protect against accidents. Calms nervous tension. Calming effects of the sea. Used to help banish fears and phobias. Soothing and cleansing. Powerful aid to happiness in marriage.

Azurite Saturn. Developement of intuition, understanding and communication of Universal Law. Reduces personal stress and relax inner confusion. Powerful healing stone, invokes spiritual guidance, opens psychic eye. Good for dreams and improving psychic ability.

Bloodstone Earth. Physical healer, mental balancer, removes toxins from blood, combats physical trauma, stimulates blood circulation and stops hemorrhaging. Removes emotional blockages. A talisman for warding off all accidents and disease.

Calcite Aids kidneys, pancreas, spleen. Balances male/female polarities. Alleviates fear, reduces stress. Increases capacity for astral projection. Joy, lightness. Chakra throat.

Blue Celestite Neptune. Opens one up to the angelic realms. For detachment, clear perspective, divine inspiration.

Carnelian Saturn, Earth. Sacred to Isis. Protective, aids concentration. Access to past life data. Can motivate you, and give you energy to turn your ideas into form. Stimulates the sexual/creative chakra, promotes protective, healing, peaceful, harmonious and patient energy, also eases PMS. Wish Stone, is highly favorable to health, long life, and good fortune. Its special virtue is the fulfillment of one.s wishes if the stone is worn near the heart. (orange in color)

Citrine Mercury, Mars. Bridge between higher and lower consciousness; transmutes fear. Helps to eliminate self-destructive tendencies, enhances courage and self-determination.

Coral Venus, Neptune. Love and harmony. Relieves throat and voice ailments, balances physical endurance. Promises a long and happy married life, protects a child from evil influences, and safeguards the teenager during the highly emotional period. Balances physical energy and relaxes tensions. Carries the creative vibrations of the sea.

Diamond Absorbs all energies. Protects the wearer from bad dreams, demons and nightmares. A symbol of bravery and strength, and also one of the emblems of innocence.

Emerald Venus. Heart stone. Great harmonizer. Love, balance, understanding. Aids neurological diseases. Gem of hope and faith. Enhances speech and can act as a natural tranquilizer when you are worried. Promotes creativity and fertile ideas. Carry to promote wealth and abundance. Promotes creativity, stimulates perception and insight, and strengthen memory. Beneficial effect on the eyes. Also an excellent preservative against decay, arrests dysentery, and heals bites from venomous animals.

Fluorite Neptune. Opens wearer to influence of other stones. Grounds excess energy. Considered a goodluck piece. Also called Fairy Gem. Manifests innermost wishes. Promotes well being; enhances concentration and meditation. Powerful spirit guide.

Garnet Pluto, Mars. Aids kundalini to ascend in proper channels. Aids circulation. Balances thyroid disorders. Balance your energy system and stimulates your desires and uplift your attitude. Can prevent fears of insecurity and even money losses. Lucky stone-lucky for love, success and goals. Balances hormones, good for mental depression, enhances self-esteem, alleviates bad dreams, and encourages success in business. Thought to assist in seeing into past incarnations. Will ensure consistency in friendship and love, preserve health, and is generally fortunate. Vitality and passion. Stimulates happiness, peace, balance, patience, inspiration, persistence, good for rebirthing, menstruation and life passages, disorders, fertility, eases arthritis pain.

Hematite Saturn. Grounding, focus, self discipline. Very strong stone; absorbs negativity. Gives optimism and courage. Calming to the emotions. Helps maintain balance between body, mind, and spirit. Use for fevers, alleviates worry and anxiety as it allows for mental clarity, known as the “worry stone”.

Ivory Protects the physical body from injury.

Jade Venus, Neptune. Cooling, water element. Soothing, healing. Promotes healing of vital organs. Used to attract love and compassion, prolongs life and enhances livelihood. A most sacred stone and a symbol of divine revelation. Brings good fortune and health to its owner. Stimulates practicality, wisdom, and universal attunement. Thought to provide a link between the spiritual and the mundane.

Jasper Promotes healing of gastric system and balance endocrine functioning. Stability stone. Reduces your insecurities, fears and guilt. Promotes physical stamina. Aid and comfort during periods of female distress. One stone worn about the neck and another around the waist.

Jet Pluto. Sacred to Pan. Helps to confront darker aspects of self and nature. Personal protection stone for safety while traveling.

Kyanite Neptune, Pluto. Aligns chakras and subtle bodies.

Labradorite/Spectrolite Uranus, Pluto, Neptune. Opens heart chakra.

Lapis Lazuli Venus, Neptune. Throat chakra. Stone of teachers. Clarity and ease of expression of higher wisdom. Strengthens the physical body during spiritual awakening. Stimulates wisdom, truthfulness, & psychic experiences, healing and strengthening when worn next to the skin.

Malachite Venus. Solar plexus. Emotional balance. Strengthens physical and etheric eyes. Awakens healing qualities, it is said it helps to heal mental illness. Egyptions used it for safe-guarding pregnancy. The stone will break into two to warn the owner of approaching danger. Promotes inner peace and hope. Used as a child’s talisman to sleep soundly & protect from bad dreams. Stimulates clear vision and insight, represents hope and inner peace, believed to protect from danger. Increases abundance in all areas of life. This stone supposedly has equal amounts of negative and positive forces, thereby adding to the balance of physical and spiritual life. Used to release repressed emotions and for physical detoxing.

Moldavite Pluto, Mercury, Moon. Astral Projection, access to akashic records, wider perspectives.

Moonstone Moon. Sacred to the Goddess, moonstone may be used to enhance the feminine, strengthen psychic abilities, and increase sensitivity to natural cycles. Regulates the pituitary gland function. Lucky love stone. Aid in bringing forth memories of past lives, carried as a good luck piece. Brings good fortune. Reflects the wearers being and feelings. Promotes unselfishness. Opens the heart to humanitarian love and hope. Good for protection while traveling on water. Gives clarity to spiritual understanding. Good for pre-menstrual symptoms and balancing to the reproductive system. Used to ease childbirth. Sometimes called the Queen of the Heavens stone. Calming effect on emotions. Eases menstrual pain, alleviates many degenerative conditions in the skin, hair, eyes, and body fluids (tears, digestive juices).

Obsidian Pluto. Transforms energy and emotions in a very powerful way. Not to be worn as jewelry. Also a powerful grounding and protection stone. Boosts immunity. Helps to prevent emotional draining from others. Protective energy glass.

Onyx (black) Saturn. Stabilizing. Mirrors all aspects of the self, dark as well as light. Transformative. Protection and keeps away bothersome entanglements. Preserves against the bites of snakes and venomous insects, and assists in bringing marital happiness.

Opal Mercury. Links physical body to higher bodies, allowing greater access to cosmic consciousness. Keep away from other stones, it will absorb all energy. A stone of hope, positive actions, achievements and love.

Paua Shell Neptune. Aids one in accessing the subconscious for emotional and artistic inspiration.

Pearl Venus. Purity, chastity, emotional clarity. Promotes antibodies and fights infection. Stimulates your femininity and helps with self-acceptance. Give a pearl to a child to help him or her grow in beauty, especially a little girl. Stimulates feminine qualities, used to focus attention, helps pull together mental and spiritual forces, peace of mind. Represents purity, modesty, & gentleness.

Peridot Mercury. Creates feeling of protection, allowing heart to open. Unblocks congestions. Aids adrenal function. Use this stone as your sun stone to prevent personal darkness from your fears and guilts. If you become depressed or fearful , a peridot can aid in changing your attitude for it may just radiate the sun’s energy as an additional resource to guide you.

Petrified wood Restores physical energy, helps hip and back problems. Ground and secures you, aids in preventing work stress. Restores your physical energy.

Pyrite Mars. Vitality, strengthening of Will. Enhances mental capacity and attracts money to owner. Has protecting, shielding aspect for physical, mental, emotional levels. Shields from negative energy, strengthens circulatory system, clears oxygen in the blood. Also known as fools gold.

Quartz Uranus. Purifier, protector, spiritual awakener. Raises Vibratory rate. Enhances qualities of the bearer, raises the vibration of other stones with which it is stored or used. Used for directing energy. Amplifies healing energy. Used to help draw out pain. Able to tap into energies of the universe. Good stone for meditating on. Very potent and often worn to protect from negative vibrations. Cleanse regularly.

Rhodochrosite Mercury, Venus. Holds any force field. Draws white light into the physical body. Prevents mental breakdowns, balances physical and emotional trauma, a rescue/remedy stone. Can beautifully guide you in your quest for emotional happiness. Adds courage, will, passion to the loving heart vibration. Represents love of God. Milky pink stone with definition.

Rhodonite Restores physical energy, especially following trauma or shock, another rescue stone. Attracts or keeps a loving partner. Pink stone with black highlights -very defined.

Rhyolite Rejuvenates physical beauty. Physical and emotional stabilizer.

Rose Quartz Venus. Self love, friendship. Promotes skin rejuvenation. Boost and build your image. Especially good if you have a weight problem, it will greatly foster your personal self-acceptance. Worn or carried for love, fidelity, peace, and happy marriage. Aids intuition and emotional balance. Reduces stress and tension – cools hot tempers. Vibrations of universal love & inner serenity. Comforts heart from all wounds, helps heal emotional pain, enhances love , self-love, positive outlook, joy and oneness.

Ruby Sun, Mars. Heart Chakra. Compassion, leadership, heals relationship to father. Prevents schizophrenia. Adds energy to the body; attracts wealth, power and joy. The stone of freedom, charity, dignity and divine power. Increases vigor, renews vitality and cleanses the blood. The stone of courage. Helps banish grief for those in mourning.

Rutilated Quartz Sun, Uranus. High electrical charge. Powerful healer.

Sapphire Neptune. Aids spiritual understanding. Increases level of potassium, magnesium and calcium. Stone of destiny. Contributes to your mental clarity, perception and wisdom.

Selenite Moon. Soothing, nurturing, inspirational.

Smokey Quartz Neutralizes negative influences. Good for people with radiation-related illness; helps with the reproductive system, muscle tissue, and nervous system; influences positive change. Mercury, Earth. One of the best grounding stones. Balancing. Good for calming the mind. Eases depression, fear and panic.

Sodalite Venus, Pluto. Opens throat chakra. Physical healer. Transformative. (Blue speckled stone). Promotes a balance in thyroid metabolism. Opens up lines of communication and helps us to develop creative ways in order to communicate. Alleviates fears, Clears the mind.

Strawberry Quartz Helps to awaken feelings of self love and acceptance; offers comfort and a sense of reclaiming one’s own esteem; especially good for healing around matters of the heart.

Tigereye Mercury, Earth, Mars. Sacred to Bast and Sekhmet. Helps one to distinguish between actual need and false desire. Reduces headaches and nervous spasms. Calms emotions, protects against external stresses. To restore physical energy & quiet emotional nature.

Topaz Mercury. Bridge between higher and lower consciousness. Assimulation of abstract information. Fights kidney and bladder ailments. Calms your emotions, relieves your tensions and stress and restores your physical energy. Will make melancholy vanish when worn or carried in the left hand. Calms emotions, protects against external stresses. To restore physical energy & quiet emotional nature. Protects against insomnia and depression, mood elevator, revitalizes, stimulates creative thinking processes, eases death.

Tourmaline Prevents lymphatic diseases, battles anemia. Black – deflects negativity. Very protective. Lifts fears and negative conditions. Causes the wearer to be flexible, understanding and more objective in purpose and reason. Green – refines, strengthens, directs will. pink – love and sacrifice, devotion. watermelon – corrects imbalances, eases guilt.

Tourmalinated Quartz Pluto, Uranus. Promotes harmony and helps to resolve confliction elements within ourselves; deflects negativity..

Turquoise Venus, Moon. Symbol of the sky. Works on respiratory system, helps manifest spiritual qualities on the physical plane. Protective; guards against negative energy, danger , accidents; promotes good luck. Can relax your mind and ease mental tensions, calming your emotions and stress overstimulation. Self-love stone. Primary holy stone of Native Americans. Vibrates calming radiations, protective, and restores healthy mental attitude. Stone of friendship. Balancing and healing. Great strength and vitality. Takes on characteristics of the wearer. It is unwise to wear a turquoise formerly worn by one who has died. Excellent for both Spiritual attunement and healing of the energy centers and the physical body, valuable for grounding as well as for vision quests and astral travel , purifies all levels of being and is capable of handling strong negativity, also used for wounds and for damage to bones.

You have to look good because you are constantly in the public eye and you know you will be judged. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, they say, but the whole world happens to be just that when you are rich and famous.

Such an extreme emphasis is placed on beauty in Hollywood. Hollywood causes anorexia because all eyes are on you and you cannot dare to eat another bite of food lest you gain a pound or two. We are not talking average thinness when we say that Hollywood causes anorexia.

We are talking about a wispy, thin as a feather, frail thinness that Hollywood demands of you. Those in Hollywood that dare to be of average weight risk the cruel media flashing pictures of them and then posting them to all of the gossip magazine with headlines that poke fun of their every imperfection.

They say that Hollywood not only encourages, but demands a thinness that literally causes many starlets to starve. Anorexia nervosa is a very intricately complex eating disorder that involves many disturbances in the psycho-social aspect of a person. An anorexic will look at themselves in the mirror and will not see what is really there. Their views of themselves are distorted combined with their already fear of gaining weight.

To get rid of excess weight quickly an anorexic will quickly start to take action with such means as laxatives, forced vomiting, excessive exercise and eating less and less each day.

Hollywood causes anorexia because they try to take control of your life and there is no privacy. An anorexic then feels that they need to control something in their lives and weight is one thing they can control. Nobody can stick food in their throat. That has to be their decision and theirs alone.

Mom, Please Help! 

From Karen Phillips:

When my daughter nearly died in hospital from Anorexia-Bulimia I was absolutely determined to find a cure for this dreadful disease. Now a few years later she is completely healthy – physically and emotionally, and I am very proud of her and myself for what we’ve achieved.

Even a doctor was surprised by the effectiveness of the treatment I discovered and now she recommends this treatment to her anorexia- bulimia sufferers. I’d like to share what I’ve learned with you. Please learn more about ‘Mom Help Me Please!’ today and start you or your child on the road to recovery from this terrible disease. ~ Karen Phillips

There are several signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa which include abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure and low heart rate, gastrointestinal disturbances, skin problems sometimes with a yellow tinge, brittle nails and although there is a downy of soft hair growing on their arms and other areas, they tend to suffer from hair loss on their heads.

In the female anorexic the menstrual period will most likely cease especially in severe cases. (Affect on fertility)

Although anorexics tend to be female, one in every four who sufferers of this eating disorder are male. It is not too often seen in Hollywood though as most do tend to be women.

Hollywood must relax their standards and go back to when sexy was a curvaceous 36-26-36 of beautiful women such as Marilyn, Greta, and Brigitte; before we encounter a dying species of unhappy and stressed women that are literally starving themselves thin.

MindSoothe is a specially formulated herbal remedy that has been successfully used in the treatment of Depression, Insomnia, OCD, SAD, Panic Disorder, and Anxiety. Being natural, with no artificial preservatives, MindSoothe is safe for adults and children (also see MindSootheJr. for children), is non-addictive and has NO SIDE EFFECTS.

It has become the formula of choice by thousands of satisfied customers around the world for treating depression, insomnia, anxiety, ODD and more. MindSoothe is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards and was formulated by a Clinical Psychologist.

When choosing and planting my flower bed, I always think ahead to the time of drying and arranging. The method you choose for drying your flowers will depend on the type of flower, and the amount of color you want to preserve.

There are several ways to preserve the fresh beauty of flowers for years in their natural vivid colors without a great deal of work or expense. The two easiest and least expensive methods are sand-drying and air-drying.

Sand Drying:

Sand-drying can be used to dry a wide variety of flowers, such as roses, tulips, dahlias, marigolds and snapdragons. Flowers which last only one day, like day lilies, do not dry well. Do not dry asters, azaleas, chrysanthemums, geraniums, petunias, phlox, pinks, poppies or violets. But feel free to do your own experimentation.

To prepare for sand-drying, cut the flowers at the peak of their show as any imperfections will be exaggerated by drying. Pick the flowers after the dew has fully evaporated. Make sure the stems are dry.

Prepare the flowers by reinforcing the stems and blossoms with florist’s wire or with white glue. For daisy-type flowers and flowering shrubs, push a 6″ piece of wire through the stem and right through the flower head; bend the end of the wire into a hook over the flower head and then pull it down, thus securing the head to the stem. For flowers such as roses and tulips which are dried face-up, cut off most of the stem except an inch or so and insert the wire as above. For many-petaled flowers, use glue instead of wire. Diluting the white glue with a drip of water and using a toothpick, dab a thin coat of glue at the base of each petal, working the glue into the base of each flower to attach each petal to the base. Dry completely.

To dry the flowers, slowly cover them with white sand in deep, open boxes. Cup-shaped or rose-shaped flowers should be dried face-up. Make the sand deep enough to hold the flowers in an upright position, position the flower carefully and slowly pour the sand around the base of the flower, then around the sides and under and over the petals. Pour the sand evenly and slowly in order to preserve the natural shape of the blossom.

Daisy-type flowers should be dried face down. Make an even base of sand in the box and make a little dip in the sand the same shape as the flower. Hold the flower steady and carefully build up the sand around the blossom until it is fully covered.

Snapdragons, lilac, elongated flowers and flowering branches should be positioned horizontally in the sand, flowering branches face up. Carefully pour the sand around and between the flowers and into individual blooms. A soft artists’ brush will help you in lifting the blossoms slightly as you pour the sand so that they won’t be flattened by its weight.

When all the flowers are completely covered with sand put the drying box in your drying area and leave undisturbed for one to three weeks.

Removing the sand should be done very carefully, tipping the container slightly, allowing the sand to flow slowly from one corner of the box. As each flower is released from the sand, lift it gently out.

If you wish to store your dried flowers for later use, seal them in airtight containers such as tins or plastic boxes sealed with masking tape, or in sealed cardboard boxes enclosed in airtight plastic bags.

Sand Preserving Leaves:

Place the leaves in a pan and cover them with dry, hot sand. Allow this to cool. Remove the leaves and smooth them with a hot iron. Dip them in colorless varnish and let them dry.

Large leaves can be painted with aluminum or bronze paint. Dip them into a clear plastic paint to set them firmly.

Air Drying:

Air-drying can be very successful with herbs, everlastings and ornamental grasses. Choose perfect plants with long stems, removing the lower leaves. Put the flowers in small bunches, fastening them together with an elastic band; then open each bunch into a fan shape. Hang the flowers head down from nails in a dry, dark place for one to three weeks until they are completely dry. The colors will usually be muted. Display your flowers in the house or store them as above. This method works with roses as well. Cut the stems off to the very bottom of the rose head, and carefully insert a 6-8″ length of wire. Hang upside down by bending the end of the wire over a hanger and place in a dark dry closet where it won’t be disturbed. One hanger can accomodate several flowers, just space them apart a bit.

Drying With a Desiccant:

Another method of drying flowers is to use a desiccant drying mixture such as silica gel, borax, cornmeal or alum. The following recipe uses a combination of silica and borax.

Simply mix a combination of four parts of borax to one part of silica gel. You can make your mixture by hand; the borax should be run through a sieve before mixing with the gel to remove any lumps.

You should treat all of the flowers to be preserved immediately after picking. Cut off the stems close to the base of the flower. In the bottom of a plastic bag or an air-tight jar put down a layer of the preserving powder and lay a blossom face down on the powder. Pour some additional powder over the flower until it is well covered. Then lay another flower face down and cover it, repeating the procedure until the bag or jar is full. Put on your lid, or if using a bag, press down on it lightly to squeeze out all the air. Tie the bag tightly with string as close to the contents as possible to prevent air from coming in.

Now put your flowers and powder mixture away in a dry place for about four weeks without peeking at it. Never store it out of doors.

At the end of the four weeks, open the container very gently and remove the blossoms one at a time, blowing the powder off them. Now you have preserved flowers in their garden freshness.

Glycerine Drying

This method keeps some flowers soft and pliable for easier handling and less shedding. Try this method with eucalyptus, baby’s breath and statice. According to “Martha”, this is the best way to preserve leaves.

You will need:

* Vegetable glycerine, (available at Pharmacies)
* Water
* A glass or enamel container large enough to hold the flowers upright
* A hammer
* Freshly cut flowers or leaves

Mix 1 part vegetable glycerine to 2 parts hot tap water, using enough to make the mixture about 2 inches deep.

Smash the bottom inch or two of the flower stems to help them absorb the glycerine quickly. (One or two whacks with the hammer is all you need.)

Place the flower stems in the glycerine-water mixture, and leave 3 to 5 days so the flowers can absorb the glycerine. (Baby’s breath can take 1 to 2 weeks, wait until the stems turn tan.) You can tell when the flowers have absorbed enough glycerine by the way they look and feel. A good way to test if they are ready is to let one stem air dry and compare it to the flowers in the glycerin after a few days. If the air dried flower feels dry and the flowers in the glycerine feel soft and look slightly darker in color they’re probably ready to be taken out of the glycerine mixture.

Cut off the part of the stem that was setting in the glycerin. Allow the flowers to air dry for a week or so before storing. The glycerine/water mixture can be reused several times.

Waxing Flowers:

You may want to experiment with waxing fresh flowers. This too is simple; just melt some paraffin wax and plunge each individual flower into the wax. Remove and shake the excess wax off each flower. Put it into the refrigerator to set and harden.

Preserving Holly

I use a solution of 2 parts boiling water and 1 part glycerine plus plenty of food coloring to maintain the green color. Immerse them in the solution. Some greens uptake the solution and through the stems and some don’t. So it is best to imerse the whole stem if you are not sure. I think a nice bath of the wax solution of (acrylic floor wax, 4 parts water to 1 part wax, with some color added) would be a nice finish to help lock in the moisture, and give the leaves a nice shine.

TIPS!

Plan Ahead!

Handling dried flowers must be done very carefully, as they tend to crumble and fall apart. If possible, think ahead about what you will be doing with the flowers after they’ve dried. If you think you’ll be using them in a vase, you’ll need long “stems”. Insert the wire before you dry the flowers. They are much easier to handle when “live” and pliable. If you decide you don’t need “tall” flowers later, you can always cut the wire to the length you need.

Wrap ‘em up

Unless your flower arrangements are VERY thick, wire “stems” will show through. Hide them by wrapping green or brown florist’s tape around the base of the flower, stretching and overlapping as you move down the wire until it’s completely covered. You can also attach leaves to the wire as you wrap, making for a very nice “natural” look.

For Brighter Colors:

Rapid drying in a very warm, dry and brightly-lit place will produce bright blossoms; slower drying in a more humid spot will produce more muted colors.

After your flowers have dried, spray lightly with a fixative. Some craft stores carry products specifically for spraying and “fixing” dried flowers (try Design Master Super Surface Sealer). I have even painted my dried flowers. I’ve taken white and pink roses that had dried an ugly muted yellow and painted the tips of the petals with a light coat of color, using diluted acrylic paint or an antiquing wash

In Kristen’s own words…

I can’t imagine watching one of my four children dying. Even worse, I can’t imagine watching them suffer before they passed away.

I can’t fathom watching one of my sons or daughters lying in a bed…unable to move…spitting up blood and screaming in pain. I don’t think any parent can .

But it happens….every day. Maybe to your neighbor or the girl you stood behind in the checkout line this morning. Perhaps that guy you’re driving behind who can’t seem to stay at one speed is grieving the loss of his son. Cancer kills people…and it doesn’t care who or how old they are.

Read the rest of this story here: Balding for Babies (With Cancer) | Healing Our World Net.

Mix the ingredients together. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 10 days.

It is fossilized resin. Amber absorbs and changes negative energy into positive energy. It calms, purifies, increases motivation and creativity. Amber is a powerful amulet when worn for protection.

Amethyst

This type of quartz has the power to control all types of harmful behavior. It has the power to heal and balance physical, emotional and mental energies as well as clearing the aura. Amethyst is excellent in inducing a calm and peaceful energy to aid in both entering and maintaining a state of meditation. Other attributes include stability, strength, protection against psychic attacks and helps one find freedom from addictive personalities.

Bloodstone

This form of Chalcedony is wonderful for healing, courage, renewal, enhances creativity and helps one to be unselfish. The green, red spotted bloodstone is also a prosperity stone. It has been used to facilitate admittance to the spiritual realms of the ancestors, providing an open avenue of communication.

Carnelian

This form of Chalcedony stimulates analytical capabilities and precision. It also relieves feelings of anger or hatred when worn near the heart by instilling powerful sensations of well-being. Carnelian can also relieve sexual tension by redirecting energies stored in the reproductive center of the body; it can also stimulate sluggish sexual energies.

Cat’s Eye

This form of Quartz or Chrysoberyl enhances awareness, stimulates intuition and may be used to see into the future or communicate with the spirit world. Cat’s Eye has also been used to increase longevity, bring prosperity, happiness, serenity and luck.

Citrine

This form of Quartz is very special in that it does not hold and accumulate negative energy but dissipates and transmutes it. Because of this, it never needs clearing or cleansing. Citrine stimulates mental focus and endurance. It promotes inner radiance making for a constant happy disposition.

Copper

Copper has been used successfully to transmit thought and provides a harmonic connection between the physical and astral bodies. It also stimulates initiative, optimism, diplomacy and independence.

Diamond

Diamond has been used to remove voids from one’s aura and to fill the emptiness with a pure and loving energy. It inspires creativity, ingenuity, inventiveness, inspiration, faith, endurance and helps to manifest abundance in all areas of one’s life.

Emerald

This form of Beryl increases creative imagination, prosperity, love and fertility. It also instills sensitivity and loyalty within the self, domestic bliss, enhances memory and brings harmony to all areas of one’s life.

Garnet

Garnet enhancer’s one’s internal flame to bring out creative energies. It also aids in love, purification, cleansing and the elimination of things in disorder.

Hematite

Hematite is an excellent grounding stone. It encourages one to reach full potential, assists in balancing body, mind and spirit along with mental attunement.

Jade

Jade helps to remember and understand dreams. Set in gold or silver, it is thought to prolong life and bring riches to the wearer. Jade also inspires and brings ambition toward completion of goals. Other attributes include confidence and self-sufficiency.

Jasper

This type of Chalcedony may be used for nurturing, stabilizing the aura and aid in safe astral travel. Red Jasper is for protection, Yellow Jasper clears the mind and Brown Jasper aids in concentration and may be worn for grounding and centering.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli expands awareness, attunes to creativity, fine-tunes the feelings and instincts, helps to overcome depression, protects and enhances a state of serenity. It also assists in entering other realms with wisdom to understand the information received. Deep azure-blue, pyrite-streaked stones are powerful healing medicine when worn with purposeful intent.

Malachite

Malachite exudes maternal love and warmth and is often used for healing purposes, however it absorbs negativity therefore requiring a thorough cleansing and recharging after each use. It also enhances one’s psychic abilities and aids in one’s spiritual evolution. Malachite clarifies emotions and helps one accept responsibility for one’s own actions.

Moonstone

Moonstone stimulates confidence and composure along with understanding through intuition and emotions. It cleanses the chakras and enhances all feminine aspects of one’s nature bringing calmness coupled with awareness. Moonstone is trance inducing and may be used for all divinatory work. Its other attributes include balancing and new beginnings.

Obsidian

Obsidian is useful in healing providing clarity to both the subject and the healer. It is also an excellent grounding and protective stone. Along with these attributes each type of Obsidian also has their own specific qualities.

* Apache Tear – promotes comfort in times of grief and forgiveness.
* Black – induces creativity.
* Grey – aids in tact and cooperation.
* Brown – increases initiative and independent thought.
* Blue/Green – helps one speak and understand from the heart.
* Electric Blue Sheen – (black that contains radiance of electric blue) promotes patience and tolerance. It is an excellent third eye stone as it stimulates intuition and enhances awareness. It also has protective qualities.
* Gold Sheen – helps to identify the heart of a problem.
* Green – stimulates and cleanses the heart chakra.
* Mahogany – provides strength in times of need by stimulating growth of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual centers. It increases vitality to fulfill one’s aspirations.
* Purple – enhances the growth of the spiritual self.
* Purple Sheen – helps to see beyond the immediate reality, promotes psychic ability and stimulates clarity.
* Rainbow – induces light, love, happiness and gratification.
* Red – enhances stability in ones physical attributes and brings validity to one’s being.
* Silver Sheen – helps to see the self as others do.
* Snowflake – helps to recognize unnecessary patterns in life and redesign one’s thought patterns to provide relief from undesired conditions. It also aids in purity and balance to the body, mind and spirit.

Onyx

This form of Chalcedony is a powerful grounding stone that aids in concentration, absorbs negativity, banishes grief, enhances self control, stimulates wise decision making, encourages happiness and good fortune along with being a good choice for protection.

Opal

The main aspect of this stone is balance. It may crack if the wearer is stressed, in danger or just out of sync. Opal helps to recognize and feel creativity within oneself along with inspiration, imagination and mystical qualities. It may render the wearer invisible by bringing one the quality of “fading into the background.”

Pearl

This type of Sea Shell has a soothing effect and helps the wearer overcome obstacles. It tends to absorb negative energy and must be cleared before wearing. Pearl also induces faith, charity, innocence, focus and enhances personal integrity.

Peridot

Peridot emits a warm and friendly energy, regulates cycles (physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and life), along with being excellent for healing and protection.

Quartz (clear)

Quartz crystals have been used in magical and healing rituals since the beginning of time as we know it. Quartz crystal can create altered states of consciousness as well as unlocking abilities of the mind. It can be used to clear and activate energy centers of the body attuning well to the heart and third-eye chakras. Quartz purifies the physical, mental and spiritual self along with healing inner negativity transforming it into positive thoughts and feelings. Whether the clear quartz is carried, worn, or simply in one’s environment, it’s magick and energy remain attuned to the one with whom it is connected.

Rose Quartz

This crystal emits a gentle and calming energy that can bring harmony to a chaotic situation. Rose Quartz is especially helpful in matters of the heart and learning to love one’s self as it promotes feelings of love and happiness.

Ruby

This form of Corundum encourages one to follow their bliss, promoting creativity and the ability to expand beyond oneself. Ruby stimulates the heart chakra while leading the emotions toward nurturing, spiritual wisdom, health, knowledge and wealth. It is also an excellent shielding stone, protecting the wearer on all levels.

Sapphire

This form of Corundum aids in eliminating frustration and allowing for the fulfillment of dreams and desires. Sapphire can also be used to remove unwanted thoughts by opening one’s mind to beauty and intuition. It is said that sapphire has the power to counteract negative witchcraft and attract good spirits and that star sapphire (milky or grayish blue) is the best guard against the evil eye.

Silver

Silver provides a very strong connection between the physical and astral bodies giving the wearer assurance that they may always return home from the astral plane. Silver smoothes out the roughness of one’s personality improving speech and bringing an element of culture to one’s presence.

Smokey Quartz

This crystal can be used to dissolve negative emotions and thoughts allowing positive energy to take its place. Natural Smokey Quartz can protect one from harm along with heightening one’s connection and understanding of Earth and the environment. It is an excellent grounding stone and also promotes personal joy of life.

Tiger Eye

This form of quartz is helpful when clarity is required to intelligently sort through and organize scattered details. It can also enhance psychic ability bringing awareness and perception. Tiger Eye allows one to admire purity and beauty letting one’s passion for life blossom. This crystal may bring prosperity, abundance and financial independence to the wearer.

References include the following:

Crystal Medicine by Marguerite Elsbeth
Published in 1997 by Llewellen Publications

Love is in the Earth – A Kaleidoscope of Crystals by Melody
Published in 1995 by Earth-Love Publishing House

Make Him Melt With Big, Doe Eyes

Problem:
My eyes are very small. Are there any makeup tips to make them stand out more?

Solution:

Eyeliner is the magic wand for creating the illusion of bigger, more expressive eyes. Line the entire top lash line and extend the line slightly at the corners. You can also line the bottom of your eyes, but concentrate color only on the outer third and extend it slightly past the edge. (We’re not talking Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra here.) A soft, smoky look will open your eyes more than a thin, hard line. Stick to dark, neutral colors with a hint of black for lining, as bright shades will only make them seem smaller.

Lashes can also be a great eye-opener. Curl them three times before applying mascara — at the base, halfway up and at the tip — to create a gentle, rounded curl. Fan out your lashes while applying mascara. Brush the inner third in toward your nose, the middle third straight out and the outer third toward your temples.

Contrary to popular belief, dark, dramatic eyeshadow will not make your eyes stand out. In fact, it’ll do just the opposite. If you have small eyes, keep it simple by using only light-colored shadows, and never wear more than two shades at once. Brush a subtle base color from lash to brow, and then use a slightly darker shade to create subtle definition in the crease.

How To Curl And Lengthen Your Eyelashes

Since we can’t all be blessed with long lashes, thank goodness mascara can make it look as if we were. Here is a very simple method of applying mascara for every day wear.

1. Draw wand out of mascara tube and remove access on a piece of paper towel.

2. Hold wand horizontally and slowly twirl as you move the brush from the roots to the tips.

3. To set curl, hold wand and lashes together at the tips for a several seconds.

4. Apply second coat before the first coat has dried to avoid clumping.

5. Apply mascara carefully to the bottom lashes, holding wand vertically.

6. While lashes are still wet, comb through the lashes (carefully) with a lash comb to separate each lash.

Tips:

* Be sure to wash off your mascara each night. Not only will it smear during the night, you won’t be able to apply more until your lashes are free from the old mascara.
* Mascara is a breeding ground for germs. Be sure to replace it every three months.
* Never pump the wand into the tube. This procedure only adds air to the mascara, drying it out.

Different Eyeliner Applications

Close-Set Eyes:
Line outer third of upper lids with gray,brown, or black liner. Smudge gently. Use a lighter liner on the inner eye to widen the space between eyes.

Small Eyes:
Draw a dark line gradually thickening at outer edge of the eye. Use a light-colored pencil (gold, silver, white) and draw under lower lash.

Deep-Set Eyes:
Line upper lash line with pale, shimmery liner. Then line outer edge of lower lash with a soft, neutral shade (gray or taupe). This will create the illusion of a less heavy lid.

Drooping Eyes:
Line outer third of eye very close to lashes, carefully sweeping the liner up at the corner of the eye.

So the eyeliner is too harsh?

If you don’t like the sharpness of your eyeliner, you can soften it using your eye shadow brush by adding a little powder shadow of a similar shade.

Using an eyeshadow pencil…

You should not draw the pencil across your eyelid as this could cause stretching of the skin.

Instead, apply the color to the palm of your hand, then pick up some of the color with your pinky and apply gently to your eyelid.

Eyeshadow That Stays

Melting eyeshadow is a problem for many women, but there is a way to make it “stick” a little longer.

If you use a damp eyeshadow brush and apply a layer of face powder to your lids and allow to set, the shadow will stay in place for the day.
Takes an extra second or so but the effort is well worth it.

Younger looking eyes…

The first step is to reduce fine lines. So apply a little eye cream on the brow bone and under the eye.

Next dab on a concealer that matches your skin tones.

The last step is to line the eye with a white pencil just beneath the lash line. This will give the impression of larger and brighter eyes.

How To Apply Fake Eyelashes

Applying fake lashes is best left to your makeup artist, but with a little patience and practice, you too can master this art. So don’t try it five minutes before leaving to a big party. Andrea lashes are great and they are available inexpensively at the drugstore.

Keep a piece of paper handy to hold the lashes, and a magnifying mirror, which makes the job a lot easier.

Using a tweezer, dip the base end of the lashes into the glue, then place the lashes as close to the baseline of your own as you can, filling in wherever you want the greatest impact (generally, the mid to outer lashes look fabulous in false lashes). Press gently, but firmly with something blunt. Hold the lash in place for about 5 seconds until the glue has a chance to hold.

Let the glue dry, and then apply a dark eyeliner to camouflage the line of the fake lashes and then apply your mascara. The mascara will help blend your own lashes with the fake ones, and make your eyes look fuller and larger.

To remove, gently pull them off with tweezers.

Lining Eyes

It takes steady hands and the near precision of a neurosurgeon to put on eyeliner. We asked makeup artist Pamela McNeally for the tips that will save you 4 years of medical school:

* Dust a sheer, loose powder on the upper and lower lids so the eyeliner sticks better. If you are going to curl your lashes, do it now. (Otherwise you could smudge the line.)
* Choose the right formula. For a cleanstraight line, use a liquid version (try one with felt tip, like those from Lancome or L’Oreal). To create a softer, more subtle line, pencils are best.
* Rest your elbow on a hard surface to minimize shaking. Start in the middle of the eyelid, and drag the liner to the inner corner of the eye, drawing as close to the lashes as possible. Go back to the center of the of the eyelid and repeat the process outward.
* To make your eyes look smoky, dab eye shadow (in a similar shade) over the line and lightly fan it out. This will also help the liner stay in place.
* If the liner smudges, don’t reapply more. Instead, clean up the line with a dampened Q-tip.

The Perfect Lash

The final touch to your eye makeup is the lash. Try to always use an eyelash curler. It will make your eyes look wider, more alert, and more youthful. It’s like an instant eye lift. Always curl lashes befor applying mascara.

* Lightly powder lashes to give mascara a coat to cling to.

* Heat eyelash curler with hair dryer for a few seconds. It will act like a curling iron for the eyes.

Hint: Curl twice for a rounded curl. Place the open curl near the lash roots and arrange your lashes between the two rims. Squeeze gently for thirty seconds. Squeeze again at mid-lash for another thirty-seconds. It looks very natural.

* Give upper lashes a second coat of mascara, concentrating on the tips by stroking the brush horizontally across the lash. Never wait when applying second coat of mascara to lashes. Mascara, especially waterproof mascara, dries quickly and can clump.

* Lightly coat lower lashes.

How To Match Eye Shadow With Your Eye Color

Need an eyeshadow shade that looks cool with your eye color? Here’s help.

FOR BLUE EYES

1. Tried and True: taupe, gray, violet, purple, deep blue (a darker shade than your eye color makes your eyes really blue), black (mix it with bright blue for a smoky effect)

2. Funky Favorites: silver, turquoise, fuschia (brightens any shade of blue)

GREEN or HAZEL EYES

1. Tried and True: brown, apricot, purple, plum, deep khaki or forest green (because they are in the same greenish family, they brighten green eyes)

2. Funky Favorites: gold, lime-green, really light green, bright purple (super modern)

BROWN EYES

1. Tried and True: copper, bronze, champagne (soft pink with a touch of apricot), brown (for a doe-eyed look), beige, and khaki-green (lighter shades add highlight)

2. Funky Favorites: tangerine, royal blue, hot pink, lime-green (the contrast adds punch to brown)

ALL EYES

1. Tried and True (Classic): navy or charcoal base to define and a powder-blue shadow for highlighting (it brightens your brow bone so any eye color pops)

2. Funky Favorites: silver-sparkle shadow makes all eyes look edgy

Remedy For Puffy Lidded Eyes or Eyes With No Defined Crease

1. Apply a touch of black eyeshadow in the center of the upper lashline.

2. Sweep a taupe or natural color eyeshadow over the crease and slightly above it.
…..(Remember, we’re working with minimal space here…not Cher’s lids! )…..

3. Use an eyeshadow shade that’s lighter on the browbones and lids.

That way, when the light hits your peepers, the highlighted area of the eyes will stand out as the crease appears, well, creased! The upper lids lined with black shadow in the center provides a contrast with the highlighted lid to create more visible lids.

The history of aromatherapy may even stretch back further than what we commonly know. It seems that during the Neolithic period (prior to 4000 B.C.), the Eastern people and some of the European people had discovered how to express oils from aromatic plants by pressing them. During this period of time, nomadic life was being discarded and people started to settle in one area and cultivate the land; they also started to build sacred monuments. The associations of the healing properties of plants and evil spirits that caused illness became linked with early religious beliefs, because the earliest healers became associated with a whole structure of religious belief in a community. Many were priests, who acted as instruments to the gods by receiving their powers of healing through them. Because ancient societies had no comprehensible explanations of how plants healed, associations were made with the supernatural and religion, and those attitudes have now been incorporated into modern attitudes towards Herbalism and aromatherapy.

In Egypt

The Ebers Papyrus, the world’s oldest surviving text (2000 B.C.), was a list of medicinal prescriptions in use after about 1800 B.C. This papyrus demonstrated the central role of the gods in Egyptian medicine and Egyptian society. Osiris was the god of vegetation; Isis had the power to renew life and transmitted the secrets of healing to mankind. Egyptians prayed to Isis for deliverance from disease. The god Thoth was responsible for formulating each healing prescription. Thoth’s representation is still the symbol of a physician today: in his left hand he holds the symbol of life and in his right a staff around which a serpent is coiling itself. Thoth, the god of knowledge, created medicine.

Egyptian herbalists carried both a basket containing herbal medicines and a magician’s staff. Before a treatment began, the herbalist would cast out the demons which possessed the patient.

The Egyptians also had braziers burning incense on street corners during public festivals.

The Egyptians knew how to extract oil by means of distillation. Most of the oils were produced by infusion of the plant in fatty oil which was then boiled. The perfume would then evaporate and become fixed in the fat. Wall carvings at the temple of Edfu, show a substance being taken from flowers.

In Greece

The Greeks believed also that the gods were the first herbalists and physicians. They believed the gods taught the art of healing to mankind.

The god Aesculapius was the greatest of them all – the son of Apollo and Coronis. He was slain by Zeus out of jealousy of Aesculapius’ success at healing the sick and raising the dead.

Aesculapius’ daughter was Hygieia, the goddess of health, and also where the word hygiene was derived. His other daughter was Panacea, whose name means ‘cure all’. They both helped Aesculapius to treat disease.

Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine (460-377 B.C.), was the first person to establish and set down a scientific system of medicine. The Hippocratic Oath is named after Hippocrates, and – until recently – all Doctors had to swear the Hippocratic Oath before they could practise. Its opening words were “I swear by Apollo, the Physician, by Aesculapius, by Hygieia and Panacea and by all the Gods and Goddesses that to the best of my power and judgement…” demonstrating the link between early beliefs of medical scientists and modern medical practise.

The early Greeks considered illness to be a divine curse and they prayed to the god Apollo, the god of medicine, for recovery.

The ancient Greeks attributed sweet smells to divine origin.

From Science to Folklore

After the fall of the Roman Empire, scientific research and writing of healing plants stopped. Monks became responsible for healing and caring for the sick as part of their duty as Christians. The Monasteries preserved knowledge by the scribe’s copying manuscripts by hand. The monks seemed to be keeping literature of herbal and medical practise alive; however, the knowledge was not shared with the masses. So, folklore became influential, and ritual and magick were turned to once again.

While in the west, the knowledge of healing plants was being suppressed, an Arabian alchemist by the name of Avicenna (10th century AD) was doing some important work in discovering and recording knowledge in regards to medicinal plants. Avicenna is credited as being the first person to discover the method of distillation, a process commonly used to extract the essential oil from aromatic plants. Essential oil of rose is thought to be the first oil ever extracted.

In the remainder of this article we will explore the history, myths and legends associated with the aromatic plants from which we obtain our beloved essential oils.

Basil / Ocimum basillicum

Basil originates from India. Its name is short for the Greek words basilikon pluton, which means ‘kingly herb’ or the Greek word basilicon, meaning ‘royal remedy’. The word ocimum is derived from a Greek word meaning ‘I feel’. It came to Europe via the Middle East, and the Egyptians passed on their knowledge of basil to the Europeans. It is also known as: Sweet basil, Common basil, Our herb, Witches herb, Albahaca, American Dittany, St Joseph’s Wort and Herb of Kings.

In India the Hindus believe that the Hindu Gods, Krishna and Vishnu gave basil (tulsi) its protective and inspirational properties. For this reason, many Hindus hold basil to be a sacred plant and it is often grown in the gardens of the devout. Basil is also sacred to the Brahman religion and worn to bring both spiritual and physical protection. Basil has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries.

We know that basil was known to the ancient Egyptians: a sprig of basil was found during the excavation of a rubbish dump in the city of Memphis, dating back to the days of the Ptolemies or the Late Period.

In Europe, basil is a symbol of fertility, and in Italy it is known as a symbol of love because the leaves resemble hearts. Italian women would wear basil to charm and bewitch a man of their desire. Basil would also be added to food when it was thought that Venus’ enticing powers of love were failing to provide the desired results. In Crete, however, the herb is associated with evil and death. Medieval Europeans used basil to help relieve the pain of childbirth.

In Africa, the speakers of the Fang Tribe chew basil leaves to provide them with inspiration and assurance. Basil is one of the sacred herbs used in the Sabbat of Candlemas.

Black Pepper / Piper nigrum

The pepper plant is native to Malabar Coast of India. It is also known as ‘Piper’. Black pepper is one of the oldest known spices; the first recorded medicinal use of black pepper came from the seventh-century Tang Dynasty in China.

The Romans used black pepper as food flavouring, and it was massaged into Roman warriors before a battle to provide strength and stamina. It was also used to provide the same qualities to a man’s performance in the bedroom. Black pepper was also added into bath water during bathing rituals in Rome, especially before a hedonistic night of pleasure.

Black pepper is a reputed aphrodisiac, and references to its use as an aphrodisiac have been made throughout history. The use of black pepper in sexual matters was recorded in ancient Arabic sex manuals, referring to its erotic properties.

When Rome fell to the barbarians, the barbarians demanded horses, money and 300 pounds of black pepper. Black pepper was such a highly regarded luxury, the sea route to India and the Spice Islands were opened because of its high demand. At one point in time, wars were fought over black pepper, and it was traded ounce for ounce with gold. It was used to pay taxes and levies, rents and dowries. One pound of black pepper could buy a serf his freedom.

Chamomile / Chamaemelum nobilis / Anthemis nobilis

Chamomile is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs. There are two types of chamomile grown and used: German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). The name chamomile is derived from the Greek word khamaimelon, which means ‘earth apple’, or ‘ground apple’ due to the fresh herb’s scent being reminiscent of apples. The genus name, Matricaria, given to the German chamomile species means ‘matrix’ (womb), and it was this aspect for which the herb was used by the ancients: as a woman’s herb for relieving female conditions and aiding childbirth. Chamomile is also known as: Blood of Hestia, Chamomile from the Loins, Manzanilla, Camomyle, Maythen, Whig Plant, Melanthelaion, and Camomile.

The Egyptians used chamomile as a cure for a condition called ‘agu’, which is a form of malaria. The Egyptians dedicated chamomile to their sun gods since the flower reminded them of the sun. It was associated with the god Ra for its healing powers.

When the body of King Ramesses II was displayed in Paris, permission was obtained to take skin tissue for analysis. One of the findings was that the body and abdominal cavity of the king had been anointed with chamomile oil. It is believed that the chamomile oil was used in the mummification process of the King for its insect repelling qualities.

The Romans also dedicated chamomile to their gods. Chamomile was also used by India’s ancient Ayurvedic physicians. The Vikings added chamomile to hair shampoos to aid the lightening of blond hair.

Chamomile was taken to the Americas by the Pilgrim Fathers of both British and German descent. The herb is so popular to the Germans that they have given it the exaggerated label of alles zutraut, meaning ‘capable of anything’.

Chamomile was used by the ancient Egyptians and the Moors, and it was one of the Saxons’ nine sacred herbs, which they called ‘maythen’.

Cedarwood / Cedrus Atlantica / Juniperus virginiana

Cedar comes from the Semitic word signifying ‘power’ or ‘strength’. Cedarwood is also known as ‘the tree of life or the ‘tree of the gods’, and is a renowned symbol of faith and strength. Cedarwood has been revered for its meditative and relaxing qualities since ancient times. Cedarwood’s ceremonial use has been recorded as far as 2000 years ago.

Cedarwood was sacred incense to the ancients, and the wood was used to build palaces and temples. Cedarwood was used to build the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. Cedarwood is mentioned several times in the Bible in relation to fertility. Incense of cedarwood is used in religious ceremonies.

A clay tablet from 1800 B.C. Babylon mentions the trade of cedarwood essential oil. Cedarwood was used by the Egyptians for its preservative properties in the mummification process and cosmetics. The Egyptians believed that cedarwood extended the life. A Byzantine legend is of cedarwood being one of the three symbolic trees that grow at the gates of the ‘symbolic garden’, alongside the cypress and the pine, all said to teach us moderation.

Cypress / Cupressus sempervirens

A native to the Mediterranean, the cypress tree has been in existence since the Pliocene (Tertiary) era. Cupressus sempervirens is Cypress’ botanical name. The word sempervirens means ‘ever lasting’. Cypress has long been associated with death, and is also known as the ‘Tree of Death’. The Cypress tree represents the sacred flame of life, the unchangeable, eternal essence. It is associated with the immortality of the soul. Cypress trees are planted in cemeteries throughout the Mediterranean, they are the companions to the survivors of the dead, hovering over existence and death and remaining the last loyal companions of the dead.

The Egyptians associated cypress with death, and also connected cypress to the Egyptian beliefs of the afterlife. They also used cypress for its preservative properties, and in mummification and ascensions processes.

The cypress tree was sacred to the Roman God Pluto, the ruler of the underworld. In Rome, it is also said that Cupid, the god of love, shot arrows made of cypress. The Greek god Jupiter had a sceptre made from cypress. The Greek god Aesculapius’ temple was said to be encircled with cypress trees. A Byzantine legend is of cypress being one of the three symbolic trees that grow at the gates of the ‘symbolic garden’, alongside the cedarwood tree and the pine, all said to teach us moderation. The Tibetans use cypress as a purification incense. In Shintoism, the priests sceptre, called a shaku, was made from cypress wood.

Cypress was mentioned in an Assyrian text that is over 3,500 years old.

Frankincense / Boswellia carteri

Frankincense is also known as Olibanum, which was its original name before it was renamed Frankincense in the 10th century. The name Olibanum derives from ‘oil of Lebanon’ as frankincense is native to the Middle East. The name Frankincense was derived from a mediaeval French word meaning ‘luxuriant incense’. Frankincense‘ s earliest known use was dated back over 5000 years ago, as incense. Its fragrance is thought to ascend and perfume the heavens.

Frankincense was highly prized by the ancients, and was the substance most likely to be burned as holy incense. It has been used since antiquity in India, the Middle East, Africa, and China and in the West by the Catholic Church as an incense and ceremonial oil. The Egyptians used frankincense in their temple ceremonies and rituals, as kohl for their eyes and as a rejuvenator of the skin. Frankincense was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen, an ancient Egyptian King.

Jasmine / Jasminum officinale

Jasmine is native to the Himalayas and Asia. Jasmine is considered to be a sacred flower to the peoples of these areas. The Hindus strung jasmine flowers together to form garlands and presented then to their most honoured guests. Jasmine is the sacred flower of the Hindu love god, Kama. A fragrant emblem of love, jasmine flowers are often entwined into bridal flowers at Indian weddings. This custom is said to promise the bridle couple a deep and lasting affection for eternity. In India, Jasmine is known as ‘moonlight of the grove’ due to its ghostly pale flowers. It is also known by the names of Jessamine, Yasmin and the King of Flowers. Jasmine oil is known as ‘the King of oils’.

An ancient Indian myth of a princess who fell in love with the sun god Surya-Deva attempts to explain why the jasmine flower will only open its petals at night. According to the myth, the sun god rejected the princess’ love and she was so heartbroken that she killed herself. Her ashes were scattered to the ground, and from the ashes the beautiful jasmine grew. Since the sun god was responsible for her death, the jasmine flower would only open and release her perfume at night.

Throughout history, jasmine has been revered for its aphrodisiac qualities, and known as a plant of love with a great influence on both males and females.

Juniper / Juniperus communis

Juniper has been since antiquity as an incense to protect against evil spirits, and as a spiritual and bodily protector. Juniper is known as the ‘oil of protection’. It is also known as: Wachholder, Enebro, Ginepro, Genevrier and Gemeiner.

The Egyptians used Juniper as part of the embalming process and as a cosmetic additive to keep the skin soft and supple. Juniper berries were used by the Egyptians to prevent flatulence and treat indigestion. Internal and external use of Juniper is mentioned often in the ancient Egyptian medical texts. The ancient Egyptians knew juniper as ‘kedria’.

Hippocrates used juniper to protect Athens against an epidemic (small pox, cholera or leprosy), placing burning juniper in the streets, homes and squares.

Europeans living in the Middle Ages believed that planting juniper beside the front door would keep witches out of their homes. If, however, the witch could guess the correct number of needles on the tree, she would then be granted entry. The English would hang juniper on the front door of their house to keep away witches on the eve of May. Juniper wood was burned to banish demons. Hanging juniper on the door was also believed to discourage thieves from entering. Juniper was also used as a disinfectant against the plague.

The Native American Indians used juniper to assist with childbirth. Zuni women from Mexico used juniper berries to promote uterine recovery after child-birth. Juniper was also used to treat arthritis and wound infections.

Juniper sprigs were burned in French hospitals in Paris, and in public places to ward off infection from the plague, leprosy and cholera, and the small pox epidemic of 1870. Juniper was also burned in France during the 2nd World War. It was burned in hospital rooms by French nurses to fumigate them.

Juniper berries are added to gin as flavouring.

Lavender / Lavandula officinalis / Lavandula angustifolia / Lavandula vera

Lavender is native to the Mediterranean. Lavender is responsible for the birth of aromatherapy in our modern culture. Lavender has been used for centuries to freshen the air of sick rooms and used as a carminative, disinfectant, sedative, tonic and a healing agent. Lavender is also known by the names of Spikenard, Elf Leaf, Nardus, Nard and Spike.

The Egyptian pharaohs used lavender as a perfume and fragrance. The Greeks used lavender to scent their bathwater. The name lavender was possibly derived from the Latin word lavare, which means ‘to wash’.

In Tuscany, Lavender was used to remove the ‘evil eye’ from children. A decoction was made from the herb, and a child was washed in the liquid. If the water became turbid, it was said that the evil eye had been removed.

Lavender was first introduced to England around 1568. English farmers wore spikes of lavender flowers under their hats to prevent sunstroke and headaches. The dried flowers were sewn into pillows to prevent insomnia. During the middle Ages, lavender gained a reputation as an aphrodisiac that attracted a lover. Sprinkling lavender water onto your lover’s head was said to keep your lover faithful. This belief fuelled a great demand for lavender. Lavender was also one of the ingredients of the Middle Ages’ ‘Vinegar of Four Thieves’, which was used by grave robbers to ward off the plague.

Victorian women added crushed lavender to the bath, and soaked in front of the fire before a love tryst. Lavender was also a favourite for scenting bed linen in 17th century England.

Lavender was used in Portugal and Spain as a strewing herb to scent churches on important occasions. Lavender was also burned to keep the evil spirits away. Lavender was used right up until World War I as an infusion to treat and disinfect wounds.

North African women wear lavender as a protective amulet against mistreatment by their husbands. It was taken to the Americas by the Pilgrim Fathers, where it thrived despite the harsh winter weather.

Myrrh / Commiphora myrrha

Myrrh is a native of Africa and Asia. Myrrh has been used since ancient times as a perfume, incense and medicine. Myrrh is popular incense for religious rituals and ceremonies of many religions across the world. The use of myrrh is discussed in the world’s oldest surviving text – the Ebers Papyrus (2000 B.C.). The name myrrh was derived from the Arabic word murr, which means ‘bitter’. Myrrh is also known by the names of Daran, Mirra, Gum Tree Myrrh, Didthin, Morr-Didin, Bowl, Mirra Balsom Olendron, Commiphora Myrrha, Balsamodendron, Didin and Molmol.

The ancient Egyptians used myrrh as an ingredient in their embalming mixtures to preserve bodies in the mummification process. They also used myrrh as a treatment for wounds.

The ancient Greeks attributed myrrh’s teardrop shape to Myrrha, the daughter of the Syrian King Thesis. Myrrha refused to worship the goddess Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Aphrodite was angered by Myrrha’s blasphemy and tricked Myrrha into committing incest with her father. When Thesis realized what he had done, he threatened to kill his daughter. The Gods decided to transform Myrrha into the Myrrh tree to save her. The tear drop resin is said to symbolise Myrrha’s sorrow. Another classical myth concerning myrrh was of the Mother of Adonis being changed into Myrrh.

Myrrh was used by the Greeks on the battlefield to promote the healing of wounds. Myrrh was also the principal ingredient in megaleion, an ancient Greek perfume. The ancient Greeks also used myrrh as an antidote to poison. This early belief grew; by the Middle Ages, myrrh was employed to treat infectious disease. When the Black Plague struck London in 1665, myrrh was used as a protectant against the disease, but unfortunately it offered no benefit. Once this was found to be the case, the belief in its protective powers faded.

References

* Britton, Jade & Kircher, Tamara. (2001). The Complete Book of Home Herbal Remedies. London: Quarto Publishing plc.
* Carstens, Jane. (August/September 2005). Sandalwood oil. Nature & Health; 18-19.
* Castleman, Michael. (2001). The New Healing Herbs. Australia: Hinkler Books.
* Cotterell, Arthur. (1996). The Encyclopedia of Mythology. London: Anness Publishing Limited.
* Devereux, Charla. (1993). The Aromatherapy Kit. Australia: National Book Distributors.
* Eason, Cassandra. (2000). Encyclopedia of Magic & Ancient Wisdom. London: Judy Piatkus Ltd.
* Lacroix, Nitya & Bowhay, Sakina. (1995). The Art of Sensual Aromatherapy. Great Britain: Carlton Books.
* Mailhebiau, Phillipe. (1995). Portraits in Oils. Great Britain: C.W. Daniel Company Limited.
* Manniche, Lise. (Issue 79, 2000). Aromatherapy in Ancient Egypt. Wellbeing; 6-11.
* Rogers, Jo. (1990). What Food is that? & How Healthy is it? Australia: Lansdowne Publishing Pty Ltd.
* Stuart, Malcolm. (1987). The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism. London: Black Cat, Macdonald & Co.
* Worwood, Valerie Ann. (1996). Fragrant Sensuality. Great Britain: Bantam Books, Transworld Publishers Ltd.
* No name (2003) The Encyclopedia of Ancient Myths and Culture. London: Quantum Books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kylie Thompson is a 32-year-old mother of four children. A beauty therapist by profession, Kylie has additional certificates in Aromatherapy and make-up artistry. Aromatherapy for the Emotions is her first written text. She is currently working on three separate projects – a book concerning the use of aromatherapy oils in magick, and the myths and legends associated with them; a guide to less-common essential oils and their applications; and a cookbook of ‘lazy recipes’ intended for people who either don’t like or don’t have time to cook, but who still want to feed themselves and their family nutritious meals.

Aromatherapy for the Emotions is the complete guide to using nature’s essential oils to treat negative emotional states, and enhance positive emotions. The book contains 51 essential oil profiles according to their effects on emotional states, over 45 recipes for massage oil blends, over 45 recipes for bath blends and over 180 recipes for the oil burner all designed for individual emotional states (e.g. grief, fear, anger, anxiety, and heartbreak). The book explains how aroma can affect emotions, and also explains how negative emotional states can impact on a person’s overall physical and mental well-being. The book also has a detailed section on choosing oils according to personality, as well as a section devoted to aromatherapy‘ s effects on the body’s energy system. It also explains how blockages in the energy system can occur due to prolonged negative emotional states.

Kylie’s book can be obtained from: http://www.lulu.com/aromaemotions (Author’s web site)

As you read this, you are probably filled with anxiety with the very thought of being without that reassuring packet of cigarettes in your bag or pocket! You might have been smoking for years. Maybe this is the first time you are seriously considering “giving up” or perhaps you have tried before and failed. Whatever the case may be – don’t be discouraged, you are one of millions!

In my opinion, not enough recognition is given to the fact that nicotine dependency is a serious addiction! Many people see cigarette smoking as a “Bad Habit” and feel that smokers should be able to “just stop”! Although there are many gums, sprays and patches available to help the person gradually wean him/herself off the cigarettes, most smokers are expected to “go it alone”, be crabby for a few weeks and then be fine! If they fail, the insinuation is that they are weak, indulgent, inconsiderate, etc. The medical and moral support and understanding given to other substance abusers (e.g. alcoholics, crack addicts, etc) is usually not forthcoming for those who are struggling to overcome nicotine dependency.

Hopefully, this article will fill that gap a little. Nothing on earth will make it easy and effortless – but, if you are serious about giving up and follow the advice given here, you will find that you stand a better chance of being successful.

Think about why you want to give up. Like all addictions, YOU are the one that must want to quit. If you are quitting because someone else wants you to or is pressurizing you to, your chances of success are greatly diminished. YOU must want to do it, for reasons that are YOURS.

One of the most compelling reasons to give up smoking is that cigarettes are detrimental to your health.

Here are some sobering facts:

1. Smoking is the most important risk factor for cancer and heart disease. In fact, statistics show that smokers are about three to five times more likely to contract cancer or heart disease than non-smokers. (Tobacco smoke contains more than 4000 chemicals and 50 of these have been identified as carcinogens).
2. Not only do smokers have a far greater risk of contracting lung cancer, but they also have increased rates of other cancers, including cancer of the mouth, larynx, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, liver, cervix, stomach, colon and rectum. Smokers are also at greater risk for leukemia.
3. The overall cancer death rates for smokers are twice as high as those of non-smokers. The more cigarettes you smoke and the longer you smoke for,the greater the risk.
4. Smoking contributes significantly to the development of high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries and therefore places smokers at greater risk of stroke and heart disease.
5. Smoking causeschronic lung disorders like emphysema, asthma and bronchitis.

Heard enough? Well, here are some more!

1. Smoking causes premature wrinkling, especially of the face.
2. Smokers have yellow teeth, and foul smelling breath, hair and clothes.
3. Smoking causes impotence and erectile dysfunction in men and low libido in men and women. It can also contribute towards difficulties in falling pregnant and birth defects.
4. Smoking deprives the body of oxygen, leading to fatigue and low concentration levels.
5. At current prices, smoking is very bad for your bank balance! Think of what you could do with the money you spend on cigarettes!

These are only a few of the known dangers of smoking that pertain to the individual. Still not convinced?

Then think of this:

Not only is smoking bad for you, but it is also bad for your family and those around you! For example, children of smokers are far more likely to develop asthma and other chronic respiratory infections than those of non-smokers. They are also more prone to colds and flu and lose more time off school. Exposed to second hand tobacco smoke on a daily basis, these children also have higher risks of developing all the cancers, disorders and other medical conditions mentioned above. In addition, you are a role model for your child and are not teaching them good health habits when you continue to smoke in the face of overwhelming evidence regarding the serious health hazards associated with smoking. If you don’t do it yourself, do it for your kids!

So what’s new?

Most people who are reading this ebooklet have heard all of this before. When they stop and think about it (which they try not to do), they cannot avoid the fact that the only sensible thing to do is to stop the habit. In fact, research has shown that the majority of smokers over the age of 30 would like to stop smoking. Many of them have tried and failed. This brings us back to Square One.

The Native Remedies Stop Smoking Ultra Pack

At Native Remedies, we have all had personal experience of nicotine addiction and withdrawal. As a psychologist, I have also counseled many people who have struggled to stop smoking. As an ex-smoker, I understand the difficulties involved, as well as the feelings of failure and frustration experienced every time you try and fail to stop smoking. I understand how stressed you feel when you read about the health hazards of smoking, the feelings of irritation when other people point them out to you – as well as the feelings of guilt around endangering the lives of your loved ones who are exposed to your second hand smoke.

Considering the huge cost that smoking imposes on our own lives, those of our children and the economy of the country, it is surprising that there is not more support for smokers who want to give up. Nicotine withdrawal is no joke and cigarettes can be more difficult to give up than many other dangerous drugs.

To help you, Native Remedies has worked together with experts in the field to provide help in the form of specially formulated natural remedies combined with a free step-by-step program to support and guide you through the process of nicotine withdrawal.

Natural Remedies Can Help

Natural remedies can help to prevent depression associated with nicotine withdrawal, reduce nicotine craving and soothe the restlessness, irritability and volatile moods often felt by people trying to quit smoking.

Unlike some nicotine withdrawal programs, the Native Remedies Stop Smoking Ultra Pack does not include nicotine substitutes like nicotine gums, sprays, patches, etc. Apart from the fact that nicotine is the ‘enemy’, using nicotine substitutes may help with craving in the short term, but can also lead to relapse in the long term. Our aim is to keep you nicotine free and we want you to start out that way!

Other programs advocate the use of synthetic anti-depressant drugs or even tranquillizers to help control the depression, anxiety and mood swings that can send you right back to the cigarettes. While this approach does have some merit, it is also true that there are very effective natural substitutes for the synthetic antidepressants and tranquillizers – which can offer the same benefits without the side effects and potential for addiction. After all – you are fighting one addiction and do not want to replace it with another!

With this in mind, Native Remedies has formulated three natural remedies to help address all the major problems associated with nicotine withdrawal. Although they are all excellent stand alone products, Rx-Hale tablets, Crave-Rx Drops and Triple Complex NicoTonic tissue salts are designed to work together and are recommended for use as part of a holistic treatment program.

1. Rx-Hale Tablets are specially formulated to prepare your body to stop smoking and are begun one month before you want to stop. They contain a unique combination of herbs which are well known for their anti-depressant and calming effect and include chromium to help prevent the tendency to overeat as a substitute for cigarettes. Taken during the month before you stop smoking and continued for a few months until the worst is over, Rx-Hale Tablets ensure that your efforts to stop smoking are not foiled by depression, mood swings and sugar cravings. Taking the tablets every day during the 30 days before you stop also prepares you psychologically for nicotine withdrawal and ensures that you begin the process feeling strong and ready to face the challenges ahead of you!

2. Crave-Rx Drops contain a unique combination of selected herbal ingredients to assist with the management of nicotine craving, possibly due to their balancing effect on brain chemicals known to be associated with addiction. Containing herbs which have been clinically proven to reduce the craving for nicotine, Crave-Rx Drops also contain herbs which will help to prevent the sugar cravings and compensatory overeating which often cause people to go back to cigarettes due to unwanted weight gain. Taken in a little water or juice three to four times a day, Crave-Rx Drops act quickly to reduce nicotine craving and keep you calm.

3. Triple Complex NicoTonic is a complex biochemic tissue salt formulation to assist with the ‘short fuse’ syndrome so frequently associated with nicotine withdrawal. Triple Complex NicoTonic helps to prevent irritability, temper outbursts and restlessness and ensures a calmer and more successful path to a cigarette free life! It does this by promoting the bio-availability of nutrients, hormones and bio-chemicals that are usually depleted by the stress of nicotine and drug withdrawal. Presented in convenient sucking tablets which are dissolved under the tongue when needed, Triple Complex NicoTonic can be taken as many times per day as necessary.

STEP ONE: (Four Weeks)

Preparation is important!! Follow these steps. During this first four weeks you can continue to smoke.

1. Determine your Quit Date! You must set a Quit Date no less than one month away. This gives you four weeks to prepare for beginning nicotine withdrawal.
2. Start using Rx-Hale Tablets one month before your Quit Date to prevent depression and anxiety and to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent weight gain. Remember to use them every day as directed! Every time you take a dose, remind yourself that you are on the road to recovery from nicotine addiction!
3. Make a list of all the reasons why you want to stop smoking and read this list every day. Glue it to the door of your fridge, your computer monitor and the mirror in the bathroom.
4. Tell at least 10 people that you are going to stop smoking on your Quit Date.
5. Identify times and places which you associate with cigarettes e.g. after a meal, first thing in the morning, when you are driving, watching TV, etc. During the first four weeks, DO NOT smoke during these times and at these places – although you can smoke elsewhere. If you smoke in front of the TV, get up and smoke in the kitchen. If you smoke in bed when you wake up, get out of bed and smoke after you have dressed. If you smoke after a meal, wait for 30 minutes and do something else in the meanwhile. If you light up as soon as you get into the car, rather smoke before and after your journey. If you smoke while speaking on the telephone, hang up if you need to have a cigarette. This helps you to break the ‘habit smoking’ while still allowing you to smoke.
6. Start an exercise program and/or start a new hobby. Regular exercise helps tremendously to improve mood and motivation levels and also gets you feeling healthy and more confident. People who exercise regularly have a running start over those who don’t when it comes to beating the smoking habit! It doesn’t matter what you do – just do it every day for at least 30 minutes. Take up an interesting hobby, preferably one that you can do with your hands – but any hobby will do. Be prepared to invest money in exercise and a new hobby – you will have some to spare because you are not smoking!

STEP TWO: (Four Weeks) Quit Date arrives! NO MORE SMOKING!

1. Throw away, trash or burn all cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and anything associated with smoking!
2. Remind everyone that you have now officially stopped smoking.
3. Continue using Rx-Hale Tablets and being taking Crave-Rx Drops three to six times daily to reduce nicotine craving, control appetite and prevent the weight gain often associated with quitting.
4. If you experience mood swings or a ‘short fuse syndrome’, suck Triple Complex NicoTonic Tablets whenever needed to reduce restlessness, bad mood and agitation.
5. Ask a friend or family member to be your ‘buddy’ during the next few weeks, preferably one who has also stopped smoking. He or she needs to be ‘on call’ for emergency phone calls, walks, talks and visits for those moments when craving becomes just too tough to manage alone. If possible, email or phone this buddy every night before you go to bed. Just a short message to say ‘I made it today’ does wonders and holds you accountable to someone else besides yourself. If you are tempted to smoke, read the list you have made of reasons why you want to stop and promise yourself you will not have a cigarette before first speaking to your buddy.
6. Continue with your exercise program and hobby.
7. Instead of smoking, chew on raw vegetables like carrots or chew sugarless chewing gum. If your fingers are itching to hold a cigarette, play with a pencil, some ‘worry beads’ or a cool smooth stone.
8. Take one day at a time! This is important. Every morning tell yourself that your goal for the day is to complete it without cigarettes.
9. Reward yourself at the end of this month with a gift equal in value to the money that you would have spent on cigarettes.
. Go out and celebrate with your ‘buddy’, friends and family. Making four weeks without cigarettes is a BIG DEAL and means that you have beaten the physical addiction to nicotine.

STEP THREE: Now that you are a Non-Smoker, maintenance is essential!! Physical addiction to most substances is ‘cured’ after 3 or 4 weeks. Now you have to overcome the psychological addiction!

1. Continue with Rx-Hale Tablets and Crave Rx Drops for at least 6 months. If you feel restless or irritable, suck a Triple Complex NicoTonic Tablet to calm yourself.
2. Don’t let your exercise program slip.
3. Be on guard all the time – ‘only’ one cigarette is one cigarette too many for any Quitter! If anyone offers you a cigarette, say ‘No thanks – I don’t smoke!’ and mean it!
4. Reward yourself at the end of every month. Celebrate your Quitting Anniversary every month.
5. Whenever you feel stressed or tense, practice deep breathing exercises or listen to some soothing music.
6. Realize that the danger is not past. Although the craving for cigarettes becomes weaker and weaker as time goes by, ex-smokers report that the thought of having a cigarette still pops into their minds years after they have stopped. When that happens, visualize a big red STOP sign and say ‘NO’! As a nicotine addict, you can NEVER again have a cigarette. Never give up giving up!

What if I have a cigarette?

Well, what if you don’t?

But seriously, if you do “slip up” and have a cigarette, don’t say, “Oh No, I failed – I’m a smoker again”. Tell yourself “One cigarette doesn’t make a smoker – I am a Non-Smoker, who had ONE cigarette and I am not going to have another one!” Put out the cigarette as soon as you can, forgive yourself (just this once) and move on as a non-smoker.

So, there you have it! You CAN stop smoking. Using Rx-Hale Tablets, Crave-Rx Drops, Triple Complex NicoTonic and the Native Remedies Rx-Hale No-More-Smoking Program you can also enjoy the health and beauty benefits of being NICOTINE FREE!

Keep smiling!

Michele Carelse is a Registered Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Counselor with more than 15 years experience. She runs her own private practice in Cape Town, South Africa.

Dealing with obesity ‘ avoid short term entrapment

Modern living often means a diet of fast foods and quick energy needs. This can lead to obesity and many people are overweight due to inactivity and years of eating the incorrect foods.

Comfort eating, or eating to fulfill emotional needs is another important cause of weight problems.

While fashion dictates that we need to be slim and attractive, many women embark on a series of yo-yo diets or even purging in order to lose weight and conform to society’s vision of beauty.

This may lead to short-term weight loss, but in the long run it disturbs the metabolism and makes the weight more and more difficult to lose.

Isn’t it strange that so many people are always dieting, yet the numbers of obese and overweight people are rising every year?

Years of dieting have even been shown to cause slow metabolism which can lead to weight gain.

Smart lifestyle and EcoSlim – the safe, effective approach

Native Remedies has recognized this problem and, together with a leading Clinical Psychologist, has formulated a healthy herbal supplement which can boost metabolism, improve liver and digestive functioning and help you to get those pounds off without harming your health!

Used as part of a healthy eating plan and a regular exercise program, EcoSlim can help you to lose weight and keep it off forever, leaving you feeling slim and full of vitality!

How has Ecoslim helped others?

“I tried every diet in the book. I was always on a different diet but if I lost weight it would go straight back on. Your weightloss drops helped me to stay on track and I realized for the first time that I did not have to starve to lose weight! The slimming drops made a big difference and every time I stood on the scale I had a smile on my face! After two weeks I had already lost 11 lbs, after 6 weeks I weighed 30 lbs less than when I started! I have never felt or looked so good!” – Janey, USA.

“I usually don’t write in but I really felt that I wanted to tell you that Ecoslim did everything it promised to do. I usually exercise twice a week and am not a big eater, but I just couldn’t lose weight, especially in my thighs and hips. I have now lost 6 pounds without any effort. There is much less cellulite too.” – Tabitha, USA.

“I am an emotional eater and I could never stay on a diet. Michele said I should take MindSoothe together with Ecoslim. I have succeeded for the first time in keeping to my diet and I have been eating sensibly with no binging for the last 6 weeks, which is a record for me! I can see the pounds coming off and everyone at work has been complimenting me!” – Malinda M., USA.

“Ecoslim gives me energy and I can feel that my body is working better. I have been eating less without trying and I have already lost 10 pounds.” – Wendy, USA.

EcoSlim includes the following herbs:

Fucus vesiculosis is a sea vegetable that is a concentrated source of minerals, including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. As a source of iodine, it assists in the production of of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for maintaining healthy metabolism in all cells of the body.

Gallium aperine grows wild in many parts of the world and is traditionally used as a diuretic and lymphatic cleanser. It helps to rid the body of toxins and can clear skin problems and other conditions caused by a build up of toxins in the body.

Garcinia cambogia has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide range of conditions and is also used as a natural appetite suppressant. The extract hydroxy citric acid inhibits lipogenesis (fat storage) lowers the production of glycogen in the liver, suppresses appetite and boosts metabolism.

Taraxacum officinalis is found in many parts of the world and contains bitter principles which have a stimulating effect on the liver and digestive system. It is also a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A, D, C, and B and iron, silicon, magnesium, zinc and manganese.

Glycorrhiza glabra originates in the Mediterranean and the Middle East and has many uses, including being a tonic stimulant for the adrenal cortex and digestive system.

Erythrea centaurium is a liver stimulant and is an excellent blood purifier and general tonic.

Paulina cupana (guarana) is a nervine tonic and stimulant which boosts energy levels.

Curcuma longa was used more than three thousand years ago by Indian healers to treat obesity. Modern research has shown that Curcuma has a beneficial effect on the liver, stimulating the flow of bile, which is responsible for the breakdown of dietary fat.

Zingiber officinalis, has been used for a variety of ailments. It is a powerful antioxidant and stimulates the production of energy and improves digestion.

Capsicum minimum is traditionally used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic and digestive aid, stimulating the production of gastric juices and improving metabolism.

How do I use EcoSlim?

Dosage: Take 10 to 15 drops in a little water three times daily

Caution: Safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not yet been established.

How long until I see results?

Regular use will show weight loss, improved mood and increased energy levels within 3 – 6 weeks, even without dieting.

For even better results, combine with a regular exercise program and a healthy balanced diet.

How long will a bottle last?

One bottle of EcoSlim will last 30 days.

Shiny hair sparkling with radiant highlights is a real crowning beauty–but some of us could use a little help in achieving that sun-kissed look. That’s where this simple rinse comes in. Even if you can’t spend a lot of time outdoors this summer, Sunny Highlight Rinse will make it look as if you had.

The formula calls for only one ingredient besides water, but that one has been known for centuries to help remove dulling residue on the hair shaft, adding shine and lights to your tresses. Here is the secret:

INGREDIENTS

* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
* 1/4 cup water

1. Strain the lemon juice to remove any pulp, then combine the ingredients.

2. After shampooing, apply to wet hair and allow to remain for 10 minutes.

3. Rinse thoroughly.

The truth is we begin the aging process just as soon as we pop out of the womb. Every day of our lives our bodies slough off and regenerate new cells. The speed at which that process takes place when we are children is vastly different as we get older.

Every day you are bombarded daily with commercial messages and beauty tips that attempt to lure you into believing that the most recent miracle drug is just what you need to fight off the ravages of Mother Nature.

We are living longer as a whole. Singularly, that can be a curse or a blessing, depending on your perspective. The best route to natural beauty and healthy skin is to take care of what you have. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? The truth is that your skin takes a beating from the environment every single day. Here are some of our favorite beauty tips for keeping your skin fresh and healthy:

1: Stay hydrated and do it with plenty of water! That does not mean soda, caffeine or any other type of liquid, even if it is low cal. Soda (even diet soda) has a high concentration of sodium. Sodium retains fluids. You need fluid that will hydrate and flush your body free of toxins. Make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses a day!

2: Protect your skin from harmful ultra violet (UV) rays. We all love the sun. We love being in it and we love having a beautiful tan. The truth is you can poison yourself with too much sunshine. UV rays cause skin cancer and if that isn’t bad enough it causes your skin to age faster than it should, contributing to unsightly wrinkles. If you must play in the sun, make certain you are using an adequate sun screen. Don’t leave home without it!

3: Keep your skin clean. Use a soft warm cloth. Skin does not require scrubbing. You will do more harm than good if you do.

4: The best cure for wrinkles is to never have them in the first place! If you are like most of us, you didn’t listen to your Mom when she tried to tell you to stay in the shade, stand up straight and stop squinting!

5: Eat healthy. Knowing how and what to eat, can make a huge difference in how you feel. Improper eating habits can cause depression, weight gain, illness and an overall lethargy.

Weight gain causes your skin to stretch. As you get older, it loses it’s elasticity and you’re left with sagging skin. The best solution to this is to maintain a proper weight.

A rule of thumb for eating habits are…don’t eat more calories than you consume. Don’t go one single day without doing something extra and physical for at least 30 minutes per day. This can be three ten minute walks. Or 30 minutes of vigorous aerobics, or 12 minutes of weight lifting and 18 minutes of walking.

6: Don’t worry, be happy. A happy outlook appears to trigger the release of endorphins. Endorphins relax the cardiovascular system and cytokines which alert the immune system to pay attention in detecting abnormalities like cancer cells. Listen carefully to yourself. If you have put yourself down since childhood, over a lifetime, negative subliminal messages can take their toll by turning you into a pessimist. Spend one week writing down the phrases you use in your ‘self talk.’ Chances are you will find that you repeat a dozen or so phrases over and over again that reinforce that negative image. If you know about them, you can change them. Outer beauty and inner joy go hand in hand.

Here are a few quick tips for increasing joy, hope and optimism that will work no matter what your age:

Make a list of at least 50 great things that happen to you every day.

Laugh a lot. You’ll heal your body and your mind.

Discover a new challenge each month.

Try meditating for just five minutes each day.

7: Sex After 50 ‘ Ha! How many of you jumped ahead to this section?

The importance of physical intimacy actually depends on the couple. An alarming number of men used to give up on sex after 60 and many women used to feel that their sex life ended with menopause. Thankfully, that is no longer the case.

Sex at middle age can actually become better and more satisfying than ever before. Maturity gives a couple more experience in lovemaking. The children are usually grown and left home. The pressures of building a career and day to day life are usually less stressful than in younger years.

Is beauty really skin deep?

The answer is yes and no. It’s a paradox, isn’t it? True beauty begins from the inside out. Don’t you wish there was some way to ‘wriggle your nose’ and regain that soft skin you had as a child? Well, until someone comes up with the true ‘Fountain of Youth’ we are stuck with what we have.

Just remember that getting older doesn’t have to mean getting old.

About the author

Jill Miller is the founder of the Fit4Life Club. Discover the timeless secrets of everlasting youth and beauty. Go here to find out how. Timeless Beauty Tips

Using eye shadow color make up tips you can make your eyes seem further apart, closer together and even change the shape somewhat. You can use vintage make up tips to look like women from the 30s, 40s, 50s or whatever decade keeps your interest. With color changes you can even make your eyes appear a slightly different color!

Learning to apply eye make up should be fun and exciting. If youve never taken an art class then call a couple of friends over and get out the brushes. You are a living canvas!

Eye shadows come in powders, crmes, and pencils. They can be applied either wet or dry. Crme eye shadows are harder to control than powder or pencils. Pencils can smudge and may give you a harder line of color.

As you already know there are hundreds of colors that you can use on your eyes. Youll want to use four different types a neutral base, light highlighting color, a dark emphasizing, and a main color. The colors you chose should enhance your eyes shape and color not match your clothes, purse or shoes.

Adding too much eye shadow color make up tips to your eyes will detract from your overall beauty and your eyes will be a focal point but for all the wrong reasons. Dark blue, greens and even a smoke look that is done with a heavy hand only brings emphasis to the eyes because it brings your face completely out of balance.

If your purpose is to enhance the natural shape of your eyes youll start with colors that work best for this technique mainly the neutral matte shades with a light colored highlighter such as white or cream. Remember that the areas you use the light color on appears larger while the area you use the dark color on will appear smaller. Using this knowledge you can create your desired illusion.

If you want your eyes to appear closer together then place the emphasis color in the inner corner of the eye. Do you want your eyes to appear further apart? Use darker shades in the outside corners and keep lighter colors on the inside corner of the eyes. Blend the colors well. Using a dark matte color blend the color outward and upward from the middle part of the lid.

Some of us want our eyes to appear bigger. The key here is to focus on lighter shades of color as darker ones will make your eyes appear smaller. Shade only the outer corner with a darker shade and line the outer upper and lower lid with liner.

Maybe you are after a dramatic dark smoky look to your eyes that is perfect for a night out. Use a kohl pencil to outline the top and bottom lashes and follow with black liquid liner on the top only. Use concealer under your eyes and cover with powder to accentuate the difference of the eye shadow color to your skin. After using the liner smudge the line in the outer corners to soften the look. Then using black eye shadow apply a thick coat over the liner to soften the look further. Now apply a charcoal or neutral brown shadow over the lid. Black mascara and neutral lipstick top off this evening eye shadow color make up tip.

There are specific eye shadow color make up tricks for different color eyes. If you have brown eyes then you will look great in blue and pink tones as well as gold and burnt oranges. If your skin is more fair then you can use a soft blue on the lid, and plum on the outer edges. If your skin is darker then plum can be used on the lid and into the crease area. Your liner can be navy or plum with black mascara.

Blue-eyed-blondes look best in violets and lavender tones of eye shadow colors. While those of us with green eyes will find that browns, lavenders and purple shades will accent those eyes best.

Are you feeling tired today or just old? There are some easy ways to make your eyes look younger. When you blend your eye shadow blend up and outward. Highlight just under the brow with a light shimmering shade and use at least two shades of shadow so your lids arent a solid color. Use a liner or pencil along the lashes right next to the root and then smudge with your finger or a q-tip. Pay careful attention to your eyebrows. They should be brushed upward and then trimmed. The brow should begin at the inner eye and peak at the outer edge of the iris and end at the outer corner of the eye.

Tea tree oil was first used by the Bundjalung Aborigines living in the Northeast Corner of what is now New South Wales, Australia. They would pick the oil-covered leaves of the tea tree and rub them on their skin to alleviate cuts, bites, burns, and other skin ailments. They made a dressing for wounds by grinding the leaves into a paste. They also crushed the leaves to use as an insect repellant.

There are several kinds of tea trees. Yet, the most potent medicinal oil is called Melaleuca alternifolia.

Dr. A. R. Penfold, a chemist in Sydney, found that tea tree oil was 13 times stronger in killing bacteria than carbolic acid, the universal standard antiseptic in the early 1900�s. The Medical Journal of Australia published a study that tea tree oil was effective in treating pus filled infections of the skin and infected nail beds, and helped speed recovery from sore throats when the oil was gargled. Another study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990 found tea tree oil as effective in treating acne as benzoyl peroxide, with fewer side effects. It is also effective in treating burns, thrush, and bacterial and fungal infections.

Tea tree oil can also be used for animals; Bites, cuts, stings, rashes, dermatitis, lice, mange, ringworm, fleas, and ticks are just a few of its veterinary uses.

Melaleuca oil may be applied full strength or diluted in water or other type of oil like olive oil. Most tea tree oil that is produced is added to skin and beauty care products, such as deodorants, shampoos, and mouthwashes. Industrial-grade oils are used as disinfectants, floor detergents, and can be added to air conditioning and ventilation systems to kill mold and fungus.

As we rediscover nature�s natural medicines through modern research, a new world of therapies is opened to us. Natural therapies are often as effective as drugs, but without the side effects. Many medicinal drugs contain properties to heal that no synthetic drug has been able to mimic.

About the author

This article was written by Vanessa Pruitt, a work at home mom promoting wellness in our everyday lives. To learn more about the benefits of Melaleuca oil, and about the products Vanessa uses in her home, email her at peetred@hotmail.com To learn more about working from home promoting wellness visit her website at http://www.TriCityMoms.com

Used in past by the ancient Romans for its healing and antiseptic qualities, the name itself comes from the Latin “lavare” or “to wash”. Tibetans still make an edible lavender butter to use as part of a traditional treatment for nervous disorders. Today, the essential oil of lavender is widely used across Europe and North America for a number of illness and medical problems.

Lavender is just a beautiful herb in your garden. It has gray-green, pointing leaves that grow in a bushy, spreading manner. It is crowned with tall spikes of beautiful pale violet flowers during summer. As an ornamental flower, lavender is unique, sporting exotic fragrance, beauty and a rich harvest of sweet smelling blooms. Old English Lavender, a popular inhabitant of a cottage garden, can grow up to two to three feet high, producing fragrant grayish leaves and blue/purple flowers.

The more compact variety Hidcote, has darker blue flowers, grows to around a foot high and is very pretty in any flower or herb garden. The easiest way to propagate lavender is to cut softwood cuttings in the spring. However, as lavender benefits from a light pruning in early autumn, these clippings make excellent new plants too, as long as you protect them from frosts and winter bite.

With its flowery fragrance Lavender is the most versatile and useful oil. If you are a newbie to essential oils, you may need to start here by using lavender oil. Called the “Swiss army knife of essential oils”, because of its versatility, lavender is very soothing to sun burnt skin and is used to cleanse cuts and skin irritations.

Essential oil of lavender is used in aromatherapy practices to get rid of depression, fight tiredness and get relaxation. It has strong disinfectant properties and was even used on the wars to prevent infection and relieve pain.

A drop of lavender oil mixed with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as grape seed and massaged into the temples and back of the neck will drive away headaches. Mixed with any massage oil, it also helps relieve the pain of arthritis or aching muscles. Occasionally, just a small cotton ball with droplets of lavender near your pillow can help you drift off to a deep sleep.

Lavender essential oil can help reduce anger and frustration, while improving your self esteem. Lavender is found to elicit the emotion of happiness. Lavender has a property of calming and sedating effects. You can also use lavender, by scenting a relaxing and antiseptic bath by slowly adding lavender droplets and letting the bath water run over it as it fills the bath. Fresh lavender flowers are excellent for bath too.

Dried lavender is a tool to experience the sheer aromatic properties in a relaxed ambience. To dry your lavender, strip the leaves or the just opening flowers from the stalk and spread out in a warm place, before using in pot pourris to fragrance your rooms. Around your home, dried lavender stalks can be burned like incense sticks or burned on the fire for their wonderful fragrance.

About the author

Aromatherapy Advise

Because of this, many women are interested in how to grow longer eyelashes or enhance the length of their eyelashes artificially, using mascara, false eyelashes and eyelash extensions. On the other hand, Hadza  women are known to trim their own eyelashes.

An eyelash is one of the hairs that grow at the edge of your eyelid. Eyelashes are designed to protect the eye from dust and debris and perform many of the same functions as whiskers do on a mouse or cat in the sense that they are touch-sensitive, thus providing warning that an object (such as a dust mite or insect) is near the eye (which is then closed reflexively).

This makes it plain why eyelash health and eyelash growth can be important considerations for any person, not only women.

It can take seven to eight weeks of eyelash growth for lashes to grow back if they’ve been pulled out.

Kohl has been worn as far back as the Bronze Age to protect and enhance eyelashes. In Ancient Egypt the wealthy used kohl around their eyes not only for beauty, but also to protect the eyes from dust, sand and bugs.

Modern eye makeup includes mascara (for the illusion of longer eyelashes), eyeliner, eye putty, and eye shadow to emphasize the eyes. The twentieth century saw the beginning of convincing-looking false eyelashes, becoming popular in the 1960s. Permanent eyelash tints and eyelash extensions have also become popular procedures, even in fairly basic salons, as an affordable alternative to being able to grow longer eyelashes.

The modern woman’s focus in their quest on how to grow longer eyelashes, seems to be on a relatively new prescription-only product marketed as Latisse which is said to guarantee eyelash growth.

There are a number of diseases or disorders involving the eyelashes, eyelash health and eyelash growth:

* Madarosis is the loss of eyelashes
* Blepharitis is the irritation of the lid margin (where eyelashes join the eyelid). Eyelids are red and itching. The skin often becomes flaky. The eyelashes may fall.
* Distichiasis is the abnormal growth of lashes from certain areas of the eyelid.
* Trichiasis is ingrown eyelashes
* Eyelashes may become infested with crab louse parasites
* An external hordeolum, or stye, is a purulent inflammation of infected eyelash follicles and surrounding sebaceous (Zeis) and apocrine (Moll) glands of the lid margin.
* Trichotillomania is a disorder that urges the sufferer to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, etc.
* Demodex folliculorum (or the demodicid), is a small mite that lives, harmlessly, in eyelash and other hair follicles and around 98% of people have these mites living on them. Occasionally they can cause blepharitis.

Some tips to help grow your eyelashes:

• Improve your diet to grow longer eyelashes naturally. Without proper nutrition, your body will cease to grow hair, fingernails and even eyelashes. Likewise, anything that makes your hair grow also will help your eyelashes grow.
• Apply natural lubricants, such as olive oil or petroleum jelly, to your eyelashes to make them strong. Put the product on your eyelashes at night and wash it off in the morning.
• Apply vitamin E oil to your eyelashes with a clean eyelash brush.
• Brush your eyelashes regularly

A powerful eyelash growth serum that will help you achieve fuller and longer lashes.

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References: http://www.ehow.com/how_4471556_grow-longer-eyelashes-naturally.html

Oral care is an important of your daily health care. Scientists have found conclusive links between gum disease and heart disease and strokes. Without good oral care the risk of cavities and carries also increases. People with poor dental health often have an increased risk of poor nutrition leading to anemia, and decreased mental acuity. This means that good oral care throughout your life will improve your overall health.

But sometimes we dont learn how to take care of our gums before we have gum disease. We learn quite a bit about skin care, beauty tips, hair care and even brushing our teeth but how to take care of your teeth when you have gum disease is not a commonly talked about problem.

Gum disease is also commonly called periodontal disease or even gingivitis. The term gingivitis is actually another stage of gum disease and usually precedes periodontitis. Gum disease is an inflammation of the soft tissue around the teeth and also results in bone loss that holds the teeth in place. The gum disease, or periodontitis, is caused by toxins secreted by bacteria in plaque that builds up over time around the gum line.

Early symptoms of gum disease include bleeding without pain. When you feel pain it is a symptoms of more advanced gum disease. Your gums may become red, swollen or tender and you may experience persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Some people with gingivitis and periodontitis will also experience receding gums, loose or shifting teeth and the formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums.

One of the objectives of treatment and how to take care of your teeth when you have gum disease is to stop the development of the microorganisms that cause the problems. Sometimes youll need scaling and root planing from the dentist to remove the bacterial deposits that build up above and below the gum line.

How to take care of your teeth when you have gum disease goes beyond your mouth since the health of your teeth are affected by what you eat and how you clean. Healthy foods and vitamins will help to support your immune system making it easier to fight infections that cause periodontal disease, build bone to hold your teeth in place, and support your vascular system that feeds your gums.

Of course cleaning your teeth when you have gum disease is also important. How to take care of your teeth when you have gum disease includes using a power toothbrush to provide more stimulation to the bones and give a better cleaning to the gums and teeth. Although you can get a more than adequate cleaning with a manual toothbrush research has found the children and adults will brush longer when they use a power brush.
When you learn how to take care of your teeth when you have gum disease you will also use a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution once or twice a week. The main cause of gingivitis and periodontal disease are bacterial plaque that forms on your teeth. Hydrogen peroxide will not only kill the plaque but also whiten your teeth. Caution: You must use only 1% hydrogen peroxide or you will burn your gums. Look at the bottle and determine if you have 6% or 3%. If you have 3% then use one capful of peroxide to 3 capfuls of water. If it is 6% then use a capful to 3 capfuls of water. If you develop irritation stop using until the irritation disappears and then try using it again using less or doing it less frequently.

Number: 1

Keystone

Aquamarine has a strong connection with water and air. The card shows the majestic beauty of winged griffins guarding the inner sanctum of aquamarine. The Griffins show the strength, power, and sense of freedom that wearing this gemstone inspires. The watery pool from which the soft blue-green crystal rises, denotes the soothing aspects of this gem. The name Aquamarine means seawater. To many, the ideal color for Aquamarine is a soft ocean blue-green. Hence, there is a sense of fluidity and movement in the energies of aquamarine.

It is a gentle and peaceful gemstone. It is one of the stronger crystalline forces for assisting us with the weight of earthly life. It fortifies one’s sense of self-esteem, especially in times of duress when confronted with situations dealing with power plays. Aquamarine is closely aligned with the angelic realms.

It can support us in our communications with the guardian angels around us, as well as our spiritual guides, attracting the energy of these beings to us. It is a protective and nurturing crystal, especially in times of great urgency and need. Aquamarine can temporarily generate a protective force field, to deflect harmful energies (such as EMF’s) environmental toxins, psychic distresses and unwanted thought forms coming into our space.

It is a gemstone that promotes clarity of life purpose. Aquamarine is a reminder of the subtle, soft and serene beauty that awaits us, when we step through the inner gateways. This is particularly good for newborns and small children, to help them adjust to their current incarnation. This can be an excellent first gemstone to give to a baby to make it feel more at home on Earth.

Best With:

Rose Quartz, Sugilite, Moonstone, Yellow Topaz, Herkimer, Diamond and Rhodochrosite

Message:

Have clarity of purpose, and the gates of the inner worlds will open before you.

Use Aquamarine today to feel your own power and feel a sense of freedom, let it sooth you during a rough day by utilizing its fluid movement and energies. Let it’s peace give you a sense of well-being and serene peace. If you are dealing with power situations in the work force today let aquamarine assist you in handling those situations with peace and self-esteem.

One of the most exciting aspects of this stone is its connection with the angelic and spirit guide worlds, knowing this use this stone today to connect with your spirit guides and guardian angels. If you have an urgent need to feel protected and nurtured especially during these horrid news reports then by all means pick up your aquamarine and meditate with it until you feel this aspect of the stone reaching your inner self. Let it deflect all the negatives in your world today as it puts up its own protective shield around you.

If you are struggling with what your life’s purpose is on this earth then meditate with this stone to help get the answers to those questions of “why” and “what am I doing here”. If someone is having a baby shower, or has just had a baby and you wish to find just the right gift then use aquamarine as the gift to the child to bring a sense of belonging, peace, tranquility, and sense of purpose to the child’s life.

So let’s go forth today with a renewed sense of purpose, in touch with our spirit guides, angels, and the knowledge that there is serene beauty awaiting us when we step through the inner gateways, so step thru to your inner self and see the beauty within and share that with the world today

If you’ve got a really big pocket book you can have collagen injections but if you are like most of us and can’t quite afford to go that route don’t worry there are lots of makeup artist tricks that will have give you the illusion of larger pouty sexy lips.

Lipstick always looks best when your lips are nice and smooth. To keep your lips smooth exfoliate them and always wear some type of lip balm when not wearing lipstick.

Start by applying lip liner to define the shape of your lips and make them larger. By the way you can use it to make your lips look smaller too. Make sure your lip pencil is nice and sharp so as to create a very narrow line.

Outline your lips with the liner then fill in between with your lipstick. The liner will also stop your lipstick from bleeding through. Never draw fake lips, always stay within the natural lines of your lips.

Start at the v in your lips with short strokes then outline the rest of your lips then fill with your lip liner. Now apply your lipstick, blot, then reapply. If you want your lips to look fuller you need to apply a lighter shade in the center of your lips.

A matte lipstick will last longer than any other type of lipstick but it is drying. A gloss lipstick will make your lips look fuller. Sheer lipstick doesn’t last very long at all.

Neutral shades will match everything while a medium color will make your lips look bigger. The moisture the lipstick the more likely it is to bleed.

When buying lip balms makes sure they have SPF protection. Some lipsticks also have SPF protection. It’s a good idea to use it all the time if possible.

See with a few little make up artist tricks you’ll have beautiful lips all day long!

About the author

Sher from http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/ has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals.

You may not need a drastic makeover, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reinvent your look. Don’t try doing everything at once if money is an issue; you can do a little at a time as you can afford it. The results may not be as shocking as some of the television shows, but they can still be amazing.

Determine how much money you can afford to spend on your new look. Do you want a new hairstyle including color? What about a wardrobe makeover? That can be a pricey endeavor but can do so much to help you feel good about yourself.

Rather than going into a salon and asking them to make you over, take the time to do some research. Think of magazines you’ve read or people you admire. Start a makeover journal where you can keep all your ideas. Then decide if your body type is suitable for that style.

Go through magazines to find pictures of clothes, makeup, and hairstyles you like. Some websites have software which enables you to upload a photo of yourself so you can try new hairstyles before you let someone cut or color your hair.

Once you’ve settled on a new hairstyle, it’s time to go to the salon. A new cut and color can do so much to improve the way you feel about yourself. Be sure your stylist understands what you want and will help you decide which style and color will best accentuate your natural beauty and skin tone.

Many department stores have make-up counters where you can get a free make-up makeover. Does this mean you’re obligated to purchase the pricey make-up they used? No, you don’t have to purchase everything, but you may want to purchase one thing there and then pick up similar items which are less expensive at a discount store.

Ask friends to join you in your effort to get healthy. Develop a new exercise routine and diet that you can all enjoy and stick to. If you need to lose some weight, be prepared to hold off on buying new clothing until your weight has stabled out. There’s no sense in buying new clothes only to have to replace them in a few months once you’ve lost 10-15 pounds.

When you think about buying new clothes, don’t imitate the shows which throw out an entire wardrobe. Decide what type of style you’d look best in and gradually choose new clothing as you can afford it. Buy some classic items in dark colors which will go with nearly any style. Choose different accessories you can wear with clothes you already have. This may update or change your look entirely without having to toss the clothes you already own.

Finally, you want to have great support for your feet. If you’re wearing the wrong type of shoes it could alter the way you carry yourself. Extremely high heels may make your legs look longer but they’re also impractical. Find shoes which are comfortable and stylish.

Use these ideas for how to feel good about yourself with a total makeover. With each positive change you make, your self-esteem will increase. Before too long, you may not recognize the person looking back from the mirror.

Acupuncture – This is the art of inserting tiny needles underneath the skin that stimulate targeted body spots. Acupuncture is most often used to relieve pain and heal the body.

Apitherapy – Better known as Bee Therapy, this practice makes use of honey and venom from the honeybee for treatments. Popular ones for health and beauty products and healing treatments are raw honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis.

Biofeedback – This refers to a machine that gives feedback on the body. The feedback helps healthcare providers chart bodily functions to help with treatment. These machines are used to chart internal functions with more accuracy than a human alone is capable of, and the results are used to determine and then gauge how well the treatment is working. Biofeedback has been used to help people with their emotional disorders, digestive disorders, stress, migraines and heart irregularities. The machine alerts people to the idea of how their own emotions and thoughts can come into play with regards to illness and treatment options.

Chiropractics – This form of back treatment has been around for awhile and focuses on the vertebrae not being aligned properly, thus contributing to a variety of pain, illnesses and diseases. Many also focus on stress, overall health and lifestyle. In general, a chiropractor applies pressure in small amounts to various vertebrae, helping them realign. Plus many help treat common diseases like asthma, troubled backs and arthritis.

Feng Shui – This is a philosophy that is said to bring harmony into lives, that features not only the four basic elements of earth, fire, water and air, but a fifth; metal. By aligning these elements throughout clutter-free homes, work, outdoor and other environments, peace and tranquility are said to follow.

Healing Crystals – These minerals turned crystalline are said to boast certain healing powers. For example, ancient grave sites house them as a means of protection in the afterlife. In the modern world, many believe these crystals house healing power. For example, to treat stomach pain, some healers place charged quartz on the lower abdomen area to help restore energy there.

Herbal Remedies – Applying herbs, either home grown or store bought, to certain ailments helps with healing for many conditions. Among popular treatments are a half-and-half solution of witch hazel and water to help clear up acne, lavender scented oils and candles to sooth stress and garlic on top of warts to remove them.

There are many more alternative medicine treatments out there. Search your favorite search engine for more.

The Benefits of Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine is a whole holistic system that can lead to a healthier, happier and more stress free way of living. It is a system that people have benefited from for over twenty-three centuries and is used to diagnose, treat and prevent a wide variety or illnesses and problems.

The different aspects that make up Chinese medicine all basically rely on the same principle, Yin and Yang. This is basically opposites attract, such as night and day, cold and warm, inner and outer. The basis behind it is to restore harmony and peace to the mind and body; the Chinese believe that by doing so we can eliminate many diseases and illnesses.

Qi is the life force that flows uninterrupted throughout the body, similar to blood throwing throughout the veins. It is when there is a disruption in this Qi that problems and illness occurs; restoring the flow of the Qi restores harmony and dissolves the symptoms of illness.

The two main components of Chinese medicine are acupuncture and herbal remedies.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture focuses on the Qi that flows throughout the body; it flows through points known as meridian points. While it is flowing freely we are healthy and happy, but if the channels should become blocked then the Qi stagnates and this leads to symptoms of various illnesses depending on where the Qi is blocked. It works by the acupuncturist restoring the normal flow of the Qi by stimulating certain points on the body.

Herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is usually dispensed after acupuncture treatment although it can be used as a standalone. There are over a thousand common herbs that are used in combinations for various problems and illnesses. There are two main types of herbal remedies that are commonly used, these are “food herbs” and are generally eaten as part of the diet and are mainly used for prevention of disease and illness and maintenance.

“Medicinal herbs” are usually prescribed by a Doctor of Chinese medicine and are specially prepared for the patient based on the individuals needs. The formula is made up from the patient’s medical condition, the environment and the constitution of the person. Medicinal herbs are usually given alongside acupuncture treatment and used in conjunction with the “re-balancing” effects of acupuncture treatment.

The benefits of Chinese medicine are numerous and is has been thought to have helped many physical conditions along with affective disorders and increases mental clarity, here are just a few of the conditions it has been known to successfully treat.

* Sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma
* Conjunctivitis and cataracts
* Stroke, sciatica and osteoarthritis
* Faster recovery from injury
* Improved circulation
* Relief from stress and anxiety
* Relief from pain
* Strengthening of the immune system
* Addictions, phobias and eating disorders

pH Balancers

Use this cleansing, restoring rinse after your regular cleansing or after any or all of the skin treatments on this page. Apply with clean sterile cotton balls or gauze or simply splash on, being careful to avoid your eyes:

Basic Balancer

3 cups distilled water
1/3 cups apple cider vinegar
Combine water and vinegar. Pour into a clean decorative decanter and store in the bathroom.

Various essential oils or herb infusions (in place of the plain distilled water) may be added to the basic balancer for fragrance and/or therapeutic value:

For oily skin add one of the following oils or infusions:

Calendula (marigold)
Geranium
Horsetail herb
Sage
Yarrow

For dry, sensitive skin add one of the following oils or infusions:

Borage
Cornflower
Houseleek
Lady’s Mantle
Marsh mallow (roots and leaves)
Parsley
Sorrel
Sweet Violet (flowers and leaves)

Acne

1) Make a face pack of bran plus baking soda and water. Mix into a paste, apply to the face, leaving on for 15 minutes. Rinse with solution of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 8 parts water.

2) Parsley : Use an infusion of fresh parsley to wash the skin

3) Mint: Peppermint is an excellent antiseptic wash for acne.

4) Garlic: Peel and mash eight cloves of fresh garlic. Apply to face avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave on for about 15 minutes. Wash off with a warm cloth. Finish with a rinse of the vinegar pH balancer.

5) Wine: Breakouts can be controlled by applying wine with a cotton ball, white wine for fair skin, red wine for darker complexions.

6) After washing skin rinse with any of the following herb infusions:

a) chamomile which is purifying
b) yarrow to eliminate toxins
c) catnip which is an antiseptic
d) lavender which is antiseptic
e) thyme which is a strong germ killer

7) Dilute some lemon juice with water, dab pimple with solution to kill germs, cool inflamation and improve blood circulation.

Purchase or make your own calendula(marigold) ointment. Apply to reduce inflamation and speed healing. Or make an infusion and apply as a compress to the skin.

9) Lady’s Mantle Acne Remedy
An infusion of lady’s mantle herb is an excellent soothing and healing face rinse.

Antiseptics

1) Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic. Use it for acne, either diluted or full strength.

2) Burdock leaves in a poultice are excellent for boils and swellings, and as a wash for acne.

3) Thyme is a powerful antiseptic making it an excellent wash for pimples

4) Garlic has well known antibiotic properties making it an excellent treatment for pimples and acne. Apply peeled, mashed garlic cloves to pimples and other skin blemishes.

Astringents/Tighteners/Toners

1) Cucumber is cooling, gentle astringent, use the juice or mashed pulp.

2) Eggwhite Toner

Clean face thoroughly using any natural cleanser. Apply raw eggwhites to the skin and leave on for at least 15 minutes. Wash off with tepid water.

3) Elderflowers, lavender, orange flower water and rose water are all classic toners for all skin types. Make a strong infusion of any of the above, refrigerate and use within 3 days.

4) Lecithin Toner

Dissolve lecithing granules in jojoba or almond oil. Apply to face and throat as a day or night cream.

5) Lemon is a strong astringent, dilute with water before using, being careful to keep away from eyes.

6) Lemon Toner

1/2 cup lemon juice
1 cup distilled water
2/3 cup witch hazel

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative cosmetics container. Shake well before using. Apply with a clean cotton ball.

7) Pine Toner

2 cups fresh pine needles
1 cup distilled water
1/2 cup witch hazel

Place pine needles in small saucepan with distilled water. Bring water to boil. Allow water to cool completely then strain and discard pine needles. Add witch hazel and stir well. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative capped container. Apply to skin with a cotton ball. Store in a cool dark place.

Protein Toner

Beat together 1 Tbsp milk, 1 tsp honey and 1 egg. Apply to face and neck. Leave on as long as desired. Rinse off with warm water followed by a splash of cold.

9) Queen of Hungary Water

This water can be used as an astringent, aftershave, deodorant, hair and skin tonic and even as an inhaled headache remedy:

1 part roses
1 part lavender
1 part rosemary
1 part sage
1 part orange peel
1 part lemon peel
2 parts mint

To 2 ounces apple cider vinegar, add 2 ounces of the above herbal formula. Put in an air-tight glass jar, let steep for about 2 weeks. Strain and add 1 1/2 cups pure distilled rosewater. Pour into a decorative, air tight decanter and use daily.

10) Rose Water & Glycerine Astringent

1/2 pint olive oil
1 ounce rose water
a few drops of glycerin
1 ounce vodka

11) Sage Astringent

4 Tbsp dried sage
4 Tbsp vodka
1/4 tsp borax
3 Tbsp witch hazel
10 drops glycerin or honey

Steep the sage in vodka for 2 weeks then strain. Dissolve borax in witch hazel, stir in the saged vodka and glycerin. Pour into bottle with a tight cap. Shake before each use.

12) Strawberry: Mash strawberries, use as an astringent and cleansing face mask.

13) Violet: Simmer violet flowers in a little milk to make a softening and mildly astringent face lotion.

14) Witch Hazel: Use an extract of witch hazel as an astringent, a skin freshener and to soothe skin irritations.

15) Lemony Lavender Toner

3 drops lemon oil
3 drops lavender oil
3 teaspons of distilled water

Use a soft cotton ball to massage mixture into the skin after cleansing. Follow with a moisturizer if desired

Blackheads & Blemishes

1) Heat honey slightly and apply to face, tap face gently with your fingers. Wash honey off with warm water then rinse with cool water. A bit of wheat germ may be added to the honey before applying.

2) To loosen and cleanse blackheads, make a paste of oatmeal, honey and an eggwhite. Apply to the skin, massage for 10 minutes then rinse with tepid water.

3) For blackheads, make a paste of oatmeal and water.

4) For blackheads, make a paste of almond meal and water.

5) Blotchy skin: Make a mixture of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 8 parts water. Store in a decorative bottle in the bathroom. Rinse face 1-2 times a day with the solution.

6) For blackheads, rub with a slice of tomato

Brown Spots and Freckles

1) Apply odorless castor oil or vitamin E nightly.

2) Apply lemon juice as a bleach to the spots

3) An old folk remedy for freckles: Dissolve some suger in the juice of one lemon. Apply mixture to each freckle with a camels hair brush!!!!

Dry Skin

1) Make a puree of 1 banana and 1 papaya, peach or avacado. Apply to skin. Leave on for at least 20 minutes then rinse with warm water, followed by a moisturizer of natural margarine or natural vegetable oil.

2) Apply natural mayonnaise, either homemade or from natural foods store. Massage into skin, leave on for 15-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Face Lift

Combine a handful of strawberries, a handful of grapes, 1/2 pear, 1/2 apple and 1 oz. orange juice in a blender. Apply a thin layer of honey to face, then apply fruit mixture to face. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Finish with a rinse of the vinegar pH balancer.

Large Pores:

1) Mix almond meal with enough water to make a paste. Apply to pores for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then apply withch hazel or a solution of apple cider vinegar and water.

2) Mix table salt and buttermilk into a paste, apply on enlarged pores and massage well. Rinse with warm water.

Lines and Wrinkles:

1) Apply the leftover eggwhites in the bottom of the shell to the lines under your eyes

2) Apply odorless castor oil to the crepe-like skin under the eyes or on the throat.

3) Prick 3 capsules of vitamin E and drain into small bowl. Add 2 tsps plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Apply to face with cotton ball. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse.

Makeup Removers

1) Apply milk or plain yogurt to face with a cotton ball, then rinse.

2) Eye Makeup Remover

1 Tbsp castor oil
1 Tbsp light olive oil
2 tsp Canola oil

Blend all ingredients together. Apply with tissue or cottonball to remove makeup on and around the eyes.

Moisturizers, Creams and Lubricants

1) Peaches & Cream Moisturizing Lotion

Peel and mash one very ripe peach. Strain through a sieve to extract all the juice. Mix peach juice with an equal quantity of fresh cream. Keep refrigerated.

2) High Protein Moisturizer

Beat 1 egg yolk into 1 cup whole milk. Apply to face with fingertips. Bottle and store remainder in refrigerator.

3) Apply any of the following vegetable, seed or nut oils to the skin

a) Virgin olive oil
b) Sesame oil
c) Peanut oil
d) Avocado oil

4) Use 2 parts rose water and 1 part glycerin to make a lotion. Apply nightly and work into skin.

5) Buy a pound of natural margarine from the health food store, NOT the supermarket. Store in refrigerator. Apply enough to cover smooth skin. It will absorb into the skin and surprisingly, does not leave a greasy residue.

Oily Skin

1) Make a puree of fresh tomatoes, apply to the skin

2) Beat together 1 egg white, 1 tsp spirits of camphor, 1 heaping Tbsp skim milk powder and a scant drop of essential oil of mint. First apply a thin film of odorless castor oil to the skin , then apply a thick layer of the egg white mask. Lie back for about 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water, then rinse with an apple cider vinegar and water solution or witch hazel.