Essential Oils 101

Used for centuries by holistic practitioners around the world, essential oils are going mainstream as more people seek a natural lifestyle. Here are the basics on essential oils.

What are essential oils?
Essential oils are extremely fragrant oils that have been extracted from blossoms, seeds, bark, leaves, flowers or roots. The oils capture the “essence” of the specific plant, hence the name, and are highly concentrated, so a few drops go a long way.

What are the benefits of essential oils?
Besides an enjoyable aroma, essential oils have a physical effect on you and can...

• Relax and calm frazzled nerves – Lavender, Hyssop, Vanilla
• Energize your mind and body – Clove, Rosemary
• Lift mood – Basil, Lemongrass
• Ease stress and anxiety – Lavender, Rose Geranium, Jasmine
• Refresh – Lemon, Orange, Orange Blossom
• Stimulate digestion - Peppermint
• Enhance concentration – Lemon, Peppermint
• Clear respiratory – Eucalyptus, Pine Needle, Cedarwood
• Encourage romance – Patchouli, Orange
• Cleanse and moisturize skin – Tea Tree, Emu

How do essential oils work?
Essential oils are typically used in a massage and combined with a carrier oil like Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Grapeseed Oil. The health benefits are absorbed through the skin and/or inhaled through the olfactory nerves.

Where are essential oils used?
Some essential oils can be used externally only in a massage or bath, while others can also be used as an herbal remedy, internally, for example, to clear digestion or respiratory concerns. Some, like Rosemary or Thyme, can also be used to cook with.

Are they safe? Essential oils are safe to use. As with anything, common sense is the rule. If using in a bath or massage, it’s always a good idea to test your skin for sensitivity. Dilute with water or a carrier oil, dab a small amount on your wrist, wait a day and see if redness develops. The vast majority of people have no reaction whatsoever.

How long will they last?
With a tight cap and stored in a dark, cool spot, essential oils can last for years. Look for essential oils sold in amber colored glass as light can decrease the effectiveness of the oil.

How can essential oils be used?

• Room spray
• Bath tub
• Massage oil
• Custom potpourri
• Foot bath
• Candles
• Creams, lotions
• Ceramic lightbulb ring
• In a vaporizer
• In the laundry
• Compress

To view more information and to purchase individual essential and floral oils, visit Botanic Choice.com.

Protect Your Immune System Now

By Dr. Gary Gendron, B.S., D.C., C.C.S.P., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N.

How can you protect yourself from H1N1 virus and other flu bugs now and all year long. There are basic precautions that I recommend to all my patients that reflect common sense and good hygiene:

Wash your hand - thoroughly. Use hot water and lots of soap, and wash hands for at least 30 seconds - about as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" two times. Frequent hand-washing is still your best defense. And don't forget to "save your work" by using a paper towel to shut off the faucet and open the bathroom door on your way out.

Turn away. Turn your head away from others and cough into your sleeve, elbow or tissue. Be sure to dispose of your tissue and wash your hands immediately to avoid spreading germs.

Wipe down work areas with antibacterial towelettes or spray. At work, be sure to frequently clean your phone and desk. Regularly wipe often-touched items such as your keyboard, mouse, pens, and desktop. Invest in a new mousepad and desk blotter occasionally to keep germs away.

At home, wipe down kitchen appliances and countertops, door handles and light switches. In the bathroom, clean the countertop, toilet handle and doorknobs regularly. Close the toilet lid when flushing to avoid spray.

Stop touching your face. Try to keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes - these are the three prime spots where germs enter. One study even found that people touch their faces and average of fifteen times an hour.

Take a sick day when you're sick. If you're feeling under the weather, especially if you are running a fever or have a bad cough, don't go to work or to public gatherings.

Avoid someone else who is sick. If you must work with or tend to someone who is sick, wear a facial mask and wash your hands frequently after contact with them.

Boost your own immune system. The best thing to do for a healthy immune system is to get a full night's sleep and eat a balanced diet. You can also supplement with traditional remedies like Vitamin C, Echinacea and Goldenseal.

I also recommend a unique formula from Botanic Choice called Ojibwa Herbal Extract. It contains four hard-to-find, time-tested immune boosters that make for one powerful herbal remedy. The formula includes Turkey Rhubarb, Sheep Sorrel, Burdock Root and Slippery Elm Bark.

Turkey Rhubarb Extract has been used for centuries for digestive or urinary concerns, Turkey Rhubarb exerts a cleansing action on the gut, helping to expel debris and waste bile.

Burdock Root Extract is one of the finest blood purifiers in the herbal system, Burdock Root is used in many traditional remedies for its soothing ability.

Sheep Sorrel Extract comes from the buckwheat family, Sheep Sorrel is high in Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E and K; plus vital minerals. It also has high antioxidant content to fight free radicals and boost the immune system.

Slippery Elm Bark Extract is a well-respected herb is known for providing respiratory and digestive support. Slippery Elm Bark enables toxic matter to more easily move out of your body. Super high quality.

It's important to bolster your immune system and stay strong all year long.

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Does Weight Loss Tea Work?

Have you wondered what herbs can help your diet, but are not comfortable taking diet pill? Try an herbal tea blend instead. Our Weight Loss Tea Blend is a tasty way to help you reach your weight loss goals. It contains a proprietary blend of 18 different weight-loss supporting herbs.

Among the time-tested herbs are:

• Green Tea - Good for metabolism mbecause it has a high concentration of catechins polyphenols, or plant chemicals, Green Tea can foster fat burning and increase the process of thermogenesis, or generation of heat/energy.


• Ginger - Used for over 2,500 years to aid digestion. Peppermint is another herbal remedy popularly used to ease a troubled tummy. These two herbal aids are not only healthy, they taste wonderful!


• Flaxseed - Helpful to ease with the occasional constiptation that can accompany dieting.


• Dandelion - Aids in easing water retention and also helps detoxify the system.


• Scullcap and Yarrow - Herbal soothers that provide a sense of well-being and calm. Stress hormones may lead to the production of cortisol, which can inhibit weight loss.

Combined, this herbal blend is designed to promote healthy digestion, enhance calorie and fat burning and to taste delicious!

As with any weight loss supplement, weight loss tea works best when used in conjunction with a reduced calorie and exercise plan. The herbs in Botanic Choice Weight Loss Tea provide the extra support every dieter needs to succeed. Try it risk-free.

8 Important Vitamins for Women

Author: Leigh A. Zaykoski
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_102608_17.html

Women have special nutritional needs that may not be met by their diets. In today's world of fast food and meals on the go, it is important that women assess their nutritional status and make up for any deficiencies by taking either a multivitamin or the vitamins that they are lacking. These 10 important vitamins should be present in every woman's life.

Vitamin K is important for women because it aids in the clotting of blood. You can get more Vitamin K in your diet by eating dark leafy vegetables, whole grain foods, and egg yolks. If you can't eat these foods, or increase them enough to make a difference, choose a multivitamin that has the daily value of Vitamin K included. Vitamin C is important because it allows you to have healthy gums, promotes tissue growth and repair, and assists your adrenal glands in functioning well. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of Vitamin C, along with spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Vitamin E is an important vitamin because it is an antioxidant and helps to neutralize free radicals that can damage the body. It has also been used to repair skin conditions and fight aging. For nutritional needs, you can take a multivitamin that contains Vitamin E or drink fortified juices. For skin use, you can purchase topical products that contain Vitamin E. Vitamin B-1, also known as Niacin, is essential for many body functions. Many cereals contain good amounts of Vitamin B-1, or you can take a B-complex vitamin to help meet your nutritional needs.

Vitamin B-6 is an important vitamin because it is used for so many essential functions. It helps promote good metabolism and form neurotransmitters within the body. You can take a vitamin containing Vitamin B-6, but need to be careful not to take too much of the vitamin, as it can cause problems. Vitamin B-12 is important for cardiovascular health and a deficiency of B-12 has been linked with fatigue and certain types of anemia. Many cereals have vitamin B-12, along with multivitamin pills.

Folic acid, or Vitamin B-9, is a very important vitamin for pregnant women. This vitamin has been shown to reduce the risk of bearing children with neural tube defects. Orange juice is an excellent source of folic acid and multivitamins with this vitamin added can be beneficial. Vitamin A is important for good vision and is also important for pregnant women, as it helps the development of the baby's teeth and bones. Fruits and vegetables, particularly carrots, are high in Vitamin A. Too much Vitamin A should be avoided, as it can cause birth defects.

Learn About the American Botanical Council

Botanic Choice is proud to be a member of the American Botanic Council. The ABC provides education using science-based and traditional information to promote responsible use of herbal medicine — serving the public, researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, industry, and media. Learn more about their mission below.

Prevent Winter Allergies

It's clear that summer has been long gone, especially if you live in a climate that's currently covered in snow. However, you might think that when you pack away the shorts and sandals, you kiss your allergies goodbye too. Not so fast. Many of those warm weather allergens like pet dander, dust mites, mold and mildew are around all year. Here are a few ways to keep allergies at bay:

• Wash your bedding in very hot water every week or at a minimum every other week. Use allergy-proof covers on your mattress and pillows. Consider purchasing allergy-resistant bedding comforters which can be found online and in specialty stores.

• During the holidays, use an artificial tree instead of a real one. Not only is it better for the environment, but live trees can also harbor mold and other irritants.

• Bleach moldy showers and sinks using a 5% bleach and detergent solution.

• Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air filter) to clear out dust mites and allergens.

• Keep the pets out of the bedroom. Even if you have an “allergy-proof” non-shedding variety, many still have pet dander. Plus, they pick up allergens outside and bring them in on their paws and fur.

• Don’t store damp wood in the house. Instead dry your wood outside and bring in only what you need for immediate use.

• Use a dehumidifier. Humid temperatures are an ideal climate for dust mites. A dehumidifier helps control them.