Healing teas are strong medicine!

(NC)—The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 80% of the world's population satisfy their primary health care needs with traditional herbal medicines. These medicinal plant preparations, passed on and proven through generations of healers, are the oldest known form of health care.

Herbal medicines, although not common for primary health care in North America, are growing in acceptance both as preventative and supplemental alternatives. Often these medicinal plant preparations are most effectively delivered as "medicinal teas". With consistently good results dating back hundreds of years these healing teas are best described as strong medicine.

Several medicinal tea preparations can be found under the BIJA name that can be enjoyed daily as immune boosting preventatives or, if caught with our guard down, effective treatments for cold and flu symptoms.

BIJA's Lemon, Ginger and Echinacea preparation works to strengthen the immune system and helps to fight colds in a number of ways. Echinacea has the ability to increase

white blood cell counts. Ginger moves congestion, brings relief to achy muscles and boosts the effectiveness of the whole preparation. Lemon helps to alkalinize the acidic environment that could encourage germs to multiply. Another BIJA tea is COLD STOP. This combination of eight traditional cold and flu remedies leaves no stone unturned in its approach, with warming and delicious herbs like Licorice, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Yarrow, Thyme, Ginger and Peppermint. Antibiotic in action this combination works to kill invading organisms, while helping the body recover by supporting the active tissue sites. BIJA Echinacea Elderberry with Cranberry and Rooibos is a combo that aims to prevent trouble before it starts. An increase in immune function can ward off invaders before they can take hold, and that makes staying healthy easy to do. Bursting with activity and flavor this tea is perfect for daily use.

For authentic herbal solutions to cold and flu, and to boost immune function, use BIJA tea. Available in natural food outlets or for more information call at Flora at 1- 888-436-6697.

- News Canada
About the author:

News Canada

Have a look here for alternative and useful health information that may suit you.

Using massage oils with extracts can help in the break down of cellulite.

Beauty Secret from Brazil for Cellulite
by: Burgundy Shank

Brazilian women spend much of their time on the beach, so it’s no wonder that their secret to cellulite-free skin is found there. A handful of ordinary sand will do wonders for cellulite when rubbed across the skin with a lubricant such as vegetable oil (or even sea water) just a few times per week.

How does this work?
The sand improves circulation by helping to unsettle deposits of fat that collect in the problem areas of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks or abdomen. The coarse nature of the sand allows for this movement, and if you’re not so close to the beach, a substitute like cornmeal, finely crushed salt or sugar will also do the trick. As a double bonus, battling cellulite in this way will allow you to exfoliate at the same time, giving you a healthier glow to your skin by bringing new skin cells to the surface.



Using a massaging brush or loofah can help break down toxins that build up causing cellulite!


Cellulite removal can also be increased with the help of massage. A hand-held massage brush with either wooden or rubber pegs feels great and is inexpensive. Massages can be used daily to help with cellulite removal.Once you’ve completed the treatment, the broken up fat will begin to look for a new place to rest in the body. You can avoid this by drinking lots of water both before and after your scrub or massage.
About the Author

Burgundy Shank makes scrubs and other personal care products using essential oils, botanicals and other natural ingredients. You can download the FREE Report “The Top 10 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Personal Care Products” by joining her online newsletter, “Beauty Secrets from Around the World” at http://www.burgundysoap.com

You can prevent aging by positive thinking!!

Believe it or not you can motivate yourself and live a healthier life if you tell yourself and believe it aswell. Build the power of your mind. Start small and grow.
For example, Each day say i will take a short walk and do this for several days, then just tell yourself that you will take a slightly longer walk, and you will, over time you will be taking a fairly long walk without any major discomforts and many worthwile benefits.

• Having a positive attitude will give you a jumpstart to a healthier life. Keep on pushing. Do not stop once you get started instead go until you reach your goal.


• Don’t dwell on something you can’t change, rather focus on the things that you can improve, wasting time on things that cannot be changed only wastes energy, if we cannot change something we should look at ways we can make it appear better, highlight the good points.


• Always make time for yourself, some "you" time, stress is one of the most common reasons for aging, it makes us feel unwell, physically and mentally and this in turn makes our smaller problems so much more prominent.
  Your whole outlook on life can be the difference as to how old or young that we feel.


• Remember to have fun and laugh no matter how bad things look, there is always a silver lining, we just have to train ourselves to think that way

What is alternative medicine and how can it help?

Alternative medicine, natural remedies, have been around a long time and although mucn more acceptable,there is a lot of reluctance to admit to people especially our doctors, that we are interested or indeed trying some of these out.
A government survey in 2004 concluded that some form of alternative medicine and healing was used by more than a third of adults. Because of the stigma attached, many people do not like to admit or even discuss them with their doctors, or health practitioners.

Alternative medicines have been used for centuries, long before 'traditional' medicines were available. This is not to say that they always worked, yet today we use many products that were originally created from natural ingredients, such as aspirin from willow bark, digitalis which is from foxglove, and even opium which is from the poppy. Heart disease, cancer, weight problems, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure are all ailments that may be helped if not eradicated with alternative medicine.

Conventional medicines are not always available to all patients due to restrictions for example where you live. Many treatments can also be very complicated.Times are slowly changing and many doctors and healthcare workers are realising the benefits of alternative treatments, for both everyday complaints and more serious illnessess. One of these is the changes of diet that can be made to alleviate problems, such as diabetes, skin ailments, helping to boost our immune system, and even infertility.

There are many different alternative medicine systems, around at present such as Ayurveda, Herbalism, Homeopathy and Traditional Chinese medicine. Believe it or not there are over 2,000 herbs are available in many Chinese Herbalist practitioners pharmacies. What do we do when there is not medical help readily available, or if the treatment doctors are giving you is not working, do we try another doctor and another.

Not everybody will want to take the alternative route, but what do you have to lose, If we could do away with some of the prescription drugs we maybe taking surely this would be a benefit.
Although we have come a long way in medical technology we still tend to look for the cure rather than preventing the onset of many ailments, surely prevention is better than cure. There are many foods that can help us and natural plants and herbs that can assist us in our health and well being, Alternative medicine could be the answer you are looking for, it could change the way you live your life.

Natural cleaning products - use the safer option

ARE YOUR CLEANSERS MAKING YOU SICK? Chances are, many of the traditional cleaners in your home's cabinets contain potentially dangerous toxins that promote illness, fatigue, and disease.

Recent studies have shown that most households/offices contain over 63 hazardous products which in turn contain hundreds of chemicals. These chemicals can potentially harm you or your children and also your pets if not used with the utmost caution. Eliminate this potential problem by using natural chemical products and be safe.

KEEP IT CLEAN AND NATURAL with Veriuni™ environmentally- and family-safe cleansers. Vigorous cleaning action. All-natural ingredients. None of the potentially dangerous irritants and toxins found in traditional cleaners. Find out more at http://www.moreinfo247.com/10176237/VCL.

Face Shape - Which one are you?

Many women put on makeup with total disregard for their face shape and yet which make up you choose is so important in relation to your face shape. To enhance the best bits and hide the not so good bits.

• Round Face
  This is usually combined with a small nose,and can because of its shape is often thought of as being chubby. Drew Barrymore and Emma Bunton are two well known faces who have this face shape.
  
  
• Square Face
  Because the jaw seen from the side is almost at right angles to the jaw bone. this accentuates the upper third of the face. This in turn gives the face as soft almost doe eyed look.
  Audrey Hepburn has this face shape.
  
  
• The Long face
  
  This shape is defined by a strong jaw and can sometimes give the impression of hardness, and sometimes horse-like future. It is important to use make up to soften these features.
  Jerry Hall and Jennifer Aniston are two women with this shape face.
  
  
• The heart shaped face.
  This is usually defined by Wide cheekbones and often a pointy chin.Many women with this face shape have a girlie feminine look.
  Helen Bonham carter and Madonna
  
  
  

Natural Remedies - Are they best.

Many Acne sufferers use over the counter or prescribed medication. Many are aware of the ingredients, but are unaware of what they actually are or what they do. Would you put a product that contains an ingredient that mechanics use to clean oil spill off the floor on your face. Maybe you already do.

Many products contain chemicals such as Benzoyl peroxide which have been known to cause irritation and dryness. This can subside over time, but sometimes this is not the case.
Benzoyl has been known to suppress the immune system, and after extensive studies on animals it is believed to increase carcinogenesis.
Glycolic acid is another known irritant used in skin peeling products, it is all very well removing the top layer of skin, but the problem with acne is that it is the lower layers of skin which is where the problem actually is.
After using skin peeling products one can often look like they have a very bad case of sunburn, not very attractive.

Many acne treatments do not have to pass very stringent guidelines according to the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) state that cosmetic companies, products including acne remedies do not have to have pre market approval, with the exception of colour additives and a few prohibited substances. Other than this they are free to produce their cosmetics and in turn sell them to the public for profit.
You will all have a your own views on this, but you should all be aware of the chemicals that may be in your acne treatments.

Have a look here for natural acne remedies that may suit you.

Try these recommended Anti Dandruff products.

Dandruff -solve the problem

Dandruff is the excessive shedding of dead skin cells.
It is natural for people to shed dead skin cells, but when this
becomes excessive it causes us problems as it is unsightly and in
turn can affect our confidence.
Sufferers may even resort to never wearing dark clothes, so as to
save them some embarrassment.

Many cases of dandruff are due to an imbalance in our diets, our hair
seems to show any deficiency in our diets, through our hair, another
reasons could be due to certain types of eczema

Dandruff can appear due to a lack of essential fatty acids, or
vitamin B. Also foods that contain a large amount of sugar, and
white bread, can make the condition worse.

There are many products, IE shampoos that can control this
problem, but not all of these work, some can also cause irritation to
the scalp and should be stopped immediately and if after some time
these are not working, try another product, this can be tedious and
disheartening.

Try to brush your hair regularly as this helps to remove and
encourage the shedding of dead skin cells. Do not use greasy
products, IE styling wax as these can increase the severity of the
condition.

General good health and a well balanced nutritional diet, goes a long
way to reducing or even preventing this embarrassing condition.
Eat a diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, less refined
carbohydrates, and eat plenty of Zinc rich foods such as Brown
rice, Chicken,salmon, Wholewheat bread and oatmeal.

Tea Tree Oil has been found to be very successful in the treatment of Dandruff, but again this may not be for everyone.

If your dandruff is very severe it is advisable that you seek advice
from a professional dermatologist.


There are some very good natural dandruff remedies available on the market.

Do you need to lose weight quickly!

This is not a long term plan just how to lose a few pounds in a week, maybe you are going on holiday, have a wedding to go to or maybe a school reunion. Some times we just need a quick fix

Try to eat at the same time every day, whether it be three meals a day or several snacks throughout the day, studies have show through research that if people can eat at the same time each day, they appear to produce the right amount of insulin and the hormones that tell you that you have eaten enough, so this can in turn reduce your calorie intake.

Another good way to reduce calorie intake, thus increasing weight loss try cutting out bread and replacing this with oat cakes,or try making a salad with bulgur wheat, add sliced peppers, raw or cooked, some cherry tomatoes, and any other vegetables you may like. Another good alternative is Rice Vermicelli noodles, mixed with chicken or lean pork or even fish, add peppers, lemon juice, some tarragon or any spices that you like.

Also be aware of foods that are labelled "low fat foods", "Low in calories", "diet" as many of these can hide hidden calories. So read the labels and check salt, sugar and fat content. Cut down on Alcohol, a bottle of wine contains 600 calories.spirits contain less calories tan both wine and beer so try these if you want to have the odd drink.

Drink a pint of water before your meals and you will feel full a lot quicker and eat less.

Include lots of fruit an vegetables, exchanging them for snacks such as crisps and crackers.

Try to increase your exercise, as this will speed your up metabolism. If it is only an extra twenty minutes a day, you will feel more positive and it will help suppress your appetite.

Just making small changes in your diet and activities will help you shed a few pounds and when the special event has been and gone, look at a long term plan for reducing the excess pounds.

Always remember to keep your diet well balanced and nutritional during any weight loss programme.

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Natural cold sore cures


We all hate that tingling feeling on our lips that warns us that a cold sore is about to make an appearance.

Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 are two species of the herpes virus family.

Herpes simplex virus is associated with cold sores and they are lifelong infections.

The virus can lay dormant in the body for any amount of time but certain factors can cause symptoms such as cold sores to flare up.

One cause of aggravation of cold sores is the UV rays from the sun, which can trigger cold sores. Always ensure that you use a high-factor sunblock on your lips

Other causes in making cold sores flare up can be if you are suffering from a cold, flu and especially stress.

Studies have found that certain products containing lemon balm may have a preventative action and aid in the treatment of the virus that causes cold sores. It is believed that the plant contains an ingredient that can stop viruses from getting into the cells of the skin.

If you are fed up with trying creams and potions, take a look at this. This could solve your problem by following natural methods, including boosting your immune system by eating a nutrition.

If you are fed up with trying creams and potions, take a look at this. This could solve your problem by following natural methods, including boosting your immune system by eating a nutrition

Basic Skin Care

One major rule for all basic skin care is to moisturise, no matter what type of skin you have, whether it be dry, greasy, combination or normal.

The three age old rules apply, Cleanse, tone and moisturise

When cleansing it is important to use the correct cleanser, i.e do not use a thick lotion if you have greasy skin, opt for a thinner milk cleanser and if you have sensitive skin use a natural product.
Always cleanse the eyes gently, always working towards the outer eye on the top eyelid, and towards the inner corner of the eye at the bottom, so as not to drag the skin.

Toners that contain astringents help to constrict or shrink tissues, and Witch hazel is one that is recommended to acne sufferers, or people with very oily skin. So the effect is to tighten pores and smooth skin. If your skin is quite dry, try using a toner without astringent.

Always moisturise, as we get older a thicker moisturiser is better so long as it is not so thick as to drag your skin.

One other personal tip which i have always followed other than liquid cleansing soaps, when i have had problem skin, i have never used ordinary soap on my face. Cleansers should be enough to clean your skin.

• Face masks made with Witch Hazel and oatmeal is a good one for oily skin.
• For normal skin, Rose water and avocado can be a good moisturising mask
• For sensitive or irritated skin a mask of calamine and orange flower water, can be quite soothing and can take some inflammation away.

It is often said that cold tea bags and slices of cucumber are good for relaxing the eyes, although there is a debate as to whether cucumber actually does anything special, but it is relaxing and cooling especially if your eyes are tired, and if it feels good and does no harm so why not try it.

A small tip for puffy eyes is to use a cold teaspoon and rub it gently along the area under the lower eyelid again towards the inner eye lid, to reduce puffiness.

Do you have a weight problem, lets deal with the problem first of being overweight, you are not alone, in the United States there are 58 million people overweight, and 32% of women and 46% of men overweight in the UK.

"I guess you are saying i wish i wasn't one of them."

We are not talking about what the Doctors or the medical profession say, we should weigh, that is down to you as to what weight you want to be ( i.e BMI which is very difficult to apply to individual people as it depends on their build, and how muscular they are, so this does not really show us a true picture,) but about how we feel and at what weight we feel good, It seems the case that a lot of people will say well as long as your happy your ok, you look ok,but what if we are not happy and don't think we look alright.

There are a multitude of diets on the market, some very strange ones, such as the cabbage diet, great if you like cabbage, not so good for everyone else. The Atkins diet which eliminates certain groups of food. there are also the pills that promise you miracles which we know if we are honest, are not logical or particularly healthy.

I believe that there are some good supplements
on the market, and these are not for everyone, but they can be the answer for some of you who have busy lives and do not want to always be counting calories and weighing food, they are handy to replace a lunch or even a breakfast when you are on the go. You can use these for as long as you wish without them doing you any harm as long as you follow a balanced nutritional diet alongside them!

Acne how can we cope with it.

Acne can affect us in many different ways, it can have a psychological and social affect on the sufferer. Although predominantly affecting adolescents it can affect anybody (approximately 85% of acne sufferers are aged between 12 and 25 years of age), adolescents have a hard time because they are dealing with changes in their bodies, and it is a time of developing their personalities.

Life is difficult enough when you are young and finding our place in the world, and to suffer with acne is an added pressure.

Women can sometimes feel the effect of Acne more than men, and i am not being sexist, but the world we live in puts a lot of stead on the way women look, somewhat more than men.

There are many types of Acne, and there are numerous arcticles and products on the market. Although skin care, and food that we eat and regualr excercise are all factors that can contribute to allevieate the problem. We all need a helping hand to make our lives better.

Many people who suffer with Acne tend to suffer with depression, due to low self esteem, feeling self concious, and not feeling confident about being around other people.
There are different types of Acne, and it is important to realise what type you suffer from.
The treatment of acne has far advanced and there is a lot more hope of a cure.
More Acne help here.

Hello to you all

Welcome, hopefully you will find some answers to questions that you may have at this blog, working in the beauty industry, i come across a lot of products that promise the world and they do not work, we sometimes have to try more than on thing to get results, this is just like anything in life, whether its what we like, what we wear, what things agree with us and what doesn't. Treatments and products are no different, sometimes we are lucky and we hit the jackpot first time.

We want to enjoy our lives to the full, and people with issues about their skin, their weight problems, feeling down, not feeling 100% can sometimes find this an uphill struggle.

Lets hope we can help or advise you some way to the results you want.