Balancing Hormones With Wild Yam & Other Herbs: A Natural Solution

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

Caffeine And Tea

While the caffeine in tea and coffee are, technically, identical, the experience is different due to three key factors: 1. There is significantly less caffeine in the average cup of tea - especially when including green and white teas, as these are brewed at shorter times and cooler temperatures. 2. L-theanine, an amino acid found only in tea, has a relaxing effect that counteracts the jitteriness of caffeine without reducing the increase in alertness. 3. The high levels of antioxidants found in tea slow the body's absorption of caffeine - resulting in a gentler increase of the chemical in the system and a longer period of alertness with no crash at the end. The biggest myth about the caffeine content between coffee and tea is that tea contains more caffeine than coffee. While this is true when measuring coffee and tea in its dry form, this is false when comparing brewed coffee and tea. After all, we normally use 2 grams of tea per 6 ounce cup, and 10 grams of coffee for the same quantity of water. A widely cited 2004 British study looked at 200 cups prepared by consumers going about their normal brewing routines. It found that the average caffeine level in the cups of tea (black English style teas) was 40mg vs 105mg in the average cup of drip coffee. The amount of caffeine in tea depends on a number of factors, including the method and length of brewing or steeping. Studies also show that leaf location on the tea plant affects content of caffeine in that tea. The youngest leaves, highest on the plant, contain the greatest concentration of caffeine AND antioxidants. The greatest impact on caffeine content is the water temperature and length of steeping time. Black, Oolong, Green and White tea leaves themselves have surprisingly similar caffeine content. But a tea steeped for five minutes in boiling water is going to transfer a LOT more caffeine to the cup than a tea steeped for two minutes at 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Let's be clear: Oxidation does NOT increase the amount of caffeine in tea. There is no scientific basis to this common myth, and it results simply from measuring the caffeine in the cup after typical brewing methods and incorrectly crediting those results to the tea itself. While it's difficult (and usually incorrect) to make broad factual statements about how much caffeine is in Green Tea vs. Black tea, the varieties used (sinensis vs. assamica), growing methods (shade or high grown vs. low grown) and leaves selected (new vs. old growth) make the following teas stand out in their class: Relatively high caffeine Silver Needle (White)Gyokuro (Green)Matcha (Green)Assam (Black)Ceylon( Black)Darjeeling (Black) Relatively low caffeine Genmai Cha (Green)Gunpowder (Green  Hojicha (Green)Kukicha (Green)Keemun (Black) Also, keep in mind that, because tea bags contain broken leaves of smaller size, they produce an infusion with more caffeine than loose tea does. This is also true of very fine loose tea. In comparison, the same volume of coffee yields at least double the amount of caffeine. In fact, most sodas have more caffeine as well. There has been much concern in the United States recently about the possible dangers of caffeine. Caffeine tolerance varies greatly among individuals, with some being much more caffeine sensitive than others. A common misconception is that those who are caffeine intolerant should stock up on Decaf tea. Decaffeinated tea, in fact, is not caffeine free at all. It still contains about 5-10 mg per cup. A common myth is that you can "make your own" decaf tea by briefly steeping the tea and throwing away resulting liquor. The theory is that most of the caffeine is washed away in this initial steeping. The truth, however, is something else entirely. Caffeine is extracted over time, and so the first 30 seconds of a five minute steeping cycle may only extract 20 to 30% of the caffeine (the amount depends on the leaf and processing style). As importantly, the antioxidants and other health benefits of tea tend to be extracted more quickly than the caffeine. As a result, that first quick steeping or "washing" removes both the caffeine AND the healthy elements found in tea. To eliminate caffeine intake completely, one must switch to herbal tea. All real tea comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, which contains caffeine. Herbal infusions, such as Chamomile, Rooibos and Peppermint, are made from botanicals not related to Camellia sinensis, and they are naturally caffeine free.  

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

DIY Plant Based Milk Recipe

Make your own oat, cashew, almond milk at home! DIY Recipe There are many reasons why you should consider making your own plant-based milk at home. Firstly, it is a great way to save money. Store-bought plant-based milk can be expensive, but making your own at home is much cheaper.   Secondly, homemade plant-based milk is fresher and more nutritious. When you make your own milk, you know exactly what ingredients are going into it. You can choose high-quality nuts and seeds, and avoid additives and preservatives that are often found in store-bought milk.   Lastly, making your own plant-based milk is better for the environment. Store-bought milk often comes in non-biodegradable packaging, which contributes to waste. By making your own milk at home, you can use reusable containers and reduce your ecological footprint.

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

DIY Hair Shine

Hair Shine Recipe Linda shares one of her favorite hair care formulas.  

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

Dr Livinggood Talks About Sodium Bicarbonate

https://youtu.be/ZU_cpAwBlFo You’ve probably heard that baking soda can be used to clean out drains in your house, but did you know it can be used for other things, like… deodorant? In this video, I cover 13 different uses of baking soda, and the amazing benefits that it can have for your health. Thank you Dr Livinggood!

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

Sodium Bicarbonate Wrap with Barbara O'Neill

Barbara O'Neill is an author, educator, qualified naturopath and nutritionist. In this lecture - the twelfth in a series on the body's ability to heal itself - she shows how to perform a sodium bicarbonate wrap on the body. These lectures were recorded in Invercargill, New Zealand. Barbara O'Neill- Sodium Bicarbonate wrap  

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

Natural Laws By Barbara O'Neill Video

"The same power that upholds nature, is working also in man. The same great laws that guide alike the star and the atom control human life. The laws that govern the heart's action, regulating the flow of the current of life to the body, are the laws of the mighty Intelligence that has the jurisdiction of the soul. From Him all life proceeds. Only in harmony with Him can be found its true sphere of action. For all the objects of His creation the condition is the same—a life sustained by receiving the life of God, a life exercised in harmony with the Creator's will. To transgress His law, physical, mental, or moral, is to place one's self out of harmony with the universe, to introduce discord, anarchy, ruin." The Laws - Barbara O'Neill < Click

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

Water & Sodium - Vital For Life Video

How much water do you drink? Water is the 2nd most vital element needed for life, which is why you can only survive a couple of weeks without water. Video about the importance of water and salt < click

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

Happy Hormones With Barbara O'Neill Video

Barbara O'Neill is renowned for her extensive knowledge in natural health and wellness. With years of experience and expertise, she delves into various aspects of holistic healing, nutrition, herbal remedies, and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Her insights have empowered countless individuals to embrace a more natural and mindful approach to health, fostering well-being and vitality in their lives. Happy Hormones With Barbara Check out this Youtube video form Barbara

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

How to Cure Handmade Soap

Tips on how to cure handmade soap and how best to store it until you use it. Curing is the process of allowing saponification to complete and for the soap to fully dry. Handmade soap needs to cure before you can use it. I hope to answer any questions in this blog and to provide guidance on exactly how to cure soap. Why the need to Cure Handmade Soap? Even though it looks good to go there are reasons why you need to cure freshly made soap.  There’s no hurrying up this process and it takes about a month to complete. More on what this means further below. The Cure Time Dries your Soap Out The main reason we cure soap is to let the water content evaporate out of the bars, and for them to dry out. Water/liquid that is still in your bars when you take them out of the mold. If you don't allow them to cure and dry then your bars will not last once to start using them. They can also have impaired lather The cure time will reduce the amount of water in your soap over a period of 4 weeks. By the end of that time, your bars can lose over half of the water they originally contained. How to cure handmade soap There are many places where you can cure your soap but the premise is all the same. It needs an airy place out of direct sunlight. You can use a bookshelf, cardboard boxes or even make towers of soap. Stacking soap during curing is perfectly fine and if you live in a warm and arid place, you could even cure your soap outside. That’s how it’s been traditionally cured in the Mediterranean and middle east. Even though your bars are firm at this time, they still contain moisture that can react with surfaces. That’s why we sit them on grease-proof or baking paper to protect both your soap and the units you’re using to cure it on/in. Then space your bars out so that there is plenty of airflow around them. Again, feel free to stack them, as long as there’s plenty of air that can circulate. Curing lets the water content of the soap evaporate out leaving you with harder longer lasting bars.    

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

Why it’s important to use natural and organic products on your skin

Keeping your skin looking healthy and radiant is important, because healthy skin is one of the biggest indicators that tell us whether we are healthy on the inside too. In fact, the skin is the largest organ of our entire body, so we really should treat it with care. Here are 5 great reasons it is important to do so: 1. Using natural and organic skincare products can reduce skin irritation unlike non-organic and non-natural products. People with sensitive skin will know how easily irritated it is, and products with chemicals and other strange ingredients in them such as Benzoyl Peroxide (used to treat acne) often leave skin feeling dry, red and sore. It is easy to find natural alternatives to all skin products, whether you are targeting spots, wrinkles or just want your skin to feel clean and healthy. Natural products are kinder to your skin, and will work just as effectively. Naturally sourced ingredients such as zinc oxide, tea tree oil and lavender extract are all wonderfully healing, natural ingredients that will leave your skin feeling smooth and nourished instead of sore and irritated like other products that contain harmful chemicals. 2. Natural and organic skincare products have stood the test of time. What do you think people were using before all these supposed ‘skin enhancing’ chemicals were discovered? Natural ingredients of course! Many ingredients that are included in modern organic skincare products have been used for centuries, developed from ancient remedies that have been known for their incredible benefits for the skin. There is no better test than the test of time, and these ingredients have proven their worth and shown not to have any adverse side effects, guaranteeing healthy and beautiful looking skin. 3. If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin! Our skin is very absorbent, and when you use products such as moisturisers, cleansers and toners, the ingredients within these are getting absorbed into our bodies. It’s great to be health conscious and think about what we are putting into our bodies, and it doesn’t stop at what we eat and drink. Next time you are buying a new moisturizer take a look at the ingredients on the label and think, “Would I eat this?” If the answer is no perhaps it’s time to start turning your skincare routine into a more natural one! Chemical toxins are very destructive whereas natural products, which are made from flower and plant extracts, are designed to nourish our bodies and do nothing but good. 4. Buying better quality, organic and natural products actually means you end up saving a lot in the long run! How nice it would be to know we are doing something great for our health, while also saving money at the same time? Well, if you switch to natural and organic skincare products you can do just that. Organic and natural skincare products are actually very cost effective when compared to their non-natural alternatives, especially as the quality of the ingredients means you can use less, which in turn means the product will last longer over time. While some chemical based products may be cheaper, you end up needing to use a lot of them - putting layer after layer of moisturizer on as your skin still feels dry, therefore having to buy more of it, and actually costing you more in the long run 5. Buying naturally and sustainably sourced products can be much kinder to the environment. Using natural and organic products in much better for the environment. Skincare products that contain chemicals can have a very damaging impact on the environment, sprays and perfumes that are released into the atmosphere can be very harmful, as well as the manufacturing process that takes place to create them. If you use natural and organic skincare products not only will you reap the benefits of beautiful skin, but also can enjoy them guilt-free without harming the environment.

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINE NEEDLE TEA

Pine needles and other parts of the tree have been used for hundreds- and probably thousands- of years for health, but they are only just coming back into the spotlight as "an herb of the people." Here's more about the hidden benefits of pine, a simple pine needle tea recipe, and other ways to use this aromatic herb. Pine Needles for Health? Pine needles come, of course, from the pine tree (Pinus sp.). This sounds obvious, but it's actually an important thing to keep in mind because many evergreen conifers get called "pine trees" even when they are not pine at all. To get all the benefits of the needles and avoid potentially toxic trees, make sure you collect from a true pine tree, like Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus). Look up foraging guidelines before you harvest because some evergreen species are toxic. True pine trees, however, have long been valued and used in many different herbal traditions. Native American medicine is one of the best examples of this. They used pine in many ways, including as an ointment for the skin and a general health tonic, and made use of the bark and sap as well as the needles. Today, many herbalists favor pine as a support for the respiratory system and a mild immune booster. Health Benefits of Pine Needles Rich in Immune-Supportive Vitamin C Pine needles were once used to make a tea that fought scurvy because of their vitamin C content. (This was something the Native Americans taught the new settlers.) Using the needles to make a cup of tea is a great way to give your immune system a gentle boost, especially because the needles also contain shikimic acid, a compound that may have antiviral properties. Like many other herbs and plant foods, pine needles contain antioxidants that help to protect your body from free radical damage, chronic inflammation, and disease.   Studies have found that some of the specific antioxidants in pine needles include proanthocyanidins and catechins. Not only do these antioxidants help lower inflammation, they also have shown potential for fighting cancer cells.

News – by Linda Lee-Bower

What does a face oil do? What’s all the hype about!?

The benefits of face oils span every skin type and goal. Because… Face oils provide skin with AH-MAZING moisture. Made of fatty acids and lipids, facial oils moisturize skin. They also lock hydration a.k.a. water into your skin and prevent transepidermal water loss. This translates to soft, supple, glowing skin. Moisturized skin also appears more youthful than dry skin, and heals more quickly. Face Oils are jam-packed with antioxidants, which fight the signs of aging AND blemishes. “How?” you ask!? Antioxidants neutralize aging free radicals Antioxidants help stimulate collagen production Antioxidants prevent sebum oxidation Face oils really lead the army when it comes to the fight against acne and blemishes. How to use face oils in your natural skincare routine. How do you apply face oil? When it comes to face oils, a little goes a long way. Dispense just 4-8 drops of oil onto the palm of your hand, rub your hands together to warm then oil, then gently pay the oil into your skin. When should you apply face oil? You can apply face oils in both the morning and evening. However, if you tend an oily skin type, you may prefer to only apply them in the evening.   Do you put face oil on before or after moisturizer? You want to apply your face oil as the last step in your routine, after applying any water-based serums or moisturizers.